Hello East Coast Trippers!
We had a very successful meeting last 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 student meeting on February 20th. This is a separate agreement from the one sent by Nations Classroom. The kids should sign it along with their parent/guardian and return it to me sometime before the departure meeting on March 12th.
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 student meeting on February 20th. This is a separate agreement from the one sent by Nations Classroom. The kids should sign it along with their parent/guardian and return it to me sometime before the departure meeting on March 12th.
Nations Classroom should have sent you some travel documents to your email as well (behavior agreement, medical release etc). Be sure to complete and submit them once they arrive.
Due to the importance of communication, I informed the kids of different ways to stay in touch with me and the trip - and some might be good for you too. The kids will be on Remind while back east, but that is just for them and the adult chaperones on the trip. Another way for parents to contact me is through my Google Voice number (661) 621-3655. Although e-mail is still best, students and parents are welcome to call or text this number with any burning questions between now and the trip. I also shared some of my social media trip accounts with the kids, so please check with them on how to follow the trip online (FB, Instagram etc.)
Due to the importance of communication, I informed the kids of different ways to stay in touch with me and the trip - and some might be good for you too. The kids will be on Remind while back east, but that is just for them and the adult chaperones on the trip. Another way for parents to contact me is through my Google Voice number (661) 621-3655. Although e-mail is still best, students and parents are welcome to call or text this number with any burning questions between now and the trip. I also shared some of my social media trip accounts with the kids, so please check with them on how to follow the trip online (FB, Instagram etc.)
Here are a few of the questions about the trip that the kids asked Monday:
Q: When do we leave and when do we get back?
A: We leave Rio Norte on Friday, March 29th and return on Thursday, April 4th.
Q: Is food included on the trip? Are there vegetarian options?
A: Yes, breakfast. lunch, and dinner are included. Breakfast is usually at our hotel. Yes, there are vegetarian options at every meal. If you have dietary restrictions, be sure that you included those in your registration with Nations Classroom. If you didn't, please contact them so we know who needs adjusted meals for allergies etc.
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: Does the school dress code apply?
A: Yes.
Q: Are we allowed to use our phones 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, gaming, 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 actually looking at sites or listening to directions (including the bus).
Q: What sporting event are we going to? What Broadway play?
A: It looks like we will be going to an MLB game - Phillies vs. Reds in Philadelphia. We are also currently booked to see the musical "Back to the Future" on Broadway.
That should do it for now. I am looking forward to seeing my East Coast Trip students at our next meeting on Tuesday, February 20th. That meeting will again be for students and chaperones only in the MPR at 2:40 pm and will conclude around 3:45. Thanks again for a great meeting and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Q: Are we allowed to use our phones 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, gaming, 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 actually looking at sites or listening to directions (including the bus).
Q: What sporting event are we going to? What Broadway play?
A: It looks like we will be going to an MLB game - Phillies vs. Reds in Philadelphia. We are also currently booked to see the musical "Back to the Future" on Broadway.
That should do it for now. I am looking forward to seeing my East Coast Trip students at our next meeting on Tuesday, February 20th. That meeting will again be for students and chaperones only in the MPR at 2:40 pm and will conclude around 3:45. Thanks again for a great meeting and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
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