Friday, September 5, 2014
Rio Norte 8th Grade Parent Information Meeting on Monday 9/8!
Interesting in Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure taking place this Spring? Come to an informational meeting for any and all parents of 8th Grade Rio Norte students. This meeting is meant for those who have not yet signed up for the trip. Our travel rep from USA Student Travel will go over the specifics of the trip at 6:00 p.m. in Rm. D-6. See you there!
Friday, May 16, 2014
Rio Norte Students Interested in Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure
If you will be in 8th grade next year at Rio Norte and are interested in signing up for Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure, feel free to drop by room D-6 to pick up an information/registration packet. Spaces are already starting to fill up, so don't get left behind!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Parent Information Meeting on Tues. May 13th!
If you have a current 7th grade student who attends Rio Norte, and you would
like to learn more about Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure taking
place this Spring (April of 2015), you are invited to attend an
information meeting in room D-6 at 6:00pm on May 13th. A
representative from our travel company, USA Student Travel will be there
to discuss the specifics of the trip and answer any questions. See you
there!
Thank you to all the Parents and travelers of the 2014 East Coast Adventure!
Hey East Coasters,
Just wanted to say it was a pleasure to take this group on the East Coast Adventure. I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves and had an experience to remember. Thanks again, and enjoy the rest of the school year!
Just wanted to say it was a pleasure to take this group on the East Coast Adventure. I hope that everyone enjoyed themselves and had an experience to remember. Thanks again, and enjoy the rest of the school year!
Friday, April 11, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Holy Cow...Tomorrow is the Day!!
Well, folks we are coming down to the wire. Just a couple of quick things for kids and parents:
Wear your blue USA shirt tomorrow. We will be wearing this shirt for over 24 hours before we arrive at our first hotel. For this reason, I STRONGLY urge that you take a shower within the hour before you arrive at Rio. We’ll all be grateful that everyone is fresh and clean when we have to share an airplane and a bus together.
Do a final packing check. Batteries and chargers are the most frequently forgotten-at-home accessories on this trip. Go through your whole packing list and check and double check. I already have mine laid out on “The Table.” :-)
Let’s keep in touch. Once the trip begins, I will no longer be sending out these regular broadcast e-mails to parents (you may get just one or two, or maybe not). Instead, I will be posting regular updates on the blog, Twitter, and Facebook. Check from work, check from home, my goal is to post a trip update every 4-6 hours (hopefully more than that). These links are great to share with family and friends (grandmas love my blog!). Just a reminder that there are a number of ways to follow the trip:
Blog: http://sheridantrip.blogspot.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/sheridantrip
facebook: Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure
instagram: http://instagram.com/sheridantrip
Check the weather lately? If you've been watching the weather, you’ll see some very typical East Coast weather for early spring: cold and rain. Be prepared for this weather. I strongly suggest a small umbrella, caps and gloves. Weather forecasts can change, too, so be prepared for warmer weather just in case.
Layer.
Additionally, while our schedule might permit us to change for our Broadway play, due to chilly weather in New York, I would suggest against packing any kind of dress for the ladies. Something nice but practical for walking around Manhattan would be best.
I will probably send one final message before we leave, but if not, I will see you tomorrow in the Rio Norte front parking lot by 6:30 p.m.! Remember to park under the solar panels and NOT in the red zone. Additionally, I will be weighing bags before they get on the bus, so be sure to be under 45 lbs. Thanks so much!
Wear your blue USA shirt tomorrow. We will be wearing this shirt for over 24 hours before we arrive at our first hotel. For this reason, I STRONGLY urge that you take a shower within the hour before you arrive at Rio. We’ll all be grateful that everyone is fresh and clean when we have to share an airplane and a bus together.
Do a final packing check. Batteries and chargers are the most frequently forgotten-at-home accessories on this trip. Go through your whole packing list and check and double check. I already have mine laid out on “The Table.” :-)
Let’s keep in touch. Once the trip begins, I will no longer be sending out these regular broadcast e-mails to parents (you may get just one or two, or maybe not). Instead, I will be posting regular updates on the blog, Twitter, and Facebook. Check from work, check from home, my goal is to post a trip update every 4-6 hours (hopefully more than that). These links are great to share with family and friends (grandmas love my blog!). Just a reminder that there are a number of ways to follow the trip:
Blog: http://sheridantrip.blogspot.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/sheridantrip
facebook: Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure
instagram: http://instagram.com/sheridantrip
Check the weather lately? If you've been watching the weather, you’ll see some very typical East Coast weather for early spring: cold and rain. Be prepared for this weather. I strongly suggest a small umbrella, caps and gloves. Weather forecasts can change, too, so be prepared for warmer weather just in case.
Layer.
Additionally, while our schedule might permit us to change for our Broadway play, due to chilly weather in New York, I would suggest against packing any kind of dress for the ladies. Something nice but practical for walking around Manhattan would be best.
