1. Welcome to Lorado Taft http://www.niu.edu/taft Lorado Taft Wednesday, April 20- Friday, April 22

2. Philosophy We believe an outdoor education experience should: Extend and enrich district 95 curriculum concepts learned in the traditional classroom setting Enhance the potential for self-realization through the development of the individual Strengthen human relationships through democratic processes Encourage civic responsibility through an understand of our ecological role in the environment

3. Typical Day 7:00 - Wake Up! 7:30 - Hoppers report to Dining Hall 8:00 - Breakfast 9:00-11:00 - Educational Activity 11:30 - Hoppers report to Dining Hall 12:00 - Lunch 1:00-3:00 - Educational Activity 3:00-5:00 - Educational Activity 5:00 - Hoppers report to Dining Hall 5:00-5:30 - Quiet journal writing time 5:30 - Dinner 6:30-8:45 - Educational Activity 8:45-9:00 - Snack 9:00-10:00 - Journal Writing Time 10:00 - Lights Out

4. Special Responsibilities Hoppers

5. Sleeping Arrangements Boys and girls in same buildings different floors/no mingling –Boys and Girls in rooms of up to 10 students –All supervised by Sarah Adams staff Showers/bathrooms are individual/private Discipline policy applies to times spent in dorms as well as outdoor activities

6. Discipline Policy Our purpose is to provide a safe learning environment for all students. Consequences –Level 1 –Level 2 –Level 3 Parental Responsibility

7. What to Bring Suggested Clothing A daily change of: ~Long pants ~Shirt ~Underwear ~Socks Additional clothing: ~Hat ~Shower sandals ~Boots ~Extra socks ~Raincoat or waterproof poncho ~ Sleepwear ~ Two pairs of comfortable shoes* ~ Sweater or sweatshirt ~ Plastic baggies for we/dirty items)

8. What to Bring Personal Items Sleeping bag Toothbrush Toothpaste Shampoo Comb or brush Towel and washcloth Soap in a soapbox Deodorant Glasses/contacts

9. What to Bring Optional Items Your own pillow Disposable Camera Other Supplies Pens or pencils (at least 4) Book for quiet reading Watch Taft book Backpack Small water bottle

10. Taft Book Each student will receive his/her own Taft book. Purpose is to encourage students to reflect on their day & use writing skills previously learned this year. The book will serve as a Taft Souvenir along with their Taft pillow case

11. What NOT to Bring Electronic items Battery-operated items Food (including snacks, gum, candy, etc.) Anything aerosol (bug spray and Axe) NO CELL PHONES

12. Parent Responsibilities Help your child pack for the trip, but do not pack for them. Make sure your child can carry his/her own luggage unaided. All luggage should have luggage tags attached. Drop off/ Pick Up (make arrangements & notes ahead of time) Be positive!

13. Wednesday Drop-Off Procedures Students must arrive at 7:55-8:10 Drop off is on the blacktop playground behind the school. All cars will need to be out of the parking lot by 8:10. No parking allowed on the blacktop playground. This area must be cleared for buses. If you’d like to stay and watch your child depart, you can park on the street once you have dropped them off. Find bus w/ same color sign as your child’s luggage tags; put luggage in storage compartment, but child keeps their backpack w/ them. Normal beginning of day routine, check-in, book hand out, etc. Class/All Fifth Grade pictures outside right before boarding busses and leaving.

14. Friday Pick-Up Procedures Students must be picked up by their own parent or come with a note (on Monday) giving another adult permission for pick up. We will arrive between 1:45 and 2:10. Please pick your child up promptly. If your child is not picked up within 10 minutes of our arrival, they will wait in the school office until 2:50 dismissal. Remember your children are anxious to see their families again, get home, tell all about their experience, and get some well-earned rest!

15. Health Forms Yellow Health forms have been sent home. They are DUE to the classroom teacher on March 15th, 2016 –BE DETAILED!!! –Food Allergies? Talk to your teacher & Chef Kurt (klassard@niu.edu). ALL medications (even over-the-counter) must: –have medical authorization form signed by both parent and physician. –This form should be turned in with the full packe by March 15 th. –Meds are due to school nurse by a parent by April 11th. An adult must drop off medication in the original container and baggie.

16. Expectations Students must eat! Students must shower! Adults are the leaders and students follow. When a teacher says “Time to sleep” students expected to comply. Adults lead on trails. Students must pack their belongings and carry luggage. Students are expected to have a positive mental attitude.

17. Any Questions? We are here to help!