Parent Information Meeting 2016 SKY RANCH Parent Information Meeting 2016

DEPARTURE Students should arrive at school by 8:20 AM. Students should report to the East side of Stinson Field (near Key Street) with all of their necessary items. Buses are limited in space. Pack lightly. Duffle bags are preferred. Pack bedding into luggage or in a labeled trash bag. No loose pillows or sleeping bags. Be sure all bags and pieces of clothing are labeled with your child’s first and last name.

SKY RANCH INFORMATION Location- Nestled in the piney woods of East Texas in Van, TX 903-266-3300- use only for emergencies

CABINS Students are assigned cabins with at least 2-3 chaperones in each cabin. Students will be in mixed-advisory cabins to encourage new friendships and team building. Each cabin is equipped with beds, showers, and restrooms. Separate cabins for boys and girls.

SCHEDULE TIME DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 7:00-9:00 Wake up Breakfast 9:00-12:00 Arrive at Sky Ranch Class 2 Class 4 12:00-12:30 Lunch 1:00-4:00 Class 1 Class 3 Depart for MIS 4:15-6:15 Rec Time 6:15-6:45 Dinner 6:45-9:00 Night Games 9:00-10:00 Ready for bed Lights out

SKY RANCH HOME EDITION We will provide alternative (Sky Ranch-like) activities for those students not attending Sky Ranch. Your child will be counted absent if they do not attend school on “camp” days. Please inform the office if your child is sick.

CLASSES Expeditions- Firsthand look at learned and inherited behaviors of organisms, life cycles, and the impact of man on the environment Challenges- Team building activities involving communication, trust and cooperation American Indians- American Indian culture and early explorers Forces in Nature- Learning about gravity and friction and how nature changes our environment

RECREATION AND NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES Open rec time- field games, zip lines, water slides, etc. Team games Campfires- skits, songs, and more

LEARNING GROUPS Students will travel with mixed advisory learning groups as they participate in sessions. 12-17 students per group. Different from cabin groups. Learning groups are led by experienced counselors. Teachers and parent chaperones will be accompanying the students.

CHAPERONES We need approximately 6 full-time moms and 6 full-time dads (or the equivalent half-time amount) per team depending on class sizes. More is better! Chaperones can sign up tonight or with advisory teachers: By September 29 for Olympians, Chiefs and Titans By October 20 for Patriots, Team Genius, and Superstars Chaperones that need to attend due to medical necessity must be included on sign-up form.

CHAPERONES (CONT) Chaperones are required to attend an additional chaperone meeting. Thursday, October 6, 6PM, in the auditorium Olympians, Chiefs, and Titans. Thursday, October 27, 6PM, in the auditorium for Genius, Patriots, and Superstars. Responsibilities include supervision in classes, cabins, mealtimes, and bedtime. Must have ALREADY completed criminal history background check. Cost is $150 for all three days, $75 for half shift. Checks payable to MIS.

COST AND FORMS Payment $215 per child (if not already paid online) Checks should be made out to MIS and returned to student’s advisory teacher. Forms needed: District Health History Form Sky Ranch Participant Agreement Medication Form (only if needed-available online) Form and payment due dates: Chiefs, Olympians, and Team Titans: October 3rd Patriots, Superstars, and Genius: October 17th Due to time constraints, no late payments will be accepted

MEDICATION A registered nurse and staff will assist in the administration of medications to students while at camp in accordance with HPISD medication guidelines and board policy. Guidelines will be sent home in communication folders. Please review these guidelines carefully if your child will require medication at camp. If you have questions, contact your child’s advisory teacher or the nurse.

MEDICATION DROP OFF All medication forms need to be turned in with medication on your team’s assigned date Chiefs, Olympians, and Titans: October 3rd Patriots, Superstars, and Genius: October 24th

WHAT TO BRING Detailed packing lists will be sent home. Some items include: Sleeping bag/sheets and blanket Pillow and pillow case Towels Appropriate clothing (weather) Swimsuit with swim shirt (t-shirt) Toiletries Watch Backpack Flashlight Sunscreen and bug repellant Refillable water bottle Camera (disposable preferred) $$$ for snacks and gift shop (no more than $40) Please label EVERYTHING

WHAT NOT TO BRING: Electronics, cell phones, eReaders, iPads, iPods Valuables or breakable items Prank materials

DISCIPLINE Students are expected to follow all school rules and camp rules. Parents of students who fail to follow directions will be called to come pick up their child from the camp.

TWITTER UPDATES We have a twitter feed: @SkyRanchMIS, for informational purposes- arrivals, departures, etc. Fast follow by texting “Follow @SkyRanchMIS” to 40404. Following the twitter feed is especially useful to receive timely notifications about our arrival back at MIS.

MEALS Food is served family-style. Kid-friendly menus Salad bar is available at each meal. Dietary needs are addressed. Please let your child’s advisory teacher know through e-mail about any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

ARRIVAL AT MIS Our estimated time of arrival back to MIS is 2:30-3:00 pm We will update twitter with more precise arrival times during travel, so please check periodically. Students must sign out with advisory teacher BEFORE leaving the school grounds. Advisory teachers must have written notice if your child is going home with another adult. Pick-up location will be on Stinson Field near Key street.