Follow up to Our Student Meeting

Hello East Coast Trippers!
We had a very successful meeting this week.  I'm extremely excited to be working with such fun, well-behaved, and respectful 8th graders - we're going to have a great trip!  Here are some of the things we were able to accomplish in the meeting:

- We played an ice breaker game to try 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 Tuesday, 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 26th.  The kids should sign it along with their parent/guardian and return it to me sometime before the departure meeting on March 7th.

Due to the importance of communication, I informed the kids of different ways to stay in touch with me and the trip - and it might be good for you too.  Two that I focused on are 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 Tuesday:

Q: When do we leave and when do we get back?
A:  We leave on Saturday, March 30th and return on Friday, April 5th.

Q:  Is food included on the trip?
A:  Yes, breakfast. lunch, and dinner are included.  Breakfast is usually at our hotel.

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 it might be a good idea to bring an actual camera as well).  However, phone calls, facetime, 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:  What sporting event are we going to?
A;  It looks like we will be going to the Nets vs. Raptors basketball game in Brooklyn

I am looking forward to seeing my East Coast Trip students at our next meeting on Tuesday, February 26th.  That meeting will again be in room G-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.