I will probably send one final message before we leave, but if not, I will see you tomorrow in the Rio Norte front parking lot by 6:30 p.m.! Remember to park under the solar panels and NOT in the red zone. Additionally, I will be weighing bags before they get on the bus, so be sure to be under 45 lbs. Thanks so much!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Getting Packed and Ready for the Airport
We
are just Five Days away from our big trip, and the first adventure we
will all face together is getting through airport security. However,
with some advanced planning and smart decisions, we can all make it
through quickly and easily. Here are some tips:
Photo ID – Sometimes the airport checks IDs on our kids, and other times they don’t, but I don’t take any chances. Therefore, I have asked that ALL students give me their photo ID by Thursday at lunch. I already have many of our ID cards, but anyone who still needs to get it to me can do so by Thursday. I keep all the IDs together in one binder sorted alphabetically to make it easy for check-in. The ticketing agents love this and are usually extra-nice to us as a result. If you will need your ID to use a debit or credit card, just let me know and I will give it to your during the trip. Just keep it safe and prepare to give it back to me before the flight home. All adults travelers will definitely need government-issued photo ID.
Reduce your metal – Try to wear as little metal as possible to the airport. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even clothing with metal accessories attached to them always have the potential to set off the system (metal-rimmed eyeglasses are OK). Boys, if you’re into those big skater belt buckles, leave them at home. Finally, any other objects (watch, camera, cell phone, iPod, coins) that could activate the metal detector should be placed in your backpack. Take some time BEFORE we get to the airport to do this, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. The only things that should be in your hand or in your pockets as you walk through security should be your boarding pass. You MUST have this with you when you walk through security.
Measure up – I’ve already told you that your checked suitcase should be no heavier than 45 pounds. The airlines set 50 pounds as the absolute maximum, but you’re probably going to bring back more than you went out with, so leave yourself some room...I will be weighing bags at Rio Norte before we get on the bus.
Smart shoes – The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will require you to take off your shoes and place them in a bin to be scanned. Make sure to wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on (no double or triple knots in your laces), but keep in mind these are probably the same shoes you will wear throughout much of our first day on tour.
Sweatshirts, jackets, and hoodies – If your outer layer is one that can be easily shed (zip-up hoodie or jacket), be prepared. TSA may ask you to remove it, place it in a bin, and run it through the scanner. If it’s a pull-over sweater or sweatshirt, they generally will let you leave it on. I actually recommend that whatever warm coat you’re bringing on the trip you actually wear to the airport and DON’T pack it. It’s one less bulky item to pack in your suitcase and it could double as a pillow or a blanket on the plane.
Quart-size bags – If you’re toting tons of electronics with you (iPod, iPod charger, cell phone, cell phone charger, headphones) all in your backpack, it may look like you’re carrying some sort of explosive triggering device. Make your life and the life of your TSA screener easier by grouping these items into quart-size storage bags. I’m partial to the quart-size freezer bags because they’re a little sturdier. If the TSA screener has to open your bag, it will be easy for him to see you have nothing suspicious. Plus, it will be easier for you to find your stuff later without cords getting all tangled up.
Avoid liquids in carry-on – In the TSA 3-1-1 guide (available HERE), it talks about the rule for bringing liquids in your carry-on. I’m not bringing ANY liquids in my carry-on luggage (my backpack). All my hair gel, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. goes into my toiletry bag in my checked luggage. Why do you need hair gel or deodorant on the airplane? These guidelines are mostly geared to overnight travelers who pack everything into their carry-on, and that’s not us.
There are tons of other prohibited items that I'm not going into, but most of these are common sense. Here's a good rule: if it's not allowed at school, it's probably not allowed on a plane. Please ask Mr. Sheridan if you are unclear about what is prohibited and what is not.
“The Table” – When it comes to personal travel, it is important to be an efficient packer. If you forget something, we won't have the luxury to buy items next week, which is why I suggest laying out all your things on a table. On “The Table” place your packing list and then item by item lay everything out that you need. Deodorant: check. Toothpaste: check. iPod charger: check. Camera battery charger: check.
If you haven’t set up your own version of “The Table” yet, I urge you to consider it. Lay everything out in advance now so you know what you have and what you may still need to get. Places like Walgreen’s are not always easily accessible with the places we’re visiting and the schedule we’re on. Hotel gift shops often sell toothpaste and batteries and memory cards, but it is likely at a significantly higher price.
Students—The next time I’ll see you is THURSDAY AT LUNCH
Parents—I’ll see you at Rio Norte on SUNDAY AT 6:30 PM!
Photo ID – Sometimes the airport checks IDs on our kids, and other times they don’t, but I don’t take any chances. Therefore, I have asked that ALL students give me their photo ID by Thursday at lunch. I already have many of our ID cards, but anyone who still needs to get it to me can do so by Thursday. I keep all the IDs together in one binder sorted alphabetically to make it easy for check-in. The ticketing agents love this and are usually extra-nice to us as a result. If you will need your ID to use a debit or credit card, just let me know and I will give it to your during the trip. Just keep it safe and prepare to give it back to me before the flight home. All adults travelers will definitely need government-issued photo ID.
Reduce your metal – Try to wear as little metal as possible to the airport. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even clothing with metal accessories attached to them always have the potential to set off the system (metal-rimmed eyeglasses are OK). Boys, if you’re into those big skater belt buckles, leave them at home. Finally, any other objects (watch, camera, cell phone, iPod, coins) that could activate the metal detector should be placed in your backpack. Take some time BEFORE we get to the airport to do this, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. The only things that should be in your hand or in your pockets as you walk through security should be your boarding pass. You MUST have this with you when you walk through security.
