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Pre-Departure Meeting
French Exchange Program
Eastridge High School
March 30, 2010
Materials
Please pick up:– Final Departure Packet– Required Forms– Pen– Refreshments
Please initial the “sign-in” sheet (student AND parent/guardian)
Agenda – 6:30-7:30
Welcome, Introduction, Materials (2 min.)
Contents of Pre-Departure Packet (30 min.)
Forms processing (15 min.)
Questions & Answers (13 min.)
Welcome & Introductions
Candie Black, Trip Organizer– (585) 356-0951 (cell) before 4/5/08– (585) 339-1450 ext. 4013 (work)– (585) 339-1555 ext. 4522 (voicemail)– [email protected]
Additional chaperones– Ellice Amendolare (teacher)– Mary Di Muro (parent)
Contact information!
American participants
16 students
– 2 sophomores
– 6 juniors
– 8 seniors
3 chaperones
American participants
French participants
16 host students
4 students w/o American visitors
2 chaperones
French participants
School – Lycée Saint Martin
31, rue d’Antrain, 35706 Rennes FRANCE
Telephone: 001-33-2-99-84-16-16
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.lycee-stmartin-rennes.org/
Travel Itinerary – Overview
4/11 – Depart Rochester
4/12-4/17 – Rennes
4/17-4/20 – Paris
4/20 – Return Rochester
Monday – 4/11/11
Arrive at the Rochester International Airport – upper “departures” level 12:45 p.m. with luggage & passport
Check luggage @ airline counter
Goodbyes & security check
2:55 p.m. - Depart flight #4346N, Rochester-Chicago – arrive 3:50 p.m
Early dinner @ airport
5:55 p.m. – depart flight #42N, Chicago-Paris, arrive the next day 9:20 a.m.
Tuesday – 4/12/11
Deplane, baggage claim, customs
Transfer to train station at airport
Depart Paris train station TGV #5214 @ 10:28 a.m. to Rennes
Lunch on train
Arrive at Rennes train station @ 1:27 p.m.
Tuesday – 4/12/11
French students to pick up Americans at train station – take metro to drop suitcases off @ the high school
2:00 p.m. “Crêperie” + walking tour of downtown Rennes and the Thabor park (French students go to class.)
5:00-6:00 p.m. French students will pick up Americans and their suitcases and bring them home. Dinner, unpack, shower, sleep
Wednesday – 4/13/11
8:00 a.m. – students arrive at the high school – debriefing
8:30 – French and American students leave by bus to visit the seaside town of St. Malo (fortified city, ramparts, Sillon beaches)
Wednesday – 4/13/11
Picnic lunch in St. Malo
Afternoon visit to the Mont St. Michel (fortress built on a mountain)
6:00 p.m. – students return to high school
Evening with families
Thursday – 4/14/11
8:00 – Welcome breakfast at the high school
9:00-10:00 American students go to classes
11:00 Mayoral reception at city hall
Thursday – 4/14/11
12:00 Lunch
1:00-? American students go to classes
Evening with families
Friday – 4/15/11
8:30 – Americans leave for a tour of the Normandy coast (American Cemetery, the D-day beach)
Picnic lunch
6:00 p.m. – students return to high school
Evening with families
Saturday – 4/16/11
Family day – suggested activities include the public market (Marché des Lices) in downtown Rennes, Cancale, Dinan, etc…
American students pack their suitcases this evening
Sunday – 4/17/11
7:30 a.m. – French and American students meet at the Rennes train station with luggage and passports
Final goodbyes
8:05 a.m. – train leaves Rennes for Paris – TGV 8014
Sunday – 4/17/11
10:25 – train arrives Paris (Montparnasse station)
Transfer to hotel via metro/walking
Check-in/relax
Lunch (packed lunch)
Siteseeing in Paris
Dinner
Monday & Tuesday – 4/18-19
Breakfast by 8:00 a.m. each morning
Students down in lobby by 9:00 a.m. each morning
Sightseeing as determined by students from 9:00-12:00
Lunch together
Monday & Tuesday – 4/18-19
Free time for shopping
Sightseeing
Dinner
Sightseeing
Return to hotel by 11:00 p.m.
Students in their own rooms and QUIET by midnight
Wednesday – 4/20
8:00 - breakfast with bags packed the prior evening
9:00 - depart hotel via metro for airport
12:15 p.m. - flight #41N, Paris-Chicago
2:25 p.m. - plane arrives at the Chicago airport
Wednesday – 4/20
Deplane, baggage claim, customs
Dinner in airport
4:55 p.m. – flight #3917N, Chicago-Rochester, arrives 7:30 p.m.
