Friday, September 28, 2018
East Coast Adventure 2019 Update!
Our East Coast Adventure has filled our first bus, and has a wait list. The wait list is growing and our tour company will look into the possibility of a second bus to bring all the participants who signed up once we reach that threshold. However, at this point we are short of having enough participants to warrant a second bus. Wait listed students should continue to make payments in hopes of being added, and if you have friends interested in going on the trip, you should send them to Rm. P-2 to pick up a registration packet in hopes of adding a second bus. I will keep you informed of any changes, and will update you if a second bus becomes a reality.
Friday, September 7, 2018
Registration Meeting for New Travelers on 9/13!
If you are a current 8th grader at Rio Norte who has NOT already signed up for the trip, and you would like information on this Spring's trip to the East Coast (2019), you and your parents are invited to attend an important information meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13th at 6:00pm in the MPR. See you there!
Monday, May 14, 2018
Want to Sign up For Next Year's East Coast Adventure?!
Are you a current 7th grader who wants to go on our East Coast Adventure 2019? Did you miss the information meeting? No problem! Come on by room P-2 or C-1 to pick up an information/registration packet from Mr. Sheridan! The trip is already starting to fill up, so don't get left behind by waiting too long!
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Interested in Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure 2019?!
If you are a current 7th grader at Rio Norte and you would like information on next Spring's trip to the East Coast (2019), you and your parents are invited to attend an important information meeting on Wednesday May 9th at 6:00pm in the MPR. Come on by Rm. P-2 for more information! See you there!
Monday, April 9, 2018
Thank You East Coast Trip Family!
Thanks to all our East Coast travelers for being real troopers. Also, a big thank you to parents for allowing your child to experience this trip...I know that they made memories that will last a lifetime. Speaking of memories, our commemorative photos are in, and the students who were on bus #2 (Bretthauer and Mandel) can pick them up this week in Room P-2. Thanks again and good luck with the rest of this school year, and with high school next year!
Friday, March 30, 2018
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 black 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, Instagram, 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 facebook page!). Just a reminder that there are a number of ways to follow the trip:
Blog: http://sheridantrip.blo
twitter: http://twitter.com/s
facebook: Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure
instagram: http://instagram.c
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 some 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, as I already mentioned, there is no need to "dress up" for our Broadway play. The weather might be cold and wet, plus we'll be touring all day before we make our way to the show. 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 5:15 p.m.! Remember to park under the solar panels and NOT in the red zone and to bring your medication foldable along with any personal medications. 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 black 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, Instagram, 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 facebook page!). Just a reminder that there are a number of ways to follow the trip:
Blog: http://sheridantrip.blo
twitter: http://twitter.com/s
facebook: Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure
instagram: http://instagram.c
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 some 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, as I already mentioned, there is no need to "dress up" for our Broadway play. The weather might be cold and wet, plus we'll be touring all day before we make our way to the show. 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 5:15 p.m.! Remember to park under the solar panels and NOT in the red zone and to bring your medication foldable along with any personal medications. Additionally, I will be weighing bags before they get on the bus, so be sure to be under 45 lbs. Thanks so much!
Friday, March 23, 2018
Getting Ready and Packed for the Airport
We are just Eight 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 Tuesday at lunch. I already have some of our ID cards, but anyone who still needs to get it to me can do so by Tuesday. 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 or Ms. Bretthauer, know and we will give it to you 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, 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 (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. You can also use quart bags for your medications with your foldable medication authorization form.
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 perfume 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. phone 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 Rite-Aid 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 TUESDAY 3/27 AT LUNCH in Rm. G-2!
Parents - I'll see you at Rio on Saturday March 31st at 5:15pm!
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 Tuesday at lunch. I already have some of our ID cards, but anyone who still needs to get it to me can do so by Tuesday. 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 or Ms. Bretthauer, know and we will give it to you 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, 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 (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. You can also use quart bags for your medications with your foldable medication authorization form.
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 perfume 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. phone 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 Rite-Aid 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 TUESDAY 3/27 AT LUNCH in Rm. G-2!
Parents - I'll see you at Rio on Saturday March 31st at 5:15pm!
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