Our meeting on Tuesday was all about information. We went over some important procedures, handed out the student agreement, went over chaperone groups and met some of our chaperones, and then let the kids ask any burning question that they just couldn't wait to get answered. If your student missed the meeting, have them come by my room (P-2) to pick up a trip agreement this week.
One quick reminder that our next meeting is our MANDATORY Pre-Departure meeting at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 12th. This meeting will take place in the Rio MPR, and at least one parent/guardian must be in attendance with their student traveler.
Here are some of the questions that kids asked, with answers.
Q: What are we supposed to pack? How many bags can we bring? Do we need to dress up for Broadway?
Check out the Packing List tab at the top of this website page for basic information. You can bring a check -in bag and a carry on...keep your check-in bag below 45 lbs. and your carry on is usually your backpack. For Broadway, just wear something nice, but comfortable. We will be touring during the day before we go to our play.
Q: Can we wear pajamas on the plane?
NO. We will be landing in the morning, hopping on our bus, and will be touring all day after we land...we won't be going to the hotel until later that night. You will need to be in actual clothes.
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, is food included in the trip?
Food is included. 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! Also, if you have any dietary restrictions (vegan, allergies etc.) please let me and Nations Classroom know.
Q: Is there time for shopping?
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 some dough.
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 85 degree day (like we did in NY several years ago). Pack for all eventualities.
Q: What play are we seeing on Broadway? Are we going to a sporting event?
Right now we are scheduled to see "Back to the Future" on Broadway. We are also going to a Phillies vs Reds game when we are in Philadelphia.
Q: How long are the plane rides? Can we move seats on the plane?
It looks like we are scheduled to take a direct flight from LAX...it's about 5 hours each way. Seats on the plane are assigned and you need to sit in your assigned seat unless moved by a chaperone.
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. 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, leggings etc. (if you are a Red Sox fan, I wouldn't recommend wearing those hats in New York).
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, and the coach drivers often have bottles of water as well. NO water when we go through TSA security at the airport!
Q: Can we bring food in the hotel rooms and on the bus?
In the Hotel the answer is yes, on the bus, NO. ALWAYS clean up after yourself.
Q: How long is the trip?
We will leave Rio around 5:00pm on Friday, March 29th and return to Rio around 11pm on Thursday, April 4th.
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 we bring stuffed animals, or GoPro Camera or a really big expensive camera on the trip?
You should avoid bringing anything overly expensive or of high sentimental value. The more stuff you bring, the more stuff you can lose or break. GoPro may not be allowed in some of the places we are touring (no photography). If you determined to bring a nice camera, just be careful.
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 - we can talk about money in depth at the pre-departure meeting.
Q: Is it just us on the plane, and are the planes nice?
We will have our own buses for the trip, but the plane will have many others. At this point it looks like we will potentially be flying on Jetblue Airlines - which is a nice airline.
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 three and four-star hotels like Hyatt, Marriott, etc.
Hope that helps! See you all at our Pre-Departure Meeting: Rio MPR @ 6:00pm on Tuesday, March 12th!
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