On Our Way Home

We are on our way home!! We've had quite the couple days!!! And thank goodness- we missed all the weather!!  Just a few sprinkles. Yesterday started out with Mount Vernon- Washington's home and burial place- then ended with our INCREDIBLE Broadway shows!! Both shows surpassed expectations. The kids talked about them all day today, so you know they liked them.

Today was an all NYC day. We went on a harbor cruise, went shopping, saw Ground Zero, road the subway, and saw the entire city from the Top of the Rock. All day we were in awe, walking around this incredible city. We had some mishaps with dinner, but everyone took it in stride.

I am very proud to be a part of this group- at every location we have gone we have been complimented on the manners and well behaved nature of our kiddos! You can be very proud of the people you have raised!!

Have an excellent day and we'll see you soon!

Amazing Wednesday

Wow- what an amazing day we had yesterday!!! We started out the day with the Holocaust museum. It was Anne Frank's birthday so it was a perfect day to be there. We also got the rare opportunity to talk with a survivor of Auschwitz. She answered all the kids' questions, posed for pictures and was incredibly gracious.

From there we all split up and went through the Smithsonians. Since each student went somewhere different (with an adult) I'll let them tell you about their experiences when you chat with them! From there we went to Ford's Theater, where President Lincoln was shot. We saw the gun, learned about John Wilkes Booth, and sat in the actual theater in which it happened. We were able to look directly into the area where it happened and see some of the actual furniture from the time.

After eating supper, we went on a 2 hour walking tour of the monuments. We saw the WWII memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam and Korea memorials. We then boarded the bus and visited the Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr, and Iwo Jima memorials. It was an incredible tour of the monuments and the kids were often in awe!!

Today we are making our way to Mount Vernon, then it's on to New York and Broadway! We're doing our best to avoid the worst of the rain that is expected today. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Have a great day!!

Arlington, the Capitol, and great weather

We're gearing up for our second day of touring. Yesterday we had a fantastic day. We started off our DC trip with viewing the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Magna Carta. We ate (and shopped) at the Old Post Office, then made our way to the Capitol. After this we saw the Air Force Memorial, which was incredible, and the Pentagon. Ask your child about the two different color bricks of the Pentagon. From there we went to the Arlington National Cemetery. The kids were impressed with the precision of the changing of the guard.

Due to a wrong turn and traffic on the way to the pizza place, we weren't able to see the Marine Corp Band. We were, however, able to fit in the White House last night. (Group picture!!) Because of this, this morning we'll head straight for the Holocaust Museum, then get an extra hour or so at the Smithsonian Museums.

It's been a great start to the trip. The weather has been amazing (we keep talking about how much better this is than our May 2nd snow day!!) and the kids have been fantastic. Our tour guide is amazed at how punctual these guys are!

If I can figure out how to get pictures on here I'll do so . We've gotten some great ones!!

Have a great day!!

Day One

Well, we've survived our first night on the bus. :) We're getting ready to stop for breakfast and enjoying the view of the Mountains! First stop today is the National Archives- we'll hit the ground running!!

Green Trip T-shirts

Let's wear our trip t-shirts the day we go to the Smithsonians- which I believe is Wednesday.

Another FYI

If technology allows, I'm planning to blog throughout the DC trip. Check back for updates while your child is gone!

Departure Time

Just in case it didn't get passed around to those of you who weren't at the meeting- the Departure time on Monday the 10th has changed. We will be loading buses at 11:30 and leaving at 12:30.

See you soon!!! :)

Trip Rules/Packing Tips

Some people were asking for the trip rules/packing tips to go on the blog, so here it is!

Washington D.C. / NYC Trip Rules and Packing Tips:

ENROUTE AND BUS RULES:

·         Students and parents should arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure from SMS.  Departure time is 12:30 pm SHARP!

·         One (1) piece of luggage is permitted along with one backpack or small carry-on.  Please have your name on all pieces of luggage. 