Measure up – I’ve already told you that your checked suitcase should be no heavier than 45 pounds. The airlines set 50 pounds as the absolute maximum, but you’re probably going to bring back more than you went out with, so leave yourself some room...I will be weighing bags at Rio Norte before we get on the bus.
Smart shoes – The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will require you to take off your shoes and place them in a bin to be scanned. Make sure to wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on (no double or triple knots in your laces), but keep in mind these are probably the same shoes you will wear throughout much of our first day on tour.
Sweatshirts, jackets, and hoodies – If your outer layer is one that can be easily shed (zip-up hoodie or jacket), be prepared. TSA may ask you to remove it, place it in a bin, and run it through the scanner. If it’s a pull-over sweater or sweatshirt, they generally will let you leave it on. I actually recommend that whatever warm coat you’re bringing on the trip you actually wear to the airport and DON’T pack it. It’s one less bulky item to pack in your suitcase and it could double as a pillow or a blanket on the plane.
Quart-size bags – If you’re toting tons of electronics with you (iPod, iPod charger, cell phone, cell phone charger, headphones) all in your backpack, it may look like you’re carrying some sort of explosive triggering device. Make your life and the life of your TSA screener easier by grouping these items into quart-size storage bags. I’m partial to the quart-size freezer bags because they’re a little sturdier. If the TSA screener has to open your bag, it will be easy for him to see you have nothing suspicious. Plus, it will be easier for you to find your stuff later without cords getting all tangled up.
Avoid liquids in carry-on – In the TSA 3-1-1 guide (available HERE), it talks about the rule for bringing liquids in your carry-on. I’m not bringing ANY liquids in my carry-on luggage (my backpack). All my hair gel, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. goes into my toiletry bag in my checked luggage. Why do you need hair gel or deodorant on the airplane? These guidelines are mostly geared to overnight travelers who pack everything into their carry-on, and that’s not us.
There are tons of other prohibited items that I'm not going into, but most of these are common sense. Here's a good rule: if it's not allowed at school, it's probably not allowed on a plane. Please ask Mr. Sheridan if you are unclear about what is prohibited and what is not.
“The Table” – When it comes to personal travel, it is important to be an efficient packer. If you forget something, we won't have the luxury to buy items next week, which is why I suggest laying out all your things on a table. On “The Table” place your packing list and then item by item lay everything out that you need. Deodorant: check. Toothpaste: check. iPod charger: check. Camera battery charger: check.
If you haven’t set up your own version of “The Table” yet, I urge you to consider it. Lay everything out in advance now so you know what you have and what you may still need to get. Places like Walgreen’s are not always easily accessible with the places we’re visiting and the schedule we’re on. Hotel gift shops often sell toothpaste and batteries and memory cards, but it is likely at a significantly higher price.
Students—The next time I’ll see you is THURSDAY AT LUNCH
Parents—I’ll see you at Rio Norte on SUNDAY AT 6:30 PM!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Thanks for a Great Meeting Last Week!
Thank you all for coming to our pre-departure meeting last Wednesday. It is great to see how excited the kids are becoming as we get closer to our trip. I wanted to go over a couple of quick items that I mentioned at the meeting, but may not have explained as well as I would have liked.
Medication Authorization foldable:
This is the sheet that you picked up at the meeting that gives me or a chaperone the permission to administer some basic medications (Advil, Pepto-Bismol, etc.) as well as specialty medications that you wish to provide. This sheet should be folded and put into a quart sized Ziploc bag along with any daily supplements, or medications that your child takes on a regular basis. Bring the baggie on the day we depart and I will assign it to your child's chaperone. Please pack only enough meds for the trip, not the whole bottle. Your child can get their medications from their assigned chaperone as needed (usually at meal times). As always, any life saving medications (epi-pen, inhaler etc.) should be kept by your child for emergencies.
The Flight:
It is a red-eye flight, and it is very important that the kids try their best to get some sleep/rest on the plane. We will be touring all day when we arrive, so please let the kids know that they will regret not getting a little sleep when they have the chance.
And finally, I want to have a quick student meeting at lunch on Thursday, April 3rd in room D-6. At this meeting, I will collect student ID cards in the event TSA needs them, and I will go over the rules of the trip and signed student agreement in detail one final time. Thank you again for allowing your child to have this experience. I will likely be sending a couple more e-mails before we leave, but as always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
-Mr. Sheridan
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Pre-Departure Meeting Tonight!
East Coasters - Don't forget to come to our Mandatory Pre-Departure
meeting tonight at 6:00pm in Rm. D-6...be sure to bring your yellow
medical release form with you. The meeting should take about an hour.
See you there!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Pre-Departure Meeting Tomorrow!!
Hey East Coasters,
Just a quick reminder that our MANDATORY Pre-Departure meeting is taking place tomorrow, Wednesday, March 26th at 6:00pm in room D-6. At least one parent or guardian must be present with their child. We are less than two weeks away from our east coast adventure! Please bring the completed paperwork you received in the mail from USA Student Travel, plus $10 cash (optional, but politely requested) for tips for our coach driver and tour guide. Additionally, if your child has not turned in my trip agreement, please bring that as well. See you all tomorrow!