Families pick up their students @ baggage claim
Hotel Aviatic – 4/17-20
10, rue Brezin, Paris
Telephone: 011-33-1-45-40-59-75
Fax: 011-33-1-45-40-67-48
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.paris35.com/2511/paris-hostel-1061-hotel-aviatic.html
Hotel Aviatic – 4/17-20
Emergency Contact #s
In the event of an emergency, the 1st person to contact in the event of an emergency is: Candie Black
– Now until 4/11: (585) 356-0951 (Verizon cell – anytime, day or night)
– From 4/12-4/16: Christèle Josso (English speaker) 011-33-2-99-55-35-12.
Emergency Contact #s
If you are unable to reach me in the event of an emergency, the secondary contact is: Ellice Amendolare
– From 4/12-4/16: Annie Frioux (English speaker) 011-33-2-99-00-18-53
Emergency Contact #s
You may call Mrs. Mary Grow, our principal, during regular school hours (585) 339-1450 and she will be able to get in touch with me.
Emergency Contact #s
From 4/17-4/20, the only method of getting in touch with us is email or by calling the hotel directly at:
011-33-1-45-40-59-75
(l’Hôtel Aviatic)
Calling tree
When the calling tree needs to be used (for instance, to indicate a change in any travel plans) I will call the 1st person’s parent (Bri Bailey), who will, in turn, call the next person, and so forth and so on.
Calling tree
Please do not break the chain. If the person you are calling does not answer, leave a message (if possible) and then call the next person on the list.
Please keep the calling tree in a safe and convenient place (such as on the refrigerator).
In the event of an emergency in France, I will start the calling tree with any pertinent information.
How to call France
French phone numbers have 8 digits (to call within France) separated by periods (and 10 when the city code is added).
To get out of the U.S., you dial 011…
…next the country code (France = 33)..
…next the city code (Paris = 1, Rennes = 2)*
…the 8 digit #
*often the number is quoted with a zero before the city code - omit this when dialing.
011 – 33 – 2 – 99 – 55 – 35 - 12
How to call France
When the French person answers the phone, he/she will say “Allô?”– If you can speak French, do so. “Bonjour.
Je voudrais parler à Megan, s’il vous plaît.”– Remember there is a 6-hour time
difference between the US & France, so if you are calling at 6:00 p.m., it is midnight in France.
How to call France
– If you can’t speak French, just say your student’s name - the family will understand that you are calling from the U.S. and will get your student if he/she is home.
– “Emily n’est pas là.” (pronounced Em-MEE-lee nay pa la) is what the person answering the phone will say if your student is not at home.
How to call France
– Students should NOT use the family’s phone OR their hotel room phones to call the U.S.!
– The ONLY exception is that the French family will allow their American students to call home briefly on the day they arrive to confirm with you that he/she has arrived safely.
How to call France
If the student needs to speak with their American family during the trip, they should purchase phone cards available in France to use in public phones.
Best option: EMAIL YOUR FAMILY and enjoy the absence of the cell phone!!
Weather in Rennes/Paris
Website: http://www.weather.com/weather/5-day/Rennes+France+FRXX0114
Insert weather graphic from this site the Monday before the meeting.
Weather in Rennes/Paris
Usually 10 degrees warmer than Rochester in early to mid spring.
Students should dress in layers that can be easily added or removed depending on the weather & activity.
A jacket and a sweatshirt are musts! Scarves are a great idea (and very chic for both men and women).
Packing list
1 checked piece of luggage (preferably with wheels) that the student can manage carrying moderate distances.
– RULE: If a student CANNOT carry the piece of luggage up a flight of stairs by himself/herself fairly easily, it is TOO HEAVY – take some things OUT!
– Weight limit applies: lbs
Packing list
1 carry-on
– Book, iPod/mp3 player, snacks, medication
– Must fit under seat or in overhead bin of plane
– Should contain valuables (money, passport) and one change of clothing in case luggage is lost.
General packing recommendations
Bring comfortable clothes & shoes
Do NOT bring anything that you would be heartbroken if lost.
Bring as little as possible (mix-n-match)
Try to avoid clothing that broadcasts your nationality (USA sweatshirts)
Appliances
Camera - yes (digital or regular)
Music device - maybe (mp3 player/iPod)
Laptop – only after careful deliberation and verification that your homeowner’s insurance will cover damage or loss during the trip (including damage due to the electric current difference).
Appliances
Other appliances – hair dryer / flat iron– Try to avoid bringing
these unless absolutely necessary
– They require a special electrical current converter and plug adaptor
Appliances
Remember…
The LESS you bring, the HAPPIER you will be.
You will be traveling with your luggage from airports to trains to metro stations and then on foot for short distances.
Layout everything you want to bring and then only pack HALF!
Money
How much?
– $200 or more (this is for spending only - all other costs are prepaid)
What will my student spend money on?
– Gifts for family & friends back home
– Souvenirs
Money
What form?
– Pre-paid card (such as a Visa bucks card) or bank credit card
• Be sure to read the fine print – Can the card be used outside of the U.S.?