·         Glass bottles and containers and prohibited.  Small plastic bottles with caps are okay.

·         Radios, CD players, iPods, etc. must be of a small size and accompanied by earphones.  NO iPODS DURING TOURS!!

·         When the tour guide is on the microphone, look forward and pay attention for the commentary and instructions.  This is very important.

·         Before boarding the bus, you must go to your assigned chaperone groups for a head count.  After everyone has been accounted for, we will board the bus.  It is important that you are seated right away.

·         DO NOT SCREAM OR YELL.  “12 inch voice” only.

·         Obey the bus driver’s requests.  Loud noise or movement in the aisle is a safety risk that must be avoided.  Do not play with the curtains or the shades.  If the sun is beaming into your eyes, you are more than welcome to close the shades, but don’t goof around with them.

·         No standing while the bus is moving. 

·         No standing on the seat to remove packages from the above rack.  If you need help reaching something, just ask.

·         Each individual is responsible for picking up trash and articles in their personal area.  The bus is equipped with a trash can.  The bus will act like our home for a few days.  You are responsible to keep it neat.

·         Forbidden items (food): chewing gum, sticky candy. Also, coolers are not allowed on the bus.

·         Permitted items (food): snacks, dried fruit, bottled water or soda with caps, etc.

·         Restroom: Rest stops will be provided.  The bus is equipped with a restroom.  Please use only in emergencies.  Never put trash or any other items in the toilet.

·         No flash photography on the bus, especially at night.  This is for safety purposes.

·         Boys and girls will not be allowed to share seats on the bus.

·         Movies: We will be providing movies that will be shown on the bus.  There will be no movies with ratings beyond PG-13.  If you have appropriate movies you would like to bring, feel free.  However, please note that if Mrs. Thummel, Mrs. Walker, Mr. Smith and/or Mrs. Olson-Rosenbush find the movie to be in any way inappropriate, it will not be played – even with a PG-13 rating or lower.

·         We do have Wi-Fi capabilities on the bus.  

·         Lights out means lights out!!  The lights on the bus will go out at 10:30 pm so people can sleep. We have a FULL schedule the next day, so do your best to GET SOME SLEEP!  You will need it.  J

 

HOTEL RULES:

·         Enter the hotel in an orderly manner and as quietly as possible. Remember that we are not the only guests and to be considerate of other travelers.

·         No running or horseplay in the lobby, halls, or rooms.

·         No loud talking or screaming (think library voices).

·         Use the elevator in a safe and orderly manner (no jumping or pressing alarms).

·         Students are to check each room for any damage or shortage of towels, etc. and report it to their chaperone immediately.

·         No one will be allowed to swim in the hotel pool.  Don’t pack a suit. The pool will be closed.

·         The telephone in your room will be cut off so that you will not be able to make long distance or local calls.  Please do not try to use the phones in the rooms!!  Cell phones are permitted, please use those instead.  ***Reminder***Charge your cell phones at night and pack your charger in the morning when you unplug your phone.  You don’t want to forget your phone or charger!

·         Security Guard:  A private off-duty police officer will be assigned to monitor the hallway at night from 11:30 pm until 6:00 am.  Any student that misbehaves, makes loud noises, or leaves their room will be reported to Mrs. Thummel.  Doors will be taped so that the officer can recognize if the door has been opened.

·         Curfew: Students must be in their rooms 15 minutes after returning to the hotel. We will announce a “lights out” time on the bus before we enter the hotel.  Remember, that we have long days ahead of us!  The security guard and chaperones will be doing periodic hall checks.

·         Boys are only allowed in other boy rooms.  Girls are only allowed in other girl rooms.  NEVER let anyone outside of our Spooner group into your room or go into their room!!!!

TOUR RULES:

·         All SMS rules apply on the trip, just as if you were in school.

·         Any students possessing or using weapons, alcohol, cigarettes or drugs will be sent home immediately at the parents’ expense. 

