1. Journey of Texas VII April 18-19

2. arrival and preparation
Plan to arrive to QVMS at 6:30 a.m., but no later than 6:45. Buses will leave at 7 a.m.! Go to the commons immediately. You will not have access to lockers in the morning. Take your materials home Tuesday night so that you can have them in the morning.
Know your group number and what bus you are riding. Find the table with your group number and sit with your group in the commons.
Wear your red Magnetix GTA t-shirt. Bring your 6th grade shirt from last year OR a shirt of a similar color for the second day.

3. medication
ALL MEDICATION, especially prescription medicine, needs to be in the original bottle or box. Make sure your name is on the bottle/box. Also put the bottle/box into a clear sandwich bag, add your name to the bag.
On Wednesday morning, wait for Ms. Priest to call for students with medication. She will fill out a spreadsheet with your name, medicine and dosage.

4. what to bring
ONE carry-on size or smaller luggage (most people bring a duffle bag or backpack)—everything you bring must fit in here, as there is limited space for 50 people’s luggage.
A completely disposable sack lunch (Wednesday)
At least $20 for Bucees purchases and/or Mercado purchases (Mercado are purchases optional, but fun )
One extra dollar to tip the Riverwalk boat operators.
Healthy snacks and water for in case you get hungry at night (NO VISITS TO SNACK MACHINES AT NIGHT!)
A notebook with your assignments and several writing utensils, you will have assignments for all of your core classes. 
Camera and/or camera on your phone
No laptops!!!!! (Tablets and e-readers are fine)

5. what to bring
This carry-on luggage contains everything that was needed for a 10-day trip to Europe. So, YES you CAN fit everything you need in a carry-on! 

6. what to bring Temperatures will be pleasantly warm  (70s to 80s)
During the boat ride (Wednesday evening), the low humidity and closeness to water will make it feel cooler. Bring a jacket if you get cold easily.
Wear/bring comfortable walking shoes. There will be a lot of walking. No sandals or open-toed shoes for safety reasons.

7. Mercado and Bucees Always use the buddy system wherever you go.
At the Mercado, you may shop if your parents let you. You are NOT allowed to buy:
Confetti eggs
Weapons—real, fake, or anything that could be used as a weapon
Any other items that would not be allowed in school
Buying any of the above may result in a discipline referral. Your items will be confiscated and returned only to your parents.

8. at the hotel
This will be our seventh year staying at this hotel. Each previous year the hotel staff has praised the Quail Valley kids on their behavior.
You are representing QVMS at this hotel. Keep voices down in the hallways and in your rooms. Walk, do not run in the hallways. Obey all directives of teachers, chaperones and hotel staff.
Your behavior is expected to be excellent at the hotel. Any disruptive behavior will be met with maximum consequences and removal from field experience.
The hotel is La Quinta San Antonio303 Blum St., phone number

9. at the hotel
Stay in your assigned room and do not leave for ANY reason. Do not visit any other rooms! Room doors will be taped up at or around 10 p.m. Broken tape will result in disciplinary action.
Do not open your hotel room door to anyone except one of the teachers, chaperones or Ms. Priest.
Contact Mr. Romero (boys) and Ms. Lee (girls) for emergencies. Room numbers and/or other contact info will be available.
Cells phones off and lights out by 10 p.m. Let your parents know to contact you before then.

10. misc. instructions
Stay in your assigned group. Follow all directions from teachers and chaperones.
When you hear “zero conversation,” all talking needs to stop. Pay attention to the speaker.
Cell phones are permitted only to be used as cameras. Other electronic devices are not to be out at the tour sites.
Cameras are highly encouraged. Some assignments may require photos/videos.

11. return
We will return to QVMS between 8:30pm and 9:00pm. We will have you call your parents when we are an hour from QVMS. Make sure your parents know to pick you up!!
There will be no building access when we return! That means you will not be able to get to your lockers. Make sure you have everything you need with you on the trip.