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!