·         You are being supplied with a general itinerary for the trip.  It is a MUST that you and your group abide by the posted times.  We have scheduled appointments at attractions; if the group is late they will not be able to do the full program as designed.  We recommend wearing a watch and not relying only on your cell phone.

·         BE ON TIME!!!!!  This is very important in order to allow us to follow the itinerary.

·         Please note that our itinerary is flexible.  Some things will change due to a number of reasons like traffic, security concerns, etc.  Trust that the trip advisor will do their job to make sure that we all have the best trip possible. 

·         Everyone must visit all sites on tour.  You cannot stay on the bus because you are tired or for any other reason.

·         Never wander off on your own!  If given free time, you must always stay with a partner and be aware of the time to return to the bus or meet the group. If at any time you get lost, remain calm, stay where you are and look for security or a policeperson and ask for help.   If you have your cell phone, use it!

·         Be courteous and polite.  A “please” and a “thank you” go a long way!  J

PACKING / TRAVEL TIPS:

·         Please make sure your name is on your luggage and belongings.

·         Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.  Wearing socks will help to prevent blisters.  There will be a lot of walking!

·         You need to be dressed properly at all times.  Remember, you are representing Spooner.  This means:

o   NO SPAGHETTI STRAP TANK TOPS

o   NO SHORT SHORTS

o   NO CUTOFFS

o   NO MUSCLE SHIRTS

o   NO BATHING SUITS

·         The same rules at school apply to the trip.  Follow the dress code.

·         Only one suitcase and one backpack per person are allowed.

·         Remember that this is a group tour.  You will be told when you can go on your own.

·         Try to GET AS MUCH SLEEP AS POSSIBLE.  You will not enjoy the trip at all if you are overly tired.  We will follow the itinerary regardless of your conditions.

·         We recommend bringing a blanket and a pillow to help make the long bus ride more bearable.

·         You will want to bring some spending money and some money for food.  We recommend bringing around $150.  Don’t put all of your cash in one spot.  

·         Carry your cash in your front pocket.  It is more difficult for someone to pick your pockets if you carry your valuables in your front pocket than if you carry them in your back pocket.

·         Never carry all of your cash at one time.  Ever.

·         You will want at least 4 lightweight outfits for the days we are touring.  It is also recommended that you bring a light jacket or sweatshirt and pair of long pants in case we run into some cooler weather.  However, it is typically very hot in Washington D.C. and New York City in the month of June with average temperatures around 85©.  Please make your wardrobe choices accordingly. 

·         Pack your outfit for Day 1 of touring (Day 2 on the itinerary) along with your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hair brush, face wash, make-up, etc. in your backpack or carry-on.  We will NOT be opening the bottom of the bus to get these items for you and we will NOT be stopping to shower.  You will have a chance to freshen up when we stop for breakfast on the morning of Tuesday, June 11^th.  However, there will not be a place to shower.  We will not get to a shower until the night of Tuesday, June11^th when we check into our hotel.

Tips $

Just an FYI- it is recommended that we tip the bus driver and the trip manager that will be going with us from Sunshine. At the end of the trip we'll pass around a bucket for them so make sure to save a little bit of money for the end. These people work hard for us and it's a great way to say thanks for making our trip great.

2 weeks!!!

We're two weeks away! I'm already starting to pack- are you?! ;)

Don't forget to come to the DC trip meeting- Wednesday at 5:30 in the Antholz lobby.

See you there!!!

Final Trip Meeting

We're almost there! T minus 25 days!

In preparation for the trip we have one final meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 29th at 5:30. Please plan on attending (unless you live out of state, which I know some of you do!) We will be discussing tips for packing, trip rules, chaperon guidelines, and answering many questions! Please come ready to ask anything and everything that is on your mind!

See you soon!

April 5th

Just a reminder- April 5th the final payment is due to Sunshine Travel.

Lion King vs Wicked

56 of us will be going to the highly acclaimed show Wicked.

