Washington, DC Trip November 4-6, 2014

CLOTHING DRESS NICE!!!  People will form an impression of our entire school based on how YOU LOOK!  Be sure to dress in a neat, clean, school appropriate fashion

PANTS  Wear nice slacks (khakis or dockers are best) or capri pants.  NO SHORTS OR LEGGINGS ARE ALLOWED!!!  No pajama pants or sweat pants are allowed outside the motel.  Clean, nice jeans can be worn, but without tears or holes.

SHIRTS  On Wednesday, wear your choice of a school appropriate shirt.  On Thursday and Friday, you must wear the DC Trip uniform shirt (YELLOW for Thursday and ORANGE for Friday)

JACKETS  Have a poncho, raincoat, or umbrella in your carry-on bag.  We will be outside rain or shine --- BE PREPARED FOR ANY TYPE OF WEATHER! (bring sun screen!)  Bring a sweater, hoodie (with only appropriate writing on it), or light jacket if it gets chilly.

SHOES  USE COMMON SENSE!!! WE WILL BE WALKING A LOT!  DO WEAR comfortable shoes like tennis shoes or hiking shoes  DO NOT WEAR flip-flops, slippers, high heels, open-toed shoes

NAME TAGS  Name tags must be worn and visible at all times  NO TAG --- NO EAT!!!

BEHAVIOR  Normal school rules apply 24 hours a day.  Any violation of rules that you choose to do at any time on the trip will be dealt with as if you committed the same violation in the halls of VF.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR  Have a watch --- arrive at the bus about 10 minutes before the stated return time.  Stay with a buddy --- do not go off alone.  Stay together in groups when on a guided tour.  Be attentive and respectful of tour guides.  No headphones, iPods, cell phones, etc. while on a guided tour.

ON THE BUS  Listen quietly to the teachers’ instructions.  Sit properly in your assigned seats.  Wear headphones so you don’t disturb others around you.  Respect each other’s property.  Have any snacks, games, etc. in your carry-on bag.  Clean up at each stop.  No camera flashes on the bus (it blinds the driver, and you want him to be able to see).

FOOD  Regular meals will be provided (be sure you wear your name tag!)  Snack food will be allowed on the bus --- keep it moderate and keep your area clean.  No drinks at all on the bus --- there will be a rest stop every couple of hours.

AT THE MOTEL  ROOM CAPTAINS will get off the bus first, find the room, check the key-card, and return to get their room partners.  OTHER STUDENTS will stay with the bus, unload the luggage, get their official DC T-shirts to wear the next day, and go to the room with the room captain.

IN THE ROOM  Store your luggage and clothing on racks, tables, and hangers, NOT ON THE FLOOR OR BED.  When you get home, wash everything ASAP in hot water.  Fill out the room condition report form (you will be responsible for any damage).  Use of the motel telephones, the cable box, and pay-per-view are all OFF-LIMITS.

FOR YOUR SAFETY  Lights out at 10:30 pm.  Stay in your room -- doors will be taped.  If you need help, turn on your lights and open your drapes.  Open your door ONLY if you actually know the person trying to get in.  NO PIZZA DELIVERY ALLOWED.

IF YOU GET SEPARATED IN DC  STAY PUT! --- Do not look for us, we’ll find you.  If you do move, go only to the entrance to the building and wait for us.  If you can’t find the entrance, tell a security guard that you’re lost and they’ll take care of you.

FOR YOUR PROTECTION  Do not bring excessive money or expensive games, phones, iPods, etc.  Keep your motel room clean.  Respect each other’s property in the room.  Label all of your property.  Bring only appropriate things in your luggage --- your bags may be searched!

WAKING UP  Use the phone alarm clock for your room.  PLAN AHEAD --- schedule your shower time.

WEDNESDAY MORNING  Be in your assigned bus room on time --- bus #1 & 6:00 - bus #3 & 6:30.  Students and staff ONLY are allowed in the building.  Any medications are turned in to the nurse in the main lobby.  When in your rooms, get your name tag and fill out your luggage tags.  Listen to the teachers’ bus rules.

FRIDAY NIGHT  Buses will return at 9:30 pm on Friday night  Have your parents here ON TIME (not early) to pick you up.  The building will be closed.

MORE DETAILED DC TRIP INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON

CONCLUSION  This is probably the best thing you will do here at VF.  Listen to and follow all instructions.  Remember to be on your best behavior.  You are representing Valley Forge High School  HAVE FUN WHILE YOU’RE LEARNING!!!!