Mr. Sheridan
Just a quick reminder that our MANDATORY Pre-Departure meeting is taking place tomorrow, Wednesday, March 26th at 6:00pm in room D-6. At least one parent or guardian must be present with their child. We are less than two weeks away from our east coast adventure! Please bring the completed paperwork you received in the mail from USA Student Travel, plus $10 cash (optional, but politely requested) for tips for our coach driver and tour guide. Additionally, if your child has not turned in my trip agreement, please bring that as well. See you all tomorrow!
Mr. Sheridan
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Pre-Departure Meeting Less Than a Week Away!
Hey East Coasters,
Just a quick check-in to remind you that our MANDATORY pre-departure meeting will be taking place this coming Wednesday, March 26th at 6:00p.m. in Rm. D-6. One parent/guardian and the traveling student must be in attendance. See you then!
Just a quick check-in to remind you that our MANDATORY pre-departure meeting will be taking place this coming Wednesday, March 26th at 6:00p.m. in Rm. D-6. One parent/guardian and the traveling student must be in attendance. See you then!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Staying Healthy
SLEEP
- I know the switch to Daylight Saving Time on Sunday probably has us all a little messed up, which really highlights how important sleep is for us. Get plenty of sleep the week leading up to Spring Break. The last thing we want to experience is fatigue and exhaustion before the trip even begins! If you are well-rested, it will help to counteract the less-than-perfect sleep you may experience when we’re on the red-eye flight out.
EAT HEALTHY, DRINK HEALTHY
Drink lots of water on the trip. Some kids experience headaches around Day 2 or 3 of the trip, and often this can be attributed to dehydration. Unless your child is an athlete in training, the East Coast Trip often has far more physical activity (with all the walking) than your child is used to in an average day. Caffeine and artificial sweeteners both act as diuretics, drawing fluids out of the body faster than necessary. Instead of turning to Mountain Dew or Diet Coke, encourage your child to drink water both at meals and in-between them. If you absolutely have to have something sweet to drink, consider lemonade, Sprite, fruit juice or some other non-caffeinated beverage. If you really must have a Coke or Pepsi with dinner, have just one, and match it with an equal amount of water.
Eat
healthy meals. “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him
drink.” In that same spirit, we offer your child a variety of healthy
eating options at each meal, but it’s up to your son or daughter to make
those good choices. Day 2 or 3 of the trip is also the day that the
stomachaches begin. While it’s not the most fun topic to talk about,
constipation often is the cause. I encourage students to eat plenty of
fruits, vegetables, and grains to keep things "regular.” And again,
staying hydrated with plenty of water also prevents constipation.
Finally, don’t blow your souvenir budget on candy and other unhealthy
snacks; instead, pack granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, or other
healthy snacks in your luggage.
Eat
light before the flight. Kids
who are nervous about the flying, or who eat a large meal, or eat too
much junk will probably end up sharing their partially digested meal
with the rest of us if they aren't careful. Gross. Stick to a light
dinner before we depart, and then pack a
little trail mix or some pretzels for the flight. Breakfast is the
first item on our agenda after we land, so you can refuel once we’re
back on terra firma. When we land in Washington DC, it’s better to be hungry than nauseous. Along those lines, if
you are prone to air sickness, or motion sickness of any kind, my
suggestion is ginger gum. It doesn't make you drowsy, and can help to
keep your stomach calm. MEDICATION
The only meds that kids are allowed to keep with them are life-saving meds (asthma inhaler, epi-pen, etc). All other medications (prescription or over-the-counter) should be handed to the designated chaperone, along with any written instructions, right before we board the coach to drive down to the airport. If your child is taking meds on a regular schedule, it is his/her responsibility to come to us.
This is an important topic, so medication will be addressed at our pre-departure meeting on Wednesday, March 26th. If you have any questions about medication, please ask at the meeting, or contact Mr. Sheridan well in advance of our departure. And of course, please indicate any medication or food allergies on that yellow release form you recently received in the mail from USA Student Travel.
Our Pre-departure meeting is only two weeks away, and our trip is a mere 25 days away! I look forward to seeing everyone on March 26th at 6:00pm!!
Monday, March 3, 2014
Great Meeting Last Week!
Our meeting last week was all about questions. We went over some
important information, handed out the student agreement to kids who
didn't already have it, went over chaperone groups, and then let the
kids ask any burning question that they just couldn't wait to get
answered. I answered many of these questions during the meeting, but
for those who may have missed some, here they are, all the questions,
with answers, that were asked last week.
One quick reminder that our next meeting is our MANDATORY Pre-departure meeting at 6:00 pm in room D-6 on Wednesday, March 26th. At least one parent/guardian must be in attendance.
Q: What are we supposed to pack? What should we wear in NY?
Check out the Packing List tab at the top of this page for basic information. New York clothing should be the same as the rest of the tour.
Q: Do we have to stay in our chaperone groups?
