Holy Cow...Tomorrow is the Day!

 Hello East Coasters! 

Well folks, we are coming down to the wire.  Just a couple of quick things for kids and parents prior to departure:

Wear your Nations Classroom 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.  Chargers are the most frequently forgotten-at-home accessory on this trip.  Go through your whole packing list and check and double check that you have everything you need.  I already have my checklist and items laid out on a flat surface and ready to go.

Let’s keep in touch. Once the trip begins, I will no longer be sending out these regular broadcast emails to parents (you may get just one or two, or maybe not).  Instead, I will be posting regular updates on Instagram, and Facebook (mostly Facebook).   Check from work, check from home, my goal is to post a trip update everyday (hopefully multiple times per day).  These links are great to share with family and friends (grandmas love my Facebook page!).  Just a reminder that there are a couple of ways to follow the trip:

Facebook: "like" 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: some cold, some rain, and maybe some days in the 70's. Be prepared for this variety of weather. I strongly suggest a water resistant jacket, small umbrella, maybe some caps and gloves. Weather forecasts can change, too, so be prepared for the warmer weather as well. 

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.

 
This is probably my final message before we leave, so I will see you tomorrow in the Rio Norte front parking lot by 4:30 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 in a Ziploc bag.  If you've already turned in your signed Medication form, and aren't bringing extra medications, you're good to go.  Additionally, I will be weighing luggage bags before we get on the buses, so be sure to be under 45 lbs.  

  

I will saw the kids today for a quick meeting - we went over expectations and handed out baggage tags.  Please attach the tags to both your carry on and check-in bag (it makes it easy to see from a distance).  Make sure that you are not bringing full water bottles through TSA - they will make you go through the line again if you have water in your bag during X-Rays.

That's it for now.

Thanks so much, and I will see you tomorrow!

 

Getting Ready and Packed for the Airport

Well, East Coasters, we are just Seven 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 wise 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 you are probably going to want to send the kids with their school ID cards just in case (it's a state issued ID).  If your child doesn't have their school ID, they should get one this week at the library.  When kids have ID's, the ticketing agents appreciate this and are usually extra-patient with us as a result.  If you are sending your child with a debit card, it's also helpful for them to have an ID.  They will need to be responsible for keeping it safe and accessible for the trip.  All adult travelers will definitely need a valid government-issued photo ID (Real ID or Passport).

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). 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 and ID.  You MUST have these 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.  Speaking of jackets, many of our students are used to California weather, and only pack a sweatshirt or hoodie.  These aren't helpful in the rain.  I suggest bringing a coat or jacket that has some ability to deflect rain in order to enhance comfort.

Gallon/Quart-size bags – If you’re toting tons of electronics with you (cell phone, cell phone charger, headphones/earbuds) 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 or gallon-size Ziploc storage bags. I’m partial to the gallon-size freezer bags because they’re a little sturdier. If the TSA screener has to open your bag, it will be easy for them 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.

“Lay it Out” – 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, bed or other flat surface. On that flat surface, place your packing list and then item by item lay everything out that you need. Deodorant: check. Toothpaste: check. Phone Charger: check.  Hand Sanitizer: check.

If you haven’t set up your own version of this technique 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 over the next week. 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 deodorant, but it is likely at a significantly higher price, and your access to these stores is limited.

Finally, I am asking our students to come to a quick lunch time meeting on Thursday, 4/3 in Rm. P-2 to go over some last minute info and to hand out baggage tags.

We're getting close!  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Students—The next time I’ll see you is Thursday 4/3 AT LUNCH in Rm. P-2!
Parents - I'll see you at Rio a day later on Friday April 4th at 4:30pm!

Follow up to Our Pre-Departure Meeting

Hey East Coasters,

Thank you all for coming to our pre-departure meeting on Tuesday.  It is great to see everyone together and 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 (if you wish to provide chewable versions of medications, just include them on the specialty side of the foldable - mine all require swallowing).  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.  If your child is not bringing any medications or supplements with them, just sign the foldable for your child to have permission to get the basic medications I will have with me, and give it to me anytime before our departure.


The Flight:
I did talk about this, but really want to hammer home this point.  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.  Additionally, we want to be considerate to the other passengers on the plane who are trying to sleep as well.

Departure Day:
We are leaving from the Rio Norte Campus on Friday, April 4th.  Please wear your Nations Classroom t-shirt on this day - if you still need a shirt, please let me know ASAP.  Everyone needs to arrive by 4:30pm and you should park in the lot, and keep the bus loop open.  We will distribute lanyards and wristbands and will weigh your check-in bag - it must be 45 lbs. or less.

And finally, I want to have a quick student meeting at lunch on Thursday, April 3rd in room P-2.  At this meeting, I will collect student ID cards for safe keeping until we go through TSA, and I will go over any last minute information.  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. 

Staying Healthy

Hey there East Coasters!

