WLMS 8^th Grade Trip Information

Washington, DC

April 30 – May 2

Dear Parents and Students,

Plans are currently underway for our Eighth Grade Trip to Washington, DC.  This letter should provide you with the information you will need to plan for this trip.  We want as many students as possible to participate in this valuable learning experience. Please feel free to ask any questions you have about the trip to the eighth grade teachers.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR TRIP

Wednesday, April 30

Leave approximately 6:30 am

Ride charter bus to Washington

Air and Space Museum

Tour Memorials

Have dinner at Union Station

Thursday, May 1

National Zoo

National Archives Building

Washington National Cathedral

Museum Of Natural History

Arlington National Cemetery

Washington Nationals Baseball Game (depending on Schedule)

Friday, May 2

US Capitol Tour

Depart for Home

WHO CAN GO?

Trip eligibility is determined by a strike system.  When a student receives his/her 6^th strike they become ineligible from the trip.  Strikes are determined by the following:

OSS = Automatic Trip Elimination

ISS (Whole Day Assigned by Office) = 2 strikes

Time Out  (ISS assigned by teacher) = 1 strike

Office Referral = 1 strike

ASD (After School Detention for demerits) = 1 strike

Repeated minor offenses such as four demerits in one nine weeks can add up to six strikes!  If students are unable to follow simple rules and directions we do not feel comfortable taking them on this trip.  While on the trip, we will be representing our school, families, and community and want to make the best impression possible. 

COST OF TRIP

The cost of the trip this year is $335.  This price includes the cost of some meals, buses, hotel rooms, and admission to sites included on the trip.  We understand this price may be difficult for some students but we hope it will not keep anyone from going.  We will do our best to help students who need financial support. 

Students will also need money for meals not included in the trip and souvenirs.  Breakfast and one other meal will be provided each day. $50 should cover all additional expenses.

Payment Plan:

Students may pay for their trip in full in December or make the following payments.

November 1^st   $115

February 1^st     $110

March 1^st          $110

$50 of the trip cost is nonrefundable.  If there are difficulties making payments please contact your child’s teacher.

Scholarship Information:

Scholarships for $50 are available from the Caldwell County Education Foundation.  Applications are attached.

ROOMS AND TOUR GROUPS

Students will sleep four to a room.  A few weeks before the trip, students will request their roommates.  Most students will get their requests, but teachers will separate students who should not room together.  Two or three rooms of students will combine to make tour groups.

CHAPERONES

We will have limited space for parent chaperones.  Cost for parents will be the same as for students unless parents wish to room two people to a room.  Parent chaperones will also be required to pay $15 for a background check that is required by the Board Of Education.  Chaperones will be responsible for helping enforce rules and making the trip run smoothly.  Chaperones will be assigned a tour group of students whom they must keep with them at all times.  If you are interested in chaperoning, check the appropriate space on the attached form.  As the trip approaches we will know how many students are going and how much space we have for parents. We will let you know at that time whom our chaperones will be and will have a meeting for those chaperones before the trip.