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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)