September 4, 2012

Dear 8th Grade Parents and Students:

        The 8th grade is a special year, and one aspect that makes it so special is the opportunity to expand the curriculum through travel and experiential learning. During the first week of school, we presented a slate of February 2013 trips we believe are mission-based, educationally fulfilling, and financially reasonable.  These trips would take place during the week of February 18 - February 24. Attached to this letter, you will find a review of the trips as they were presented, as well as updated sample itineraries.

We are very excited about the opportunities these trips present for your children. We are asking that you and your child commit to a trip by September 21. Additionally, we request that you send in a non-refundable deposit (indicated on the attached itineraries) once your child’s trip choice has been confirmed. On the last page of this packet you will find a table outlining all important deadlines, including due dates for choice of trip, the deposit, and final payment. Meeting these deadlines will ensure our trip leaders can plan the best possible experience for your child.

The trip leaders are always available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have. If you need financial assistance, please contact Kathy Durham at 336-288-2007 x197 or durhamk@canterburygso.org

Sincerely,

David Skeen

Middle School Director

Marine Science Trip to Crystal River, Florida

Two thirds of our Earth is covered by water, and we have mapped more of the galaxy than we have the oceans.  The oceans are one of the most important ecosystems to our planet and learning to scuba dive is one of the first steps in exploring this amazing biome.  This seven-day adventure will focus on the marine biome and the amazing creatures that live in and around water. (Note: All students will need to complete a PADI medical form.  If there are any medical issues identified by a parent than a doctor will need to sign off on their ability to complete the course.  Please see John before signing up if there are questions.)

Chaperones: Stephanie Keaney (former Canterbury Lower School Science Teacher), Wayne Young (Marine Science Teacher, Advanced Scuba Diver, former Canterbury Middle School Head and Science Teacher), Mary Winstead and John Schoultz

Sample Itinerary:

February 18        Depart Canterbury for Florida

February 19        Arrive Crystal River, FL
                Evening pool dive

February 20        Pool dive and first open water dive

February 21        Open water dive

February 22        Snorkel with the Manatee in the Crystal River
                Scuba dive in the unique and beautiful Rainbow River

February 23        Depart Crystal River for Atlanta, GA

February 24         Depart Atlanta for Canterbury School.

Price: $850.  (Cost covers all expenses except a few evening meals.) (Full Payment due February 1, 2013

Deposit: $150 (Needed to pay for textbooks and video. Due September 28, 2012)

A Good Time Doing Good: New Orleans

Learn, Serve, Explore

Eighth graders will have an opportunity to experience a foreign culture right in their own country. Students will work with Hands On for Hurricane Katrina victims around the New Orleans area, giving to those who are still trying to get their lives back from the devastating storm. There will be opportunities to explore the National D-Day Museum, enjoy beignets and jazz, streetcars, as well as a swamp tour in the back bayous. We will stay with host families and churches (depending on the size of the group). This trip will be a life learning adventure that combines service with one of the most unique and fun places in the US.  

Chaperones: Mrs. Fisher (Canterbury Venture Out Director) and Mr. Vogel (Canterbury Social Studies)

Sample Itinerary

Saturday, 2-16        Travel Day from Greensboro to Mississippi Gulf Coast

                                Dinner and evening activity

Sunday, 2-17              Pearl River Eco Swamp Tour

                                Get settled into our Mission House at Woodland Presbyterian

Monday, 2-18         Work with Trinity Christian Community

                                 Dinner Ghost Tour in French Quarter

Tuesday, 2-19         Work with Trinity Christian Community

                                Dinner and Hornets Basketball Game

Wed., 2-20              Work with Trinity Christian Community

World War II Memorial Museum

Thurs., 2-21            Audubon Zoo/ or IMAX Hurricane on the Bayou

                                Head to Atlanta by 1pm

Friday, 2-22            Head Home

                                Arrive by 2:00

Afternoon and Evening plans are flexible by design. Dinner locations to be determined

Price:  $ 650.00   (Final payment due February 1, 2013)

Deposit: $150.00 (Due September 28, 2012)

Georgia On My Mind

During this trip, Canterbury’s Eighth graders will have an opportunity to visit the crossroads of the Southeastern United States, Atlanta, Georgia.  Students will have the opportunity to explore civil rights history as we travel through the Sweet Auburn Historic District, experience the world of broadcast journalism as we tour CNN’s international headquarters, learn the history of a multinational corporation during a visit to the World of Coca-Cola exhibit at the headquarters of Coca-Cola. We will also get a chance to visit the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, the Georgia Aquarium, and hope to make it to the High Museum of Arts, and tour at least one university (Georgia Tech or Emory). This trip will allow students to experience some of the best that one of the nation’s 10 largest cities has to offer.

Chaperone: Fr. Finnin

Sample Itinerary:

February 18        Depart Canterbury at 6:00 a.m. (approximately 6 hour drive)

Lunch and check-in to lodging accommodations

Georgia Aquarium

Dinner

Movie

February 19        Sweet Auburn Historic District

Jimmy Carter Library and Museum

Lunch and Touring/Shopping

CNN Headquarters/Studio

Dinner

Visit Emory/Ga. Tech

February 20        Atlanta History Center

Center for Puppetry Arts

Lunch

High Museum of Art

New World of Coca-Cola

Dinner

Bowling

Pack for early departure the next morning

February 21        Depart for Greensboro ( approximately a 6 hour drive)

Arrive at Canterbury at noon

Price: $350 (Final Payment due February 1, 2013

Deposit: $75 (Due September 28, 2012)

8th Grade Travel Opportunities:  Trip Commitment Form

Directions: Please rank the following February Trips in order of preference.

• Students interested in participating must return this form, signed, to Mr. Skeen by Friday, September 21st.  Priority for trip selection will be given by the order in which the commitment forms are returned. Trip choices will be confirmed on Wednesday, September 26. A non-refundable deposit will be due on Friday, September 28. This allows the trip leaders to plan with confidence the best possible trip for your child.

• In order to be eligible to participate a student must have demonstrated responsible behavior routinely at school and have the personal characteristics and maturity necessary to participate in such a trip.  Any student who has demonstrated struggles in these areas will not be eligible to participate.

• The administration at Canterbury reserves the right to make all final decisions about eligibility after reviewing all pertinent information up to the trip’s departure date. Should a student be considered ineligible a full refund will be issued.  

• Any student who fills out this commitment form will be counted towards the final number that trip leaders use to determine the itinerary of their trips.

I have read and understand the commitment procedures associated with this year’s trips:

Student name ________________________         Parent name _________________________

Signature ___________________________          Signature  __________________________

Date _____________                                                    Date __________________

Important Dates for the Commitment and Payment Process