Monday, April 1, 2013
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
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 blue 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 when you get home from school tomorrow so you’re at your freshest when we fly out ESPECIALLY if you have PE and you’re doing the River Hawk Walk tomorrow. 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, and Facebook. Check from work, check from home, my goal is to post a trip update every 4-6 hours (probably more than that). These links are great to share with family and friends (grandmas love my blog!). There are a number of ways to follow the trip:
Blog: http://sheridantrip.blogspot.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/sheridantrip
facebook: Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure
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 rain. Be prepared for this weather. I strongly suggest caps and gloves. Weather forecasts can change, too, so be prepared for warmer weather just in case. Layer.
Additionally, due to our schedule, we won't be able to change clothes for the play when we hit New York, so I would suggest against packing a dress for the ladies. 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 5:30 p.m.! Remember to park under the solar panels and NOT in the red zone. Thanks so much!
Wear your blue 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 when you get home from school tomorrow so you’re at your freshest when we fly out ESPECIALLY if you have PE and you’re doing the River Hawk Walk tomorrow. 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, and Facebook. Check from work, check from home, my goal is to post a trip update every 4-6 hours (probably more than that). These links are great to share with family and friends (grandmas love my blog!). There are a number of ways to follow the trip:
Blog: http://sheridantrip.blogspot.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/sheridantrip
facebook: Mr. Sheridan's East Coast Adventure
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 rain. Be prepared for this weather. I strongly suggest caps and gloves. Weather forecasts can change, too, so be prepared for warmer weather just in case. Layer.
Additionally, due to our schedule, we won't be able to change clothes for the play when we hit New York, so I would suggest against packing a dress for the ladies. 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 5:30 p.m.! Remember to park under the solar panels and NOT in the red zone. Thanks so much!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Getting Packed and ready for the airport
We
are just ONE WEEK 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 Thursday at lunch. I already have most of our ID cards, but anyone who still needs to get it to me can do so by Thursday. 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 know and I will give it to your 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, iPod, 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 (iPod, iPod charger, 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.
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 deodorant 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. iPod 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 Walgreen’s 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 THURSDAY AT LUNCH
Parents—I’ll see you at Rio Norte on FRIDAY AT 5:30 PM!
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 Thursday at lunch. I already have most of our ID cards, but anyone who still needs to get it to me can do so by Thursday. 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 know and I will give it to your 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, iPod, 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 (iPod, iPod charger, 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.
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 deodorant 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. iPod 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 Walgreen’s 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 THURSDAY AT LUNCH
Parents—I’ll see you at Rio Norte on FRIDAY AT 5:30 PM!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Thanks for a Great Meeting This Week!
Hey East Coasters,
Thank you all for coming to our pre-departure meeting on Wednesday. It is great 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 end of the meeting that gives me or a chaperone the permission to administer some basic medications (Advil, Pepto-Bismol, etc.) as well as specialty medications. 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.
Our Chaperones:
I VERY quickly introduced our chaperones for the trip, but wanted to be sure that you know who is going. Mr. Chad Powell, our Assistant Principal at Rio Norte will be going along with us, and my wife, Andi Sheridan, a teacher at Mountainview Elementary school will be coming as well. They are both very excited...
And finally, I want to have a quick student meeting right after school on Tuesday, March 19th in room D-6. At this meeting, I will collect student ID cards in the event TSA needs them, and I will go over the rules of the trip and signed student agreement in detail one final time. This meeting should be quick and over by 2:30pm. Thank you again for allowing your child to have this experience, and as always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Mr. Sheridan
Thank you all for coming to our pre-departure meeting on Wednesday. It is great 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 end of the meeting that gives me or a chaperone the permission to administer some basic medications (Advil, Pepto-Bismol, etc.) as well as specialty medications. 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.
Our Chaperones:
I VERY quickly introduced our chaperones for the trip, but wanted to be sure that you know who is going. Mr. Chad Powell, our Assistant Principal at Rio Norte will be going along with us, and my wife, Andi Sheridan, a teacher at Mountainview Elementary school will be coming as well. They are both very excited...
And finally, I want to have a quick student meeting right after school on Tuesday, March 19th in room D-6. At this meeting, I will collect student ID cards in the event TSA needs them, and I will go over the rules of the trip and signed student agreement in detail one final time. This meeting should be quick and over by 2:30pm. Thank you again for allowing your child to have this experience, and as always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Mr. Sheridan
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