FAQs Washington DC
On this trip, the 8th graders are ambassadors of our school and community. I have never been so proud as when some of our students went up to World War II veterans at that Memorial, shook their hands and thanked them, all on their own.
$$$$ How much money should my traveler bring? $$$
What will they eat?? Food/meals:
-Breakfast- We have a breakfast buffet each morning at the hotel. The hotel is very good with food allergies and will make special orders when needed.
-Lunch- Places we stop for lunch are on the itinerary..
-Dinners: Students have already ordered from some Friday-box lunch before we leave
-Everything in between: The kids go to places to get snacks, treats, etc. After all, they're growing teens. Most food allergy issues we have seen in the past have been at places like this- where the servers do not know ( have not been informed by Academic Expeditions ) that someone has any food allergies. At places like this, we cannot give notice of food allergies, as kids have some free reign over where they can stop and get something. Workers and servers cannot do anything different if they are not told that the person they are serving has a health issue or allergy. If your son or daughter has an allergy, it is their responsibility to voice their needs to servers at places not on our itinerary, or at a food court.
Cell Phones-They can call you each night and send you pictures, so we do not want to ban them. However, it seems every year students get in trouble. Your student's phone will be taken if:
- they take pictures of and post inappropriate material
-they send inappropriate texts, etc.
-they refuse to show/give their phone to a chaperone if asked to do so
Trouble often occurs back at the hotel, when we have some down time. I advise that once in for the night, students do not take any photos or videos in the hotel rooms. Save it for sightseeing. Following this rule will help prevent almost any incident or trouble. They're supposed to have someone's permission to take, share and post a photo.
If a student gets in trouble with phone usage, their phone will be taken for the trip. They will be able to call home at night or in the morning (while standing next to a chaperone), but that's it. Phones are a privilege.
What is expected as far as behavior
Behavior- Exemplary behavior is expected the entire time. Inappropriate cell usage or behavior can and has resulted in students having to remain with chaperones.
Students are expected to be especially polite and respectful at places people visit for remembrance, such as Arlington National Cemetery, The U.S. Holocaust Memorial, The Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial.
We are in a working and functioning city. People are going to work, or rushing to get their lunch. Our students need to be aware as we walk on the streets, in the buildings, and go about our tour. Students are to stay away from anyone not part of our tour.
MORE EXPECTATIONS:
-Students should never be alone.
-Students need to listen to all chaperones and tour guides at all times. We need to move 100 people rapidly.
-Students must be punctual and be where we ask them to be. If they are allowed to explore, say, parts of the Smithsonian without a chaperone next to them, and we ask them to meet at 2 at the main entrance, they need to be there. They all have phones- they can set alarms, drop pins, use navigation.
Yes, the students do get some time to be on their own. Places where this happens:
--After dinner in Old Town Alexandria. Before the walking tour, they can go to some of the shops/ ice cream stores.
--After the tour of Washington's house at Mt. Vernon. They can walk the grounds, see the baby goats, go down by the river, etc.
--at the Smithsonian Museums
Hotel Expectations: We are all usually wiped after long days where we walk upwards to 10/11 miles a day at times. When they get back to the hotel, they go to their rooms. They are not allowed in any other room for any reason. They cannot hang out in the halls. There are other guests on our floors. The expectation is they go to their rooms and settle down. The next day will be long and tiring again. ACADEMIC provides security on floors with our students. Security guards are in the halls about 10 until 6AM.
--Students must treat the hotel room with respect.
--Students must behave while in the hotel.
--Students must take care of the bus, and behave while on the bus.