No. The chaperone groups are for organizational purposes only. Most of the time we will be in a full group tour. Chaperone groups allow us to account for all kids before we leave a location.
Q: How often will we get food?
We get three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). These meals begin with breakfast the morning of our first tour. You are responsible for eating dinner before we leave for our trip.
Q: Is there time for shopping?
One quick reminder that our next meeting is our MANDATORY Pre-departure meeting at 6:00 pm in room D-6 on Wednesday, March 26th. At least one parent/guardian must be in attendance.
Q: What are we supposed to pack? What should we wear in NY?
Check out the Packing List tab at the top of this page for basic information. New York clothing should be the same as the rest of the tour.
Q: Do we have to stay in our chaperone groups?
No. The chaperone groups are for organizational purposes only. Most of the time we will be in a full group tour. Chaperone groups allow us to account for all kids before we leave a location.
Q: How often will we get food?
We get three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). These meals begin with breakfast the morning of our first tour. You are responsible for eating dinner before we leave for our trip.
Q: How big are the food portions?
Some portions are
fixed. At other places it's all-you-can-eat. I've never had anyone
starve on the trip, so I think the portion sizes are good. Be careful not to over-do it!
Plenty. You won't get
to shop in every shop in every city we visit, but you will be provided
with ample opportunity to spend your money.
Q: What will the weather be like?
It really depends. It is early Spring on the east coast which means it
will likely be cooler than it is here in California. It could
potentially be cold enough to snow, or you could have an 80 degree day
(like we did 2 years ago in NY). Pack for all eventualities.
Q: What play are we seeing on Broadway?
Right now we are scheduled to see "Aladdin". This new Broadway version has been in production in Seattle and Toronto before making its way to the "Great White Way" this Spring.
Q: What kind of chocolate bars can we make at the Hershey factory?
I have no idea what ingredients they offer. I'm looking forward to finding out with the rest of you.
Q: How long are the plane rides?
We are scheduled to take a direct flight from LAX...it's about 5 hours each way.
Q: What time do we leave the hotels in the morning and what time do we get back?
It depends, but usually we have breakfast at the hotel around 7:00am and
leave around 8:00am. Depending on how long you take to get ready in the morning, you should set your alarm accordingly. We will return around 10:00pm each night. Lights
out is usually around 11:00pm.
Q: Is the school dress code in effect?
Yes. You are allowed to wear hats and sunglasses (if you are a Red Sox fan, I wouldn't recommend wearing that hat in NY). If you insist on wearing leggings, whatever shirt you wear must reach your thumbs with your hands flat at your sides.
Q: Are there opportunities to buy snacks in between meals and can we bring water with us on tour?
Yes, but be careful not to eat too much junk or you will get sick. Water is fine to bring with you while we are on tour.
Q: Can we bring food in the hotel rooms and on the bus?
In the Hotel the answer is yes, on the bus, NO.
Q: Can we chew gum on the plane?
Yes...I like to chew gum on planes during take-off and landing because it makes it easier to keep your ears clear. Just make sure to dispose of your chewed gum properly in the trash!
Q: How long is the trip?
We will leave Rio around 5:00pm on Sunday, April 6th and return around 10:30pm on Saturday, April 12th.
Q: What if our phone goes off while we are walking around?
Your phone should be on silent mode for the trip...we don't want to be disrespectful.
Q: Can I bring my tablet?
I would recommend against bringing a tablet...there's no need, and it is just one more expensive thing that can get broken or lost.
Q: Should we bring cash or a pre-paid card for the trip?
This is up to you and your parents. I would suggest looking into
whether your bank will allow a debit card with set maximum daily
charges.
Q: Is it just us on the plane, and are the planes nice?
We will have our own bus for the trip, but the plane will have many
others. At this point it looks like we will be flying on United Airlines.
Q: What are we doing everyday?
We will be touring, and seeing many of our most important national treasures!
Q: What kind of hotels are we staying in?
They're
four-star hotels like Sheraton, Hilton, Doubletree, and Marriott. I
don't know exactly where we're staying yet, but it will be in hotels of
this quality.
Q: What is the bed situation?
There are two beds per room and 4 kids per room...that means 2 people per bed.
Hope that helps! See you all at our Pre-Departure Meeting: 6:00pm on Wednesday, March 26th!
Friday, February 21, 2014
East Coast Trip - Let's get walkin'!
Well, our East Coast Trip is about 6 weeks away. This is just a quick
suggestion to get out and start walking. While on tour, we will be
walking, on average, about 7 miles a day. Granted it isn't all in one
shot, but we will be going through museums, the national mall,
battlefields, and major city streets in Philadelphia and New York. It
is easy to get tuckered out if you aren't in decent shape.
I encourage all the East Coast Trippers to get out and walk at least a few times a week - and not just in P.E.! If you are thinking about getting some walking shoes for the trip, I would suggest getting them now and breaking them in. You don't want to be walking miles a day in new shoes...blisters hurt. I would also suggest bringing two pairs of shoes on the trip in the event that the weather is uncooperative and one pair gets wet. If you are looking for a complete list of things to pack, feel free to take a look at the suggested packing list by clicking on the "Packing List" tab at the top of this page.
