Parent Meeting

Thursday March 20,

2014

6pm

Trip Date: April 23rd, 24th, and 25th

Agenda

• Itinerary

• Expectations

• Clothing

• What to Bring

• Medicine

• Parent Help

• Questions

Itinerary

Day 1 – Wednesday, April 23, 2014

6:30 AM Depart from school

1:00 PM Approximate Arrival to Washington DC

Guided Sightseeing of Washington, DC

Your Tour Director, a DC licensed guide, introduces you to the sites where

national policies and political reputations are formed and reformed daily.

WWII & MLK Memorials

3:45 PM Holocaust Memorial Museum Permanent Exhibit

The Permanent Exhibition presents a narrative history using more than 900

artifacts, 70 video monitors, and four theaters that include historic film footage

and eyewitness testimonies. Subject to availability.

7:30 PM Dinner in Washington DC: Carmine’s

8:30 PM Night Sightseeing: Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean War Memorials

Hotel: Sheraton Pentagon, 900 S Orme St. Arlington VA Phone:

703.521.1900

Overnight in Washington DC

Day 2 – Thursday, April 24, 2014

Breakfast in Washington, DC

9:00 AM Arlington National Cemetery

Observe the quiet dignity of Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of more than 200,000 veterans

and their families. At JFK’s gravesite, you’ll see the eternal flame that was originally lit by Jacqueline Kennedy at

her husband’s funeral. You’ll also witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

The United States Marine Corps Memorial

The cast bronze depiction of Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima honors all those who have served in the Marine

Corps since its inception in 1775.

Lunch Included: Potbelly’s Sandwich Works

1:00 PM Visit to the Smithsonian Museums

Today you can explore the National Air and Space Museum, home to milestones in flight, such as the 1903

Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module, Columbia, which orbited the moon while Neil Armstrong and

Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin first walked on the surface in 1969. A stroll through the National Museum of Natural

History will reveal objects as varied as the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond and dinosaur skeletons. The National

Museum of American History traces the cultural history of our nation from the original Star-Spangled Banner-

which inspired the national anthem-to Dorothy’s red slippers from The Wizard of Oz. (Please note: The

museum(s) you visit may vary.)

5:00 PM Dinner in Alexandria, VA: Old Country Buffet

7:00 PM Legends of Alexandria Tour

Take a one hour Legends of Alexandria tour in Old Town, where an 18th-century costumed guide shows you the

way through the streets by lantern and shares ghost stories, legends and folklore about the area!

8:30 PM Night Sightseeing: Jefferson Memorial & FDR Memorial

Overnight in Washington DC

Day 3 – Friday, April 25, 2014

Breakfast in Washington, DC

Photo Stop at The White House

The distinguished symbol of the presidency has been home to every president

since John Adams. Though many used the moniker “White House” to refer to

both the building and the presidential administration, it was Theodore Roosevelt

who made the name official in 1901.

9:00 AM Souvenir Shopping

10:00 AM National Air & Space Museum

12:00 PM The US Capitol Building Tour & Visitor's Center

Visit the U.S. Capitol, the city’s epicenter and the heart of the American

legislature. George Washington laid the first cornerstone for the building in

1793, but the edifice was set on fire in 1814 when British troops marched

through the city. Much of the structure was salvaged, thanks to heavy rains

that quelled the flames, and the Capitol remains the symbol of American

government today. You’ll also explore the Visitor Center. This underground

facility features an exhibition gallery, orientation theaters, a 550-seat cafeteria

and gift shops.

Depart for Home!

Lunch Included: Tour Director distributes $10 each.

Student travelers will: • Follow instructions from all chaperones and tour guides

• Check in with chaperones on a frequent basis

• Pay close attention during attendance/roll call

• Take care of each other

• Never go anywhere alone – Buddy system at all times

• Avoid junk food, energy drinks, and snacks that may upset

their stomach

• Stay with their groups when directed to do so

• Be appropriate on the bus, in the hotel, and on tour

• Be polite

• Learn while having a memorable experience

Clothing

Yes…Yes…Yes…

• Jackets/Rain Gear

• Layers

• Comfortable Clothes

• Shirts with sleeves

• Shorts (appropriate)

• Hats (must be taken off at appropriate

times)

•Comfortable WALKING shoes!

**Dress should be a balance between comfort and

acceptable attire

Clothing

No…No…No….

• Sandals

• Heels

• Flip Flops

• Revealing Clothing

• Tank Tops

• Inappropriate Logos

• Uncomfortable Shoes

What to Bring

Yes…Yes….Yes…. • Personal Music Player/MP3 with headphones

• Books/Magazines

• SUNSCREEN

• Healthy snacks, NOT junk food and candy

• Handheld Video Games

• Snacks for bus and hotel (No Glass or cans-NO

ENERGY DRINKS!)

• Cards/Games

• Small cooler for bus

• DVDs for bus (G, PG, PG-13)

• Camera

• Money for 1 meal, souvenirs and additional

food if necessary ($50)

What Not To Bring

No…No…No…..

• Illegal substances based on HKMS code of

conduct

• Dangerous/harmful objects (Swiss Army

knife, scissors, etc.)

• Video Games or DVD players that connect to

TV

• Expensive jewelry, cameras, electronics

• Junk food, excessive candy, energy drinks or

gum.

Luggage/Bags

• One bag under the bus with clothing – there

will be no access until we arrive at the hotel.

• Carry-on for the bus with snacks and

entertainment (small enough to fit in overhead

compartment)

• No backpacks or large bags carried during the

day.

• Parents are urged to check all luggage prior to

departure.

• Fill out a medicine authorization form for all medical needs – Call Jennifer Papallo if you have any questions at the school.

• Medical forms MUST BE submitted by Friday, April 11, 2014

• Individual letter outlining your child’s medical needs

• Registered Nurse on trip

• Make sure your child is responsible for taking their medications

• No student may carry his/her meds, including over-the-counter medication (Advil, Tylenol, etc.)

• No student may give any medication to another student

Communications

Cell Phones

• Off and put away in the museums – we want

students to interact with each other.

• Phones will be taken when used inappropriately

(pictures without consent, inappropriate content,

tweets, snap chat, etc.)

• Phones are to be used respectfully

How Can you Help?

Talk to your children about:

• Time Management / roll calls

• Healthy eating and drinking choices

• Behavioral Expectations

• Hotel behavior (hallways, rooms, sleep,

noise, phones)

• Security Guards

• Getting sleep in the hotel

• Taking their medication, if necessary

Emergency Phone Numbers

Smithsonian Student Travel 1-800-503-2323 (night)

1-888-333-9756 (day)

Hotel Information

Sheraton Pentagon, 900 S Orme St.

Arlington VA

Phone: 1-703-521-1900

Coach Company DATTCO

Phone: 1-860-229-4878

Neil English 1-860-790-2051 (for emergencies

only please)

Questions?