Registration opens September 1st and requires completed permission forms and initial deposit. Space is limited to 120 students.

Requirement	Due Date	Details
Permission Form	Sept 30	Parent signature required
Medical Form	Sept 30	Doctor signature needed
Initial Deposit	Oct 15	$195 to secure spot
Parent Meeting	Oct 1	Mandatory attendance

📝 Registration Steps:

1. Submit interest form online
2. Attend parent information session
3. Complete all forms
4. Submit deposit
5. Receive confirmation

Several forms are required to ensure student safety and proper preparation.

Form Type	Purpose	Due Date
Permission	Legal authorization	Sept 30
Medical History	Health information	Sept 30
Behavior Contract	Trip rules agreement	Sept 30
Room Assignment	Housing preferences	Oct 15
Dietary Needs	Meal planning	Oct 15

📋 Required Signatures:

• Parent/Guardian
• Student
• Physician (medical form)
• School Administrator

The Washington DC trip runs April 15-19, 2024 (5 days, 4 nights). Students experience our nation's capital through guided educational tours and interactive activities.

Daily Schedule Overview:

Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Day 1	Travel & Arrival	National Mall Tour	Hotel Check-in
Day 2	Capitol Building	Smithsonian Museums	Monument Night Tour
Day 3	Holocaust Museum	American History Museum	Kennedy Center
Day 4	Mount Vernon	Air & Space Museum	Group Dinner
Day 5	Arlington Cemetery	Return Travel	-

Note: Schedule subject to minor adjustments based on venue availability and weather conditions.

This trip directly supports our 8th-grade American History curriculum through immersive, hands-on learning experiences at our nation's most important historical sites.

🎯 Core Educational Objectives:

Area	Learning Outcomes
Government	Understanding branches, Democracy in action, Constitutional principles
History	Primary source analysis, Historical context, Artifact examination
Culture	Museum studies, Heritage appreciation, Cultural awareness
Civics	Citizenship, Public service, National identity

📚 Pre-Trip Activities:

• Research projects
• Site-specific study guides
• Interactive workshops

📝 Learning Assessment:

• Daily reflection journals
• Photo essay assignments
• Post-trip presentations

Trip cost is $895 per student, covering all essential expenses for the 5-day educational experience.

Expense Category	Cost
Transportation	$250
Accommodation	$280
Meals	$150
Admissions	$125
Insurance	$45
Program Fees	$45
Total	$895

✅ Included in Cost:

• Round-trip bus transportation
• Hotel accommodation (quad occupancy)
• All meals (3 daily + snacks)
• All admissions and tours
• Travel insurance
• Educational materials
• Commemorative t-shirt
• Professional guides

Multiple payment options available to make the trip accessible for all families.

Payment Plan	Initial Deposit	Monthly Payment	Total Payments
Full Payment	$895 (5% discount)	-	1
Standard Plan	$195	$175 × 4	5
Extended Plan	$145	$125 × 6	7

🎁 Financial Assistance:

• Scholarship applications available
• Fundraising opportunities
• Payment assistance programs

Contact Mrs. Smith in the office for confidential financial assistance discussions.

Students travel via modern charter buses with professional drivers. Journey includes regular breaks and meal stops.

Travel Aspect	Details
Departure	6:00 AM from school
Return	8:00 PM to school
Duration	6 hours each way
Stops	Every 2-3 hours

🚌 Bus Features:

• WiFi equipped
• Restroom onboard
• DVD players
• Climate control

Students choose seat partners for the journey, with chaperones dispersed throughout the bus.

Seating Rules	Details
Partner Choice	Student selected
Duration	Same partner both ways
Rotations	Every rest stop
Chaperones	Every 5th row

✅ Bus Rules:

• Remain seated
• Indoor voices
• Clean up trash
• Electronics with headphones

Comprehensive supervision system ensures student safety 24/7 throughout the trip.

Time Period	Supervision Structure	Ratio
Day Tours	Group Chaperones	1:10
Museum Visits	Teaching Teams	1:5
Evening Activities	Extended Team	1:8
Overnight	Floor Monitors	1:15

🔒 Safety Protocols:

• Hourly group check-ins
• Name badges required
• Emergency contact system
• GPS tracking available

Multi-layered security approach ensures student safety throughout the trip.

Security Area	Primary Measures	Backup Systems
Transportation	Licensed drivers, GPS tracking	Backup vehicles, 24/7 dispatch
Accommodation	Key cards, security staff	Camera systems, floor monitors
Tours	Group tracking, buddy system	Emergency meetup points, guides
Medical	First aid team, hospital network	Emergency response, air transport

🚨 Emergency Procedures:

• 24/7 emergency contacts
• Local police coordination
• Evacuation plans
• Communication protocols

Students stay at the Hampton Inn Crystal City, chosen for safety, comfort, and proximity to DC attractions.

Accommodation Detail	Specification
Room Type	Quad Occupancy
Beds	Two Queen Beds
Floor Plan	Gender-Separated
Security	24/7 Staff + Cameras

⏰ Daily Schedule:

Time	Activity
6:30 AM	Wake-up
7:00 AM	Breakfast
10:00 PM	Curfew
10:30 PM	Lights Out

Pack comfortable, appropriate clothing for 5 days of walking and various weather conditions.

Category	Items	Notes
Clothing	5 daily outfits, 1 formal outfit	Weather-appropriate
Footwear	2 walking shoes, 1 dress shoe	Well broken-in
Electronics	Phone, charger, battery pack	Limited use
Essentials	Toiletries, medications, ID	TSA compliant

🎒 Baggage Limits:

• One suitcase (50lb max)
• One backpack
• One small personal item

Students must follow school code of conduct plus additional trip-specific rules.

Behavior Area	Expectations
Respect	Sites, guides, peers
Responsibility	Punctuality, preparation
Safety	Following protocols
Cooperation	Group activities

⚠️ Zero Tolerance:

• Leaving assigned groups
• Disrespectful behavior
• Property damage
• Rule violations

Graduated response system based on severity of behavior issues.

Level	Behavior	Consequence
1	Minor infractions	Verbal warning
2	Repeated issues	Parent contact
3	Major violations	Trip privileges revoked
4	Severe incidents	Send home at parent expense

📝 Documentation:

• Incident reports
• Parent notification
• Administrative review

We accommodate various needs through our inclusive trip planning process.

Need Type	Accommodation Examples
Physical	Mobility assistance, rest breaks
Medical	Medicine schedules, dietary needs
Emotional	Quiet spaces, check-ins
Learning	Modified activities, extra time

♿ Available Support:

• Wheelchair accessibility
• Dietary modifications
• Schedule adjustments
• Support staff

Comprehensive support system helps students manage homesickness effectively.

Time	Support Method	Staff
Day	Activity focus	Group leaders
Evening	Group activities	Counselors
Night	Quiet time	Floor monitors

❤️ Support Strategies:

• Buddy system
• Group activities
• Regular check-ins
• Parent updates

Multiple communication channels keep parents informed throughout the trip.

Update Type	Frequency	Platform
Blog Posts	2× daily	School website
Photos	Ongoing	Private gallery
Text Alerts	As needed	Group system
Emergency	Immediate	Phone chain

📱 Communication Schedule:

• Morning departure notice
• Lunchtime check-in
• Evening summary
• Special event alerts