I hope that everyone is getting as excited as I am to start our journey. Remember that our Rio Norte students consistently get praised for their outstanding behavior on these trips...I am certain that this year's group will continue that tradition. I will be handing out a student behavior expectation agreement at our next student meeting on the 27th. Be sure to review the agreement and have both the student and Parent/guardian sign it. If you want to get a head-start, I will attach a link to the agreement HERE, and I will send it by e-mail as well. Feel free to have students turn in the agreement on Thursday if they already have it completed. Knowing what is expected of you will make it easier to make good choices. That should do it for now.
A quick reminder that our next meeting is on Thursday, February 27th in room D-6 at 2:10 pm. During this meeting we will talk about chaperone groups, review the student agreement, and cover other interesting topics - this meeting should take about an hour.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail, text (661) 621-3655, or even post a question on our Facebook page.
Take care,
Mr. Sheridan
I encourage all the East Coast Trippers to get out and walk at least a few times a week - and not just in P.E.! If you are thinking about getting some walking shoes for the trip, I would suggest getting them now and breaking them in. You don't want to be walking miles a day in new shoes...blisters hurt. I would also suggest bringing two pairs of shoes on the trip in the event that the weather is uncooperative and one pair gets wet. If you are looking for a complete list of things to pack, feel free to take a look at the suggested packing list by clicking on the "Packing List" tab at the top of this page.
I hope that everyone is getting as excited as I am to start our journey. Remember that our Rio Norte students consistently get praised for their outstanding behavior on these trips...I am certain that this year's group will continue that tradition. I will be handing out a student behavior expectation agreement at our next student meeting on the 27th. Be sure to review the agreement and have both the student and Parent/guardian sign it. If you want to get a head-start, I will attach a link to the agreement HERE, and I will send it by e-mail as well. Feel free to have students turn in the agreement on Thursday if they already have it completed. Knowing what is expected of you will make it easier to make good choices. That should do it for now.
A quick reminder that our next meeting is on Thursday, February 27th in room D-6 at 2:10 pm. During this meeting we will talk about chaperone groups, review the student agreement, and cover other interesting topics - this meeting should take about an hour.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail, text (661) 621-3655, or even post a question on our Facebook page.
Take care,
Mr. Sheridan
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Money and Our Next Meeting
Hey East Coasters!
Parents of students going on the East Coast trip often ask, “How much money does my child need to bring with them on the trip?” The short answer, technically, is “none.” Your child won’t like me telling you that, but all necessities are covered on the trip. All meals are paid for, drinking fountains are fairly common in most of the places we’re going, all admissions to all museums, events, and attractions are included, so your child doesn’t need to bring any money. Technically.
OK, but seriously now. Your child is probably going to want a bottle of water here and there, and may want a little extra spending money for snacks and beverages beyond mealtimes (about $3-$5 per day). Then there are souvenirs. I’ve seen kids buy a couple small tchotchkes for family, and spend little more than $15 on souvenirs TOTAL for the whole trip. For other kids, they would put the Real Housewives to shame. We had one kid spend over $400 in less than a week.
You know your child and his/her shopping habits best. Clothing is usually the most expensive item kids buy on this trip, and one nice “I ♥ NY” sweatshirt can go for $40-50, easy. Overall, average souvenir purchases are about $10-$20 per day.
Also as you may or may not know, I do respectfully request a little tip money ($10 total) from each student: $5 for our coach driver, $5 for our tour guide. These two people will be with us for the whole trip and become a part of our trip "family". Naturally, tipping is optional, but in our country it is customary and a nice courtesy, especially for a job well done. All other tips are included in the cost of the tour. I will collect the coach driver and tour guide tip money ($10) at the Pre-Departure Meeting on March 26.
On a related note, parents also ask: “Debit/prepaid card or cash?” There are advantages to both. Depending on the type of card and the issuing bank, parents can control the amount of spending per day and/or add value to the card if needed; this is a good security feature if the card is lost, and is also helpful in limiting teen spending. Talk to your bank now about your options. Cash is easiest, but once lost it is almost certainly gone for good. Talk with your child and find out what you think will work best. Several airlines are now cashless, meaning you can only purchase food on the plane with a debit/credit card. United Airlines (the scheduled carrier for our trip), is cashless.
As for VISA, MasterCard, or American Express gift or pre-paid cards, most of them don’t have a name on them, they don’t require ID, and they’re usually as good as cash if lost, so be careful with this option. Finally, don’t even bother with traveler checks; their time has passed. USA Student Travel still recommends them in their “Travel Tips” sheet, but the truth is the 19-year-old kid behind the counter at the souvenir shop will have NO idea what to do with your traveler check.
When asked, this is what previous East Coast trip parents had to say with regard to money:
“A mixture of cash and debit cards worked great for our daughter.”
“My child took $200 and that was more than enough,she came back with money leftover,and she is quite the shopper!”
“We got our daughter a debit card for the trip, (which she hardly used, just on the plane), but it made us feel better. AND, it's proven to be a useful budgeting tool for our daughter going forward. Rather than $5 here, $20 there, she uses the card and we review it to see where the money is going.”
