Follow up to Yesterday's Meeting

Hello East Coast Trippers!
We had a very successful meeting Yesterday.  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
- 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 I covered with the kids yesterday, and I am including them in this message for parents as well.

I will have a student behavior agreement for the kids at the next meeting on February 25th.  The kids should sign it along with their parent/guardian and return it to me sometime before the departure meeting on March 14th. 

Due to the importance of communication, I informed the kids of two additional ways to stay in touch with me and the trip - and it might be good for you too.  One is following my text alerts by having yourself and the kids fast follow sheridantrip on twitter by texting "follow @sheridantrip" to 40404.  Another way 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 Saturday, April 2nd and return on Friday, April 8th

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 25th.  That meeting will again be in room P-2 at 2:10 pm and will conclude around 3:15.  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.