 

Synopsis: Wicked is the untold story of the Witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. Wicked tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

 

The following people will be attending TLK…

1. Susie Olson-Rosenbush
2. Kate Rosenbush
3. Emily Peoples
4. Michelle Peoples
5. Rachel Medley
6. Sam Dettle
7. Marilyn Crider
8. Jane Olsen
9. Zack Olsen
10. Chris Gale
11. Kyra Dodge

People in line to see it if people should change their minds….

1. Emma Schoessow
2. Gwen Schoessow
3. Alyssa Babich
4. Brena Lock

No matter which show you end up attending, this is BROADWAY!!! It's going to be a night we'll never forget! :)

Roommates

The rooming list is done:

*Sam Dettle

Keenan Adams
Owen Sprenger
Emmanuel Vives


*Alyssa Babich
Alex Grubbs
Chloe Englund
Kayla Boutwell


*Rachel JohnsonKate Rosenbush
Rachel Medley
Sophia Del Fiacco


*Ryan Anderson
Christopher Gale
Aaron Durand


*Sydney BuschEmmie Bassett
Emily Beehler
Dani DeWitt


*Kim Bassett
Donna Patrick
Andrea Neubich
BJ Wilson


*Becky Busch
Carrie Busch


*Marilyn Crider
Jane Olsen


*Brenda Davies
Chase Davies


*Michelle Boutwell
Karen Del Fiacco


*Marci Dodge
Susie Olson-Rosenbush


*Sarah Endlich
Chad Lenser

*Matthew Haynes
Kevin Leair
Drew Hasbrouck
Zack Olsen

*Kathryn Johnson

Roberta Smith


*Karly Swan
Kayla Kielkucki
Cassidy Quinton
Madison Mitchell


*Gavin Hochstetler
Dawson Patrick

Scott Lindenberger
Levi Neubich

*Gwen Schoessow
Emma Schoessow
Brena Lock
Kyra Dodge

*Karen Mitchell
Denise Swan

*Aspen Mullikin
Brandi Predni
Topanga Peterson

*Michelle Peoples

Emily Peoples
Liz Walker

*Ryan Smith

*Lisa Thummel
Deborah Kielkucki

*Hope Walker

Chris Walker

Cathryn Walker

 *Denotes Room Captains

Correction

Hello again! Reminder to those of you who didn't hand back your paperwork on Wednesday- get that in to me at your earliest convenience.

Also, we had some errors in our final list of people going- we've gotten that straightened up and we have 67 people going on this year's trip! :)

Have an excellent weekend!
Think spring!
~Lisa Thummel

Reminder

Reminder: We have a meeting at 5:30 on Wednesday in the Antholz Lobby.

100 days

I just wanted to say- it's exactly 100 days until the DC trip!! :)

Happy Planning!

 

Upcoming Dates

We're getting closer! Important upcoming dates:

March 13th- During middle school office hours the night of March 13th we will be having a DC trip meeting. It will be at 5:30. I will give you a more specific set of topics as we get closer, but types of things discussed will be rooming situations, t-shirt sizes, etc.

April 5th - The final payment for the trip is due on this day. The tour company will let you know the exact dollar amount that it will come to before that date.

May 22nd- (tentative date) We will meet again at 5:30. Please arrange it so you can attend this meeting. During this meeting we'll go over all things trip related. Come excited and ready to ask any questions you have!

Have a great week!!!

Next Payment

It's February! We're 1 month closer to our DC/NYC trip! (127 days to go!) We have received our confirmation for our tour of the Capitol this week, so things are starting to get very real!!

Just a reminder- your next payment is due to the tour company on Feb. 5th. (I put it in the announcements this week for your kiddos, but I figured I better put it on here as well!)

Have a great weekend!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!! 157 days until we leave for DC! (That's right- I'm keeping track!)
When we get closer to the trip date I'll have more updates for you, but for now, happy DC/NYC dreaming to you!!