North Middle School

 Grade 8

Washington DC Trip

Here it is! The latest info for 2010!

Trip Information

The following information relates to expected behavior, consequences, clothing, luggage, valuables, spending money, cameras, and departure and arrival times.

Before the trip: Reasonable compliance with school rules is expected. If you cannot behave in school, how can we trust you in Washington?

Expected behaviors during the trip:

1. Remain with your group or chaperone at all times unless you receive specific permission to do otherwise. ALWAYS tour with another student, never alone. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS!

2. Be courteous, respectful, and considerate to all, taking into account fellow students, chaperones, other visitors, and the place where you are.

3. Curfew (in room): 10 PM unless otherwise specified.

4. Never in rooms of opposite sex.

5. No drugs or alcohol.

6. No shoplifting.

7. No smoking (school rule, bus rule, hotel safety).

8. All normal school field trip rules apply (see school handbook).

9. Dress neatly and appropriately (no offensive logos on T shirts, no ragged jeans, etc.).

10. Radios - Only MP3 types kept low enough not to be audible to others (only on bus not to be used when tour guides are present.)

11. Respect all hotel regulations.

12. Room service, room telephones, PAY T.V., and calls out for delivery of such items as pizza are all off limits.

13. We will be in BIG cities, not Westfield. Do not talk to strangers, no matter how harmless they may seem. Feel sorry for “street people” (homeless), but do not allow yourself to be drawn into conversation with them. If you wish to donate money to them, please do not give it to individuals but to organizations serving them (Samaritan Inn, etc.) This is for your safety.

IMPORTANT

Consequences: Students will be immediately sent home by plane to Bradley Field at parent’s expense for any violation of numbers 4,5 or 6. Similar action will result from any serious or continued violation of the other rules.

Clothing: Washington in late May often has balmy, spring like weather, yet last year we left here with fresh snow on the ground. No one can know whether or not it will rain. Please bring clothing suitable to the season, prepared for possible, rain, and definitely including comfortable walking shoes. A windbreaker and sweater or sweatshirt can be invaluable for early morning windy settings (Washington Monument, etc.) Since at least one day of rain is almost inevitable, be sure to bring an umbrella and/or rain jacket with hood. It gets mighty uncomfortable walking all day in the pouring rain when you don’t have adequate protection. Pack your rain gear in your carry-on bag. This is a MUST!

Luggage: Please try to keep luggage to a minimum, being sure that each piece is tagged with your name. 1 suitcase and 1 backpack or carry-on for the bus.

Valuables: Please do not bring expensive items of any kind that will present you with a security problem. We will not take responsibility for their security. Never leave money or valuables in your hotel room.

Spending Money: Most expenses are covered in your trip payment including lodging, transportation and admissions. Three breakfasts four lunches and three dinners are also included.  We recommend that you bring no more than $75. Consider security in your choice of places to carry your money. Perhaps part of your money would be in traveler’s checks. (Be sure to carry I.D.)

Cameras: Washington is full of memorable sights. A simple to operate camera and a supply of film will help you to remember your trip.  Be sure your camera is operational before you leave home. Check batteries, operating procedures and film (film can be more expensive at tourist stores).

Departure: 6:00 AM, Tuesday, June 8th from the North Middle School parking lot. We will begin loading as early as 5:30 AM. We LEAVE (with or without you) at 6:00 AM.

Return to Westfield: Approximately 11:15 PM on Friday, June 11th at the North Middle School parking lot. Please be there on time to pick up your son or daughter. There will be designated phone numbers given to all parents in case of any time change.

Medical Information For Students

Medical Problems: If you feel sick or have any medical problems, please talk to your head chaperone about your problem. If you cannot find your chaperone, speak to Mr. Rodgers, or any chaperone and they will assist you. After curfew speak to one of the hall security guards and he/she will contact your head chaperone.

Medicine: Remember that it must be in its original container. Place the container and a sheet of paper with your name and the name of the medicine in a ziplock baggie so that your name shows through the baggie. Give the medicine to your head bus chaperone when boarding the bus Tuesday morning.

Rules: Please review the list of rules previously distributed to you. The rules are designed for the safety and well being of all of us. They will be strictly enforced! The purpose of the trip is both education and enjoyment. Let us make the trip enjoyable for all of us by courtesy and consideration for each person.