May 22-25, 2014 Washington D.C. & New York City 8th Grade Trip Parent Info. Meeting May 22-25, 2014 Washington D.C. & New York City

WORLD STRIDES World strides has led student educational tour groups for over 40 years. Tour leaders and night chaperones go through background checks with the company and are employees of World Strides. Bus drivers are contracted out but still background checked. They have scheduled an exciting tour of Washington D.C. and New York City for our 8th graders. This is to be an educational tour that will enhance their historical knowledge.

WHAT’S INCLUDED ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS – SHERATON TOWERS HOTEL IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN ALL MEALS ALL ADMISSION FEES LIABILITY AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE FIELD JOURNALS COURSE LEADER NIGHT CHAPERONES IN HOTEL ONLINE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SUPPORT SIGHTSEEING TRANSPORTATION

CHAPERONES Blalack teachers and staff only Absences are considered school activities Typically get a group between 30-50 students After 50 paid students, waitlist created.

PLACES TO VISIT D.C. Lincoln Memorial Vietnam Veterans Memorial Korean Memorial Mount Vernon WWII Memorial Washington Monument Smithsonian Institution National Archives Jefferson Memorial Iwo Jima Memorial White House Picture Stop Arlington National Cemetery Capitol Grounds Tour

PLACES TO VISIT NYC Statue Of Liberty Ellis Island Rockefeller Center Wall Street And Financial District Ground Zero South Street Seaport St. Patrick’s Cathedral Times Square Attend A Theatre Event

Activities We would have activities at most stops to keep the learning atmosphere going. Twitter feed - BMSNYC

ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS Student who meet the following eligibility standards are responsible for all trip payments. Payment plans are available. Scholarships available by checking at: www.worldstrides.org/scholarships

ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS Student who meet the following eligibility standards are responsible for all trip payments. Academic Behavior Attendance

ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR ELIGIBILITY Students must exhibit strong academic standing during first semester. Pass all classes during the first semester. Students ask teachers for what they will miss during the trip and complete all assignments before we leave.

DISCIPLINARY STANDARDS FOR ELIGIBILITY Students must exhibit exemplary citizenship throughout the school year. No DAEP placements/suspensions. No multiple ISS assignments, Step 4’s. or Step 5. All decisions regarding removal from the final trip roster are the decision of the Blalack administration and cannot be appealed.

ATTENDANCE STANDARDS Students must comply with compulsory attendance law and Blalack attendance reporting guidelines. Must meet 90% compulsory attendance law. All absences must be verified.

COST Total cost for all inclusive 4 Days/3 Nights in NEW YORK and D.C. $2191 (includes Full Refund Package) Payments would be spread out monthly and would be due by March 8, 2014

Pay one lump sum of $2191 after securing your spot with a $49 deposit. Payment Options Pay one lump sum of $2191 after securing your spot with a $49 deposit. 2. Select EZ pay installment and have them debit your checking account until March 8, 2014 with no late/handling fees. 3. Pay monthly installments on your own. *With this option, you have a $6 monthly handling fee + a late fee of $15 would apply should the payment be late.

Register by: May 3, 2013 Payment/Registration Steps: Secure your spot with $99 (this goes to trip cost) Online at www.worldstrides.org OR call 800-468-5899 and use trip ID# 90717 Select the Full Refund Program So if your child gets sick, family emergency, or kicked off the trip for eligibility reasons, you don’t lose all your money.

Fundraisers 2 Applebee’s breakfast Volleyball, basketball concessions Student Vs. Teacher Volleyball and basketball games On your own: FLAG scholarship through World Strides Gift of Education letter to send out Earning Money Flyer to send out

WHILE TRAVELING… Expectations while on the trip: Appropriate Blalack dress code will be enforced Appropriate Blalack behavior will be enforced –students not acting appropriately or students not following directions from an adult can and will be sent home at parent’s expense

Online at: www.worldstrides.org Use trip ID# 90717 To Register Online at: www.worldstrides.org Use trip ID# 90717 By Phone: 800-468-5899