8th Grade Field Trip Parent Information Session Washington, D.C. 2011 8th Grade Field Trip Parent Information Session

Washington, D.C. 8th Grade Field Trip Dates and Itinerary Cost and Fundraiser Academic and Behavioral Guidelines Frequently Asked Questions

Dates and Itinerary Monday, April 18 through Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Three days before Spring Break – No school on Thursday or Friday following the trip.

Dates and Itinerary Accommodations: Tour Company: Best Western at Potomac Mills Tour Company: Pilot Tours from Pilot Mountain, NC Representative: Kellie Motsinger

Monday, April 18 4:30am: Arrive and Load Bus (Bring breakfast) 5:00am: Depart CMS 10:30am: Early lunch 12:30pm: Tour of the Capitol (pending approval) 3:00pm: Visit the Holocaust Museum 5:45pm: Dinner at Union Station 7:15pm: Walking tour of memorials 9:30pm: Check into the Best Western at Potomac Mills The Capitol Building

Tuesday, April 19 9:00am: Tour the Newseum 11:15am: Visit Smithsonians and eat lunch (Natural History, American History, Air & Space, and/or Museum of American Indians) 4:30pm: Tour National Archives 6:00pm: Visit WWII, Vietnam, Lincoln, and Korean Memorials 7:30pm: Dinner at Pentagon City and shopping time 9:45pm: Arrive back at the motel The WWII Memorial

Wednesday, April 20 5:45am: Wake, pack, load bus 8:00am: Photo ops of White House and shopping 9:00am: Walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery 11:30am: Potomac Riverboat Cruise to Mt. Vernon 12:30pm: Tour Mt. Vernon and eat lunch 3:15pm: Depart for home 5:30pm: Dinner 10:15pm: Arrive at CMS The White House

Cost TOTAL PRICE: $290.00 4 Payments: ALL money is due by March 4th. $75.00 by December 2, 2010 $75.00 by January 4, 2011 $75.00 by February 4, 2011 $65.00 by March 4, 2011 ALL money is due by March 4th. Includes: Lodging, admissions, meals Fundraiser!!! Mount Vernon

Fundraiser Gas Raffle Tickets courtesy of Neighbors The Korean War Memorial Gas Raffle Tickets courtesy of Neighbors End of November through March 4, 2011 Each ticket sold = $1.00 toward your child’s trip Three ticket books given at a time (30 tickets) Checks should be made out to Central Middle School If you need financial assistance, your child must sell a minimum of 50 tickets (5 Books). Money turned in for tickets is NON-REFUNDABLE

Academic Guidelines Academics come first! Therefore, students experiencing “Academic Apathy” will NOT be allowed to participate in the trip: Excessive zeros Earning no more than one “F” at the end of the 3rd 9-weeks * A final decision will be made by the administration and teachers. The Air and Space Museum

Behavioral Guidelines Students who do not display proper behavior at CMS will NOT be allowed to participate in the trip. This includes: Unacceptable number of bus offenses OSS ISS 8+ conduct points (A team conference will be held at 6 points.) * The administration and teachers will review each circumstance carefully to determine if the student may or may not attend. * A refund will be given if the trip is lost by Feb. 20th. * Refunds will NOT be given for ticket sales. The Lincoln Memorial

Frequently Asked Questions Who will chaperone the trip? Eighth Grade Teachers and an Administrator We will take ONLY CMS staff members on the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions Will my child be safe? At the hotel . . . Pilot Tours hire security guards to monitor the hallways of the motel at night. Students will have a same-sex teacher on the same floor. Students may call the teacher on their floor if needed in case of an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions Will my child be safe? Around Washington . . . Students will travel with small groups. Pilot Tours and many museums provide staff to assist us. Washington, D.C. has VERY tight security and EVERYONE will go through metal detectors frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions Can I contact my child? Students may use cell phones at night when we are in our hotel rooms. Students may not use hotel phones. This is a educational opportunity – we will be extremely busy. IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, you will be contacted by an administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions Are there any additional costs? Except for breakfast on Monday, all meals are included in the price of the trip. Approximately $5-10 has been allotted per meal. If your child eats a lot, you may want to send additional money. Students will have several opportunities to purchase souvenirs. Please do NOT send an excessive amount of money with students. Students are responsible for keeping up with their own money.

Frequently Asked Questions Are cell phones, mp3 players, etc. allowed? Students may use cell phones at night when we are in our hotel rooms. Students may use cell phones at appropriate times (at the teachers’ discretion) but MUST put them away when asked. Phones may be taken if they are misused. Students are responsible for keeping up with their own property.

Letter of Intent On November 1st, your child will receive a Letter of Intent for this trip. Please complete the letter to let us know how many students will be attending. Return the letter by NOVEMBER 8th.

Questions and Concerns If you have questions or concerns, please contact: Mountaineers Team: Mrs. Martha Hudson Racers Team: Mrs. Kristy Cox Surfers Team: Mrs. Lori Wilmoth