Our East Coast Trip will be fun and exciting, but it can be a challenge to stay healthy. Inevitably, heads will ache, stomachs will hurt, and eyelids will droop as the trip begins to take its toll on the teenage bodies embarking on this trip (and perhaps on some adult bodies as well).  While it is impossible to avoid illness in all cases, making good choices can help to reduce the risks.  Here are some suggestions for staying healthy:

SLEEP 
I know the switch to Daylight Saving Time Sunday 3/9 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.  Students WILL be tired on the trip.  It is important that they learn to push through the exhaustion, and to take cat naps when they can because we will be doing things all day long.  Encourage your child to take their sleep opportunities seriously...it will improve their enjoyment of the trip.

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 Adventure 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, 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 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 is available in the same section as Dramamine, but 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 their 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 in depth at our pre-departure meeting on Tuesday, March 18th. 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 medical release in the travelers form link you received through email from Nations Classroom.  

MASKS/PROTOCOLS 

Thankfully, proof of vaccination and masks are not required for the trip this year.  However, masks are still a good idea in some situations and it is always good to be prepared for any eventuality.  While masks are not required, they can be helpful for some indoor settings.  Bring masks with you on the trip, and have them readily available to wear when/if you feel the need to mask up or in the event that something strange happens and they become a necessity while we are traveling.  

As far as protocols go, while we are all excited to have things back to pre-pandemic norms, we will be continuing to follow guidelines that will encourage good hygiene and will help reduce the spread of germs.  Hand sanitizer, hand washing, masks when recommended etc. will be enforced when necessary.  Obviously, if students feel more comfortable continuing to wear a mask, they are welcome to do so.

Our Pre-departure meeting is only 8 days away, and our trip is a mere 25 days away!  I look forward to seeing everyone in the Rio MPR at 6:00pm next Tuesday, March 18th! 

- Mr. Sheridan 

East Coast Adventure...Let's Get Walkin'!

Well, our East Coast Trip is less than 5 weeks away.  This is just a quick suggestion to get out and start walking.  While on tour, we will be walking, on average, about 7-10 miles a day.  Granted it isn't all in one shot, but we will be going through museums, the national mall, large estates, 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 on this page by clicking on the "Packing List" tab at the top of the 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 handed out a student behavior expectation agreement at our last student meeting.  This is my agreement, and is separate from the one being sent to you by Nation's Classroom (make sure you have filled that one out as well).  Be sure to review the agreement and have both the student and Parent/guardian sign it and return it to Mr. Sheridan by the departure meeting on the 18th of March (students can turn it in to Mr. Sheridan as soon as it is 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 our Pre-Departure Meeting on Tuesday, March 18th in the MPR at 6pm.  One parent or guardian and the traveling student must be present at this meeting.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email, text (661) 621-3655, or even post a question on our Facebook page.

Great Meeting Yesterday!

Our meeting on yesterday 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 18th. 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 the musical "Six" on Broadway.  We are also going to a Red Sox vs Blue Jays game when we are in Boston.

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, April 4th and return to Rio around 11pm on Thursday, April 10th.

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 Alaska and Jetblue Airlines - which is a nice 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 three and four-star hotels like Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton etc.

Hope that helps!  See you all at our Pre-Departure Meeting: Rio MPR @ 6:00pm on Tuesday, March 18th! 

Money and our Next Meeting

Hey East Coasters!

So, 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 probably 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... Your child is probably going to want a bottle of juice or Gatorade here and there, and may want a little extra spending money for snacks and beverages beyond mealtimes (about $5-$7 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 Kardashians to shame. We had one kid spend over $500 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 in Times Square can go for $50-60, 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 drivers, $5 for our tour guides. These 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 Tuesday, March 18 (your student can also drop it off to me during school either before or after the meeting if you prefer). 

On a related note, parents also ask: “Debit/prepaid card or cash?”  While it seems crazy to say it...cash is no longer king.  I highly recommend getting your child a debit card for the trip.  There are some instances where cash is fine, but many vendors only accept cards. Nice thing about debit/credit cards is that 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.  Additionally, your kids aren't too far away from their first jobs, so getting used to having a card, spending on a budget, using ATMs etc., can be a great learning experience in itself.  Talk to your bank now about your options. Looking online, many financial magazines rate kid specific apps and cards like Greenlight, GoHenry, and BusyKid as good options, but your personal bank will probably offer something as well. Cash is easy, and will work at many souvenir shops, but once lost it is almost certainly gone for good. Talk with your child and find out what you think will work best. Most airlines are now cashless, meaning you can only purchase items on the plane with a debit/credit card.

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, while I'm sure I don't need to tell you, don’t even bother with traveler checks; their time has passed...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's check.

 When asked, this is what previous East Coast trip parents had to say with regard to money:

“A mixture of cash and debit card worked great for our daughter.” 

“My kid had a $200 budget on her card 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 and one souvenir shop), 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.” 

"The debit card was a great choice.  Lots of the food vendors didn't take cash, so the money given to the kids for lunch couldn't be used the way he wanted.  With the debit card, our son kept the cash and used his card to get his food...and we could see where he chose to eat!"

“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 less than a week, on Thursday, February 20, at 2:40pm in the MPR. Our East Coast adventure is now only 45 days away!  As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.