What you probably want to know….

How do we get there?  We used to take the bus.  It wasn’t as bad as it sounds.  This year, we are flying but I don’t have flight information as yet.  We will most likely leave pretty early on Friday, March 27. (that’s a teacher work day)

What do we eat?  I would imagine that we will eat lunch when we get there.  Lunches were typically food court or fast food  Breakfasts were in the hotel.  Dinners were at family style restaurants.  At the food courts, the students were given meal vouchers.  At the restaurants, I signed for the bill.

Where do we sleep?  We typically stay at the Holiday Inn in Laurel, Maryland  There will be four to a room, same sex.  Every effort will be made for students to be with their BFFs  If your parent is a chaperone…you do not have to stay with them, unless you want to.  Only school groups in our wing.  Worldstrides security guard on duty all night.  No swimming.  In rooms with doors shut at 10 pm.

What should we bring?  What ever you bring…you carry.  I will give you a packing list closer to the trip.  School dress code applies, with the exception of sunglasses and hats  You can bring your electronics but you are responsible for them…not me.  Medication according to school board policy  Souvenir money is optional.  Have a chat with your student about appropriate spending

What will we see? Almost Everything! The Capitol The Smithsonian The Bureau of Engraving The Holocaust Museum The White House Arlington National Cemetery The Pentagon Mount Vernon Ford’s Theatre Cool monuments to cool Americans ….and more!

When do we go home? Sunday night, we’ll get back on the airplane. You still have 7 days of spring break left!

Money Matters….. Trip costs $1099 Includes all meals Transportation Hotel Admission when required Optional Souvenir money Customary tip for trip guide. Fundraising I will try to organize one to offset costs Be sure to apply for a FLAG financial assistance Visit the World Strides website for information about e-cards and facebook programs

Money Matters….. $49 deposit down by 5/29/2014 EZ pay installments available Full Refund Program is $129 Opt out if you don’t want it. Covers you if you cancel the trip

What if someone gets hurt or sick? 24 hour access to George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine Doctors on Call Program

What if I can’t behave myself? if you make choices before we leave that get you suspended from school I will contact Worldstrides I will cancel your trip Your parents will be sent a refund minus the deposit If you make poor choices on the trip Anything that would get you suspended at school Doing anything that would embarrass me, your parents, Windy Hill Middle School, the City of Clermont, the State of Florida or the United States of America Doing anything that jeopardizes your health and safety or that of anybody else I will call your parents, you will be my permanent “buddy”, you will be given a referral and Mrs. Cockcroft will be waiting for you on Monday when we return to school. If you do anything that violates the law while on the trip You will be sent home at your parent’s expense.

Questions?