• If you want to be able to take money out of an ATM, you will need to request a PIN (personal identification number).
Money
Advantages/disadvantages
+ Can be cancelled if lost or stolen
+ Can be reloaded with additional funds by parents in U.S. for use in France.
Money
What form?
– Traveler’s checks
+ can be cancelled if lost/stolen
- Requires passport to cash/use
Money
What form?
– Currency
+ most acceptable
-easy to lose/cannot be replaced
-fee to change back to dollars
Passports
Your passport is the only proof you have of your valuable American citizenship.
Know where it is at all times.
Passports
All students have provided me with a copy of their passports and should put another copy in their checked luggage.
A third copy should be kept by your parents.
Passports
I will hold on to students’ passports from the time we touch down in France to the time we leave.
Exception – students who bring traveler’s checks need to carry their passports when cashing a check.
Budget
Insert budget spreadsheet
Required Forms
There are 7 forms that you need to have on record with me prior to departure
– Emergency Contact form
– FT-3: Permission to participate
– FT-4A: Field Medical Trip Waiver
– FT-4B: Medical Permission for Overnight Field Trip – Parent
– FT-4C: Medical Permission for Overnight Field Trip – Physician
– FT-7: Field Trip Permission / Private Transportation
– FT-8: Student Conduct
Forms
Emergency Contact form
– Check all information for accuracy
– Fill in any blank information
Purpose – contact information in case of emergency
Forms
FT-3: Permission to participate in a field trip
– Fill out top ½
Purpose – gives permission for your student to participate in field trip
Forms
FT-4A: Field Medical Trip Waiver
Purpose – gives permission to receive medical care while on the field trip.
Forms
FT-4B: Medical Permission for Overnight Field Trip – Parent
Purpose – gives permission to receive medical care while on an overnight field trip.
Forms
FT-4C: Medical Permission for Overnight Field Trip – Physician
Purpose – gives permission to carry/administer medication while on an overnight field trip.
Forms
FT-7: Field Trip Permission / Private Transportation
Purpose – gives permission for student to travel in private via non-district transportation (private & public).
Emergency Medical Treatment
If student requires medical attention during trip, every attempt will be made to contact you (as well as the others listed on your Emergency Contact Form) immediately.
If medical services are needed, they will be paid for and then you will reimburse me immediately upon return to U.S. (and then you will go through your insurance company to be reimbursed).
Forms
FT-8: Student Conduct
Purpose – clarify expectations for student behavior while on trip
Code of Conduct
Student will participate in activities with their French hosts.
Student will be mature & courteous.
Student will obey family/school rules.
Student will NOT drive any vehicles.
Student will not purchase, use or have in their possession cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products.
Code of Conduct
Student will not purchase, use or have in their possession any drug/narcotic, unless prescribed by a medical professional.
Student will not purchase, abuse or have in their possession any alcoholic drinks.
Alcohol
Your student WILL be offered wine at dinner by their host families as part of the cultural experience.
Your student IS of legal age in France to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
The school has a zero tolerance policy for abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco products while on school trips.
It happened in Fairport…
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/Fairport-Students-Suspended-After-Class-Trip/A3TfLGxUjEGlnIQYnA1o-w.cspx
Moral of the storyMoral of the story: Your parents and you have worked hard and paid a lot of money for you to participate in this trip. Don’t ruin it by breaking school rules that you knew about ahead of time!
Alcohol
So how we will reconcile such a situation?
(1) You must make your expectations extremely clear to your student about the consumption of alcoholic beverages during this trip.
Alcohol
(2) Students found to have abused tobacco products, alcohol, or drugs during the trip will be referred to the principal for a Superintendent’s hearing that will result in disciplinary consequences as if the student had consumed said products on school grounds.
Other behaviors…
Faced with sudden freedom, your student may be tempted to engage in other behaviors, that while not specifically addressed in the code of conduct or school policy, should nonetheless be discussed between parents and students prior to departure including, but not limited to, getting tattoos or body piercing.
Other behaviors…
These behaviors are inherently dangerous and neither the school district nor any of the chaperones accompanying the group take any responsibility, financial or otherwise, if a student engages in them while on the trip.
PARENTS: TELL YOUR STUDENT WHAT YOUR EXPECTATIONS ARE FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR!!
Discipline
In the event your student engages in inappropriate behavior during the trip at any time, you will be contacted IMMEDIATELY, regardless of the time of day.
Inappropriate behavior
smoking,
abusing alcohol of ANY kind,
abusing a controlled substance,
engaging in sexual behavior,
causing bodily harm to another individual or damage to another’s property,
being insubordinate towards a chaperone or disrespectful to another member of the group.
Discipline
These actions committed once are grounds for disciplinary action and will be reported to Mrs. Grow, the Board of Education and the Superintendent upon our return!!!
Addendum A - France
Paris
Brittany
Normandy
Addendum C – Detailed Packing List
Questions?