“I gave my daughter cash and put it in envelopes by day. I gave her more for NY and then gave less for each day as I saw fit. I also told her that she could keep whatever money she did not spend on the trip. I gave her $300. She was really careful about making good choices and she came home with $291. ( She bought one sweatshirt, but, made money back on the food court allowance). It worked out well and now she is going to buy a cat with her leftovers as well as an Ipod. :-)”
“I would say slightly more than $20/day.”
Hope all that advice will help your family make a more informed decision about money. Our next student meeting is in one week, next Thursday, February 27, at 2:10pm in Room D-6. Our East Coast adventure is now only 47 days away! As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Take care,
Mr. Sheridan
Parents of students going on the East Coast trip often ask, “How much money does my child need to bring with them on the trip?” The short answer, technically, is “none.” Your child won’t like me telling you that, but all necessities are covered on the trip. All meals are paid for, drinking fountains are fairly common in most of the places we’re going, all admissions to all museums, events, and attractions are included, so your child doesn’t need to bring any money. Technically.
OK, but seriously now. Your child is probably going to want a bottle of water here and there, and may want a little extra spending money for snacks and beverages beyond mealtimes (about $3-$5 per day). Then there are souvenirs. I’ve seen kids buy a couple small tchotchkes for family, and spend little more than $15 on souvenirs TOTAL for the whole trip. For other kids, they would put the Real Housewives to shame. We had one kid spend over $400 in less than a week.
You know your child and his/her shopping habits best. Clothing is usually the most expensive item kids buy on this trip, and one nice “I ♥ NY” sweatshirt can go for $40-50, easy. Overall, average souvenir purchases are about $10-$20 per day.
Also as you may or may not know, I do respectfully request a little tip money ($10 total) from each student: $5 for our coach driver, $5 for our tour guide. These two people will be with us for the whole trip and become a part of our trip "family". Naturally, tipping is optional, but in our country it is customary and a nice courtesy, especially for a job well done. All other tips are included in the cost of the tour. I will collect the coach driver and tour guide tip money ($10) at the Pre-Departure Meeting on March 26.
On a related note, parents also ask: “Debit/prepaid card or cash?” There are advantages to both. Depending on the type of card and the issuing bank, parents can control the amount of spending per day and/or add value to the card if needed; this is a good security feature if the card is lost, and is also helpful in limiting teen spending. Talk to your bank now about your options. Cash is easiest, but once lost it is almost certainly gone for good. Talk with your child and find out what you think will work best. Several airlines are now cashless, meaning you can only purchase food on the plane with a debit/credit card. United Airlines (the scheduled carrier for our trip), is cashless.
As for VISA, MasterCard, or American Express gift or pre-paid cards, most of them don’t have a name on them, they don’t require ID, and they’re usually as good as cash if lost, so be careful with this option. Finally, don’t even bother with traveler checks; their time has passed. USA Student Travel still recommends them in their “Travel Tips” sheet, but the truth is the 19-year-old kid behind the counter at the souvenir shop will have NO idea what to do with your traveler check.
When asked, this is what previous East Coast trip parents had to say with regard to money:
“A mixture of cash and debit cards worked great for our daughter.”
“My child took $200 and that was more than enough,she came back with money leftover,and she is quite the shopper!”
“We got our daughter a debit card for the trip, (which she hardly used, just on the plane), but it made us feel better. AND, it's proven to be a useful budgeting tool for our daughter going forward. Rather than $5 here, $20 there, she uses the card and we review it to see where the money is going.”
“I gave my daughter cash and put it in envelopes by day. I gave her more for NY and then gave less for each day as I saw fit. I also told her that she could keep whatever money she did not spend on the trip. I gave her $300. She was really careful about making good choices and she came home with $291. ( She bought one sweatshirt, but, made money back on the food court allowance). It worked out well and now she is going to buy a cat with her leftovers as well as an Ipod. :-)”
“I would say slightly more than $20/day.”
Hope all that advice will help your family make a more informed decision about money. Our next student meeting is in one week, next Thursday, February 27, at 2:10pm in Room D-6. Our East Coast adventure is now only 47 days away! As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Take care,
Mr. Sheridan
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Follow up to Thursday's Meeting
We had a very successful meeting Thursday. I'm extremely excited to be working with such fun, well-behaved, and respectful 8th graders - we are going to have a great trip! Here are some of the things we were able to accomplish in the meeting:
- We played some ice breaker games to try and learn everyone's name and get to know one another better
- We went over the importance of communication and had the kids fast follow sheridantrip on twitter by texting "follow @sheridantrip" to 40404
- Wrote down shirt sizes for our commemorative t-shirt
- We assigned roommates
- We answered a few questions related to the trip
There are a couple of things we didn't cover, and I am including them in this message.
I will have a student behavior agreement for the kids at the next meeting on February 27th. The kids should sign it along with their parent/guardian and return in to me sometime before the departure meeting on March 26th.
Due to the importance of communication, one additional way to stay in touch with me is through my Google Voice number (661) 621-3655. Students and parents are welcome to call or text this number with any burning questions between now and the trip, although e-mail is still best.
Here are some of the questions about the trip that the kids asked yesterday:
Q: When do we leave and when do we get back?
