th AIG Field Trip November 21-23

Why are we here? Required by Buncombe County Schools Parents/Teachers/Students all hear the same instructions and understand the itinerary and expectations We take RESPONSIBLE students who… –Enjoy experiential learning –Fully participate in the activities –Are adventurous and understand boundaries –Encourage those around them

GSMIT Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont provides in-depth experiences through educational programs designed to nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrate diversity, and foster stewardship.

PACKING ● 2 bags ONLY –1 = duffel bag or suitcase to be stowed in the back of the bus. No access until arrival at Tremont. –2 = a small daypack to carry around with you at Tremont. Padded straps preferred. BEDDING: sleeping bag or single sheets/blanket and a pillow Parents be helpful –Be a part of the packing Make sure students have a water bottle! Make sure students have a pencil pouch! Make sure students have toiletries and a bath towel and washcloth! Yes, phones and ipods are allowed but to be used on the bus only. No reception once we get to Tremont so an unplugged weekend!!!

Dress Code Layers for warmth Not “showy” Still must represent VSMS WHAT NOT TO BRING " good" clothes snacks, food, gum or candy (this attracts insects and other animals to buildings) radios, hair dryers, curling irons or other electrical equipment slick-soled shoes Knives Expensive belongings What to Bring Sporty, comfortable clothing Coat or warm jacket Raincoat or poncho Hat and gloves (Cool evenings!) Footwear: –Comfortable, sturdy shoes or boots We walk/hike a lot! –Slippers or warm socks for the dorm –Flip flops for the shower

$ Money $ How much money do I need? –Souvenirs? Up to the student. Small gift shop at Tremont that students can visit if they choose to. Extra Food? Vending machines at the rest stops. NO restaurant stops to and from Tremont. We eat lunch when we arrive on Friday and before we depart on Sunday.

MEALS Family style in the dining hall with an emphasis on no food waste –Day 1 Breakfast prior to boarding bus Lunch & dinner at Tremont Bedtime Snack –Day 2 Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Tremont Bedtime snack – Day 3 Breakfast and lunch at Tremont

BUS RULES The bus driver is in charge Where can I sit? –Boys with boys –Girls with girls Food: Yes, snacks and drinks allowed but no trash and no spills Personal devices: You are responsible. NO MISUSE ( Taking pictures/videos without consent; sharing inappropriate material; bullying and/or spreading “hate”). No service at Tremont.

Dorm Expectations  Expectations  Boys on boys’ side  Girls on girls’ side  Bring sheets/blanket or sleeping bag  Bring a pillow  Be considerate of others  Keep your area neat  Lights out time  Flashlight or headlamp  Help clean checkout day

Medicine All meds (prescription or over the counter: e.g. Tylenol, Advil, etc.) that will be given by a chaperone must have a doctor’s note. Copies of this form available today and in a previous to parents. These must be turned in to Mrs. Henry-Howell by Thursday, November 20. Chaperones holds daily meds –Meds given in proper bottle to Mrs. H-H. the morning of the trip (form should have already been turned in) –The permission to give meds form must also be given to Mrs. H-H. in the morning. –a chaperone is not holding SHOULD not exist. If they do, you and student are solely responsible. NO STUDENT MAY EVER GIVE ANOTHER STUDENT ANY MEDS!!!!!!

21 st Century Life Skills Self-Direction –Are you choosing to learn? “Connecting people with nature” Journal Personal Responsibility –Keep up with your stuff $ at rest stop, in dorm Adaptability –Sharing a sleeping space and family style meals –What if something goes wrong? (weather) Accountability –Integrity: LEAVE NO TRACE! Leadership Ethics –Table captains. –Food waste awareness

Arriving at School Friday, November 21 We LEAVE at 7:00 am –Busses will begin loading at 6:40 am –Check in with Mrs. H-H. –Seats are first come first serve Students may only “reserve” the seat next to him/her for ONE friend If you are late: YOU MISS the trip Parents do not park in bus lot

I will… Represent VSMS in all that I do! Make good choices. Be on time for ALL check points. I will do my best to not only enjoy the fun parts, but learn as well. I will be in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.

Finally Tremont Institute 9275 Tremont Rd. Townsend, TN My Cell Number – –Text or call to and from Tremont; limited service at Tremont Arriving Home –Students will call when we are close –Arrival back at the school approx: 4:30 pm on Sunday –Do NOT park in bus parking area Meet kids there though