A: We leave on Sunday, April 6th and return on Saturday, April 12th
Q: How many bags are we allowed to bring?
A: You are bringing one check in bag weighing no more than 45 lbs. and one carry-on (usually a backpack)
Q: What time do we go to sleep and wake up?
A: It varies, but usually we will get up around 6 am and get to bed around 10 pm
Q: Are we allowed to use our phone on the trip?
A: Yes, and no. You should absolutely bring your phone on the trip, and you are welcome to use it as a camera while we are touring (although you should bring an actual camera as well). However, phone calls, texting, surfing etc. should be reserved for times when we aren't on tour. What does that mean? You can use your phone in your room, at meal times, and when we are traveling between major cities on the bus, but NOT when we are in the city looking at sites (including the bus).
Q: Is the school dress code in effect?
A: The answer is basically, yes. You should follow the school dress code, but I will go over a few exceptions (hats etc.) at our next meeting.
I am looking forward to seeing my East Coast Trip students at our next meeting on Thursday, February 27th. That meeting will again be in room D-6 at 2:10 pm. Thanks again for a great meeting and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Take care, and I will talk with you soon.
Mr. Sheridan
Thursday, January 30, 2014
East Coast Adventure 2014...Here We Go!!
Dear East Coast Trip Family,
In a little over 2 months, we will be departing on our big adventure to Washington D.C., Hershey, Gettysburg, Philadelphia, and New York. I can tell you from personal experience that history travel, is amazing. There really is nothing quite like it; and I am very excited to be able to share the experience of visiting some of our most famous national treasures and landmarks with your child. For the past few months we have been finalizing our roster, and we now have a good idea of who is going on the trip, so it's time to inform you of some important dates.
Thursday, February 6th @ 2:10pm - Rio Norte Room D-6 Roommate Meeting
So, this is the meeting that all the students will be most interested in attending! This is my opportunity to become familiar with the kids, and we will finally have a chance for the students to meet their fellow adventurers who are going on the trip. This meeting is intended for students and teachers only. We will start with an ice-breaker activity or two and then we will move on to the all important process of choosing roommates. If your child cannot attend this meeting, it might be a good idea to have them designate a person to speak on their behalf regarding room assignments (unless they don't care who they room with). This meeting should take a little over an hour, and will conclude at 3:30.
Thursday, February 27th @ 2:10pm - Rio Norte Room D-6 Student Meeting
Topics to be determined
Wednesday, March 26th @ 6:00pm - Rio Norte Room D-6: Pre-Departure Meeting
Organized by USA Student Travel, and hosted by both myself and our tour company rep, this meeting will go over the specifics of the trip. We finally get to see our exact itinerary, and our hotel and flight information. Now that we know for sure everyone who is going on the trip, our tour company is working hard making final arrangements to secure the very best flights and hotels possible. This meeting is MANDATORY for the traveling student and at least one parent/guardian to attend.
In a little over 2 months, we will be departing on our big adventure to Washington D.C., Hershey, Gettysburg, Philadelphia, and New York. I can tell you from personal experience that history travel, is amazing. There really is nothing quite like it; and I am very excited to be able to share the experience of visiting some of our most famous national treasures and landmarks with your child. For the past few months we have been finalizing our roster, and we now have a good idea of who is going on the trip, so it's time to inform you of some important dates.
Thursday, February 6th @ 2:10pm - Rio Norte Room D-6 Roommate Meeting
So, this is the meeting that all the students will be most interested in attending! This is my opportunity to become familiar with the kids, and we will finally have a chance for the students to meet their fellow adventurers who are going on the trip. This meeting is intended for students and teachers only. We will start with an ice-breaker activity or two and then we will move on to the all important process of choosing roommates. If your child cannot attend this meeting, it might be a good idea to have them designate a person to speak on their behalf regarding room assignments (unless they don't care who they room with). This meeting should take a little over an hour, and will conclude at 3:30.
Thursday, February 27th @ 2:10pm - Rio Norte Room D-6 Student Meeting
Topics to be determined
Wednesday, March 26th @ 6:00pm - Rio Norte Room D-6: Pre-Departure Meeting
Organized by USA Student Travel, and hosted by both myself and our tour company rep, this meeting will go over the specifics of the trip. We finally get to see our exact itinerary, and our hotel and flight information. Now that we know for sure everyone who is going on the trip, our tour company is working hard making final arrangements to secure the very best flights and hotels possible. This meeting is MANDATORY for the traveling student and at least one parent/guardian to attend.
That
should do it for now. I'm looking forward to a great trip, with a
great group of kids. I will be trying to stay in contact with all of
you on a pretty regular basis now as the trip gets closer. On that
note, I
would also like to remind you (or inform you for the first time) that
you can stay connected to the trip on Twitter and Facebook. You can
"Like" our trip page at https://www.facebook.com/MrSheridansEastCoastAdventure or follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sheridantrip.
Finally, you can get updates sent to you as a text message on ANY cell
phone (regular cell phone or smartphone) by texting the words follow @sheridantrip to
40404. These Twitter text alerts are free and do not require you to
sign up for a Twitter account. Standard text rates do apply.
Take care, and I will see the kids next Thursday the 6th!
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