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In This Meeting…

Our Trip and all that we’re going to see and do

What’s Included in our travel program

Our Travel Partner WorldStrides and why we are so excited to work with them

How to Sign Up for this incredible opportunity

School Information

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Deliver the�Deepest Learning

LEAP into action: Learning through Exploring and Actively Participating
Our trademarked learning-by-doing philosophy
Dynamic approach full of hands-on activities and fun

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Our Trip Includes

Hotel Accommodations In Nashville, TN (Occupancy: 4 per room)
Transportation to & from our destination and throughout the trip by Motor Coach Bus
Meals (Dietary needs will be accommodated)
Attractions & Activities
Course Leader
Academic Credit
Educational Journals
Safety and Support

Trip Dates:

Saturday, March 14th through

Monday, March 16, 2026

Cost of Trip: $1,059.00

Trip Deposit: $115.00

Deposit Due Date: November 21, 2025

Final Payment Due: January 7, 2026

Optional Refund Protection Program

Available For An Additional Cost of

$147.00

Flexible Payment Plan Available.

All Payment Questions Should Be Directed To WorldStrides.�

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A Trip To Remember!

Ryman Auditorium

Centennial Park & The Parthenon

Fisk

University

Music Row

Tennessee State Museum

Tennessee State Capitol

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A Trip To Remember!

Nashville Zoo

Nashville’s Adventure

Science Center

Sudekum Planetarium

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

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Sample �Itinerary:

Day 1: Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Music City Walk of Fame Park

Ryman Auditorium

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Day 2: Music Row

RCA Studio B

Nashville Zoo

Fisk University College Tour

Day 3: Centennial Park & Parthenon

Tennessee State Museum

Tennessee State Capitol

Adventure Science Center & Sudekum

Planetarium and Laser Show

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Students are not permitted to enter each other’s rooms.

Alcohol, smoking, drugs, and/or weapons are forbidden.

Abuse, defacement and/or theft of property or facilities is strictly prohibited.

Students will respect the diversity of opinions expressed by other students and speakers.

Middle School Rules and Expectations

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Students are expected to comply with applicable District 97 policies and procedures, including the Student Code of Conduct and Student Behavior Expectations as outlined in the District 97 Student & Family Handbook.

Student behaviors at a Level 3 or above may result in student being removed from the trip.

Participation in a District 97 field trip is a privilege and the District may revoke or modify my student’s privilege at any time for not complying with behavioral expectations. If a student needs to return home, it will be at the expense of the parent.

Middle School Rules and Expectations

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To ensure safety, students must be able to redirect behavior and follow adult directions or requests throughout the school day.

To ensure student accountability, students should consistently demonstrate responsibility through regular class attendance and limited tardies throughout the school day.

Student must be in good standing, in accordance to behavior expectations, as outlined in the Oak Park School District 97 Student/Family Handbook. Any student who does not adhere to the behavior expectations in the handbook may be removed from the end of year field trip/travel opportunity, even past the date of eligible refunds.

Middle School Eligibility

Travel and End-of-year field trips are a great privilege we love affording our students to celebrate their achievements. However, certain requirements must be met for a student to be considered eligible for participation in these excursions to ensure we are focused on our main priority and goal: a well-rounded and rigorous education.

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Middle School Student Behavior Expectations

Keep in mind the 3BEs while we are on the trip.

Be Respectful

Be Responsible

Be Safe

Most of these expectations translate to other locations!

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Cell Phone Policy

Students are welcome to bring cell phones on the trip! However, no cell phones are allowed in student hotel rooms overnight.

Chaperones will collect student cell phones at the end of each day.

Phones will be charged overnight and returned to the students each morning.

PLEASE pack a cell phone charger. Chaperones will have power strips to charge the devices, but they will not have extra phone chargers.

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WorldStrides

Supervision and Security

24/7 supervision including a Course Leader and Night Chaperones to conduct room checks on each hotel hallway and keep watch throughout the night (11PM – 5AM).

Program Leaders have previous educational background/experience and continuous training throughout the year. Criminal background checks are performed for all program leaders.

Students will wear WorldStrides nametags with an emergency hotline number that is staffed 24/7.

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Chaperone Roles

Chaperones are expected to be familiar with the District 97 Family & Student Handbook-Prohibited Student Conduct (pages 52-63).
Any violations of school rules and/or district regulations will be reported to the School Administrator immediately. All discipline issues will be handled by the School Administrator or other school representative.
The authority of chaperones is limited to general supervision of students, guidance and assistance of students in demonstrating safe and acceptable behavior. If a student fails to demonstrate acceptable student behavior, the chaperone will contact the School Administrator.

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Chaperone Roles

Chaperones may not use or possess alcohol or other drugs.

May not use tobacco in the presence of or within the sight of students.

May not administer any medications, prescription or non-prescription, to students (with the exception of an administrator and/or chaperones who are doctors or nurses).

Chaperones must be on time for activities, stay with their student group at all times, and be good role models.

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Meals & Dietary

Breakfast: Hot buffet in hotel.

Other meals: Cafeterias, food courts, sit-down restaurants. Always plenty of options!

Students will be provided with vouchers or debit cards at the time of each meal when necessary.

Please be sure to inform us of any allergies or dietary needs. This information will be requested closer to travel time

WorldStrides & District 97 have a nut-free policy, but meals will be provided in public spaces that do not.

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Students should not take medication during school hours or during school related activities unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child and otherwise follow the district’s procedures on dispensing medication.

No district employee shall administer medication to any student, or supervise a student’s medication self-administration of, any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Form (SMA Form) is submitted by the student’s parent/guardian. This form will be included in a packet along with other important travel documents which will be released closer time to travel. No student shall possess or consume any prescription of non-prescription medication on school grounds or at a school-related function other than as provided for by Board Policy 7:270 (Administering Medicines to Students).

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Medical Information

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Students are only allowed to have medication that is accompanied by a School Medication Authorization Form (SMA Form). This includes ibuprofen, Tylenol, melatonin, etc.

�The District 97 School Administrator and/or chaperones who are doctors/nurses will dispense student medication.

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Medical Information

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All medication to be taken by the student during the trip must be:

Packed in a large Ziplock bag and labeled with the student’s name and date of birth.�A School Medication Authorization Form must be completed by your physician for all medications and over-the counter medications being administered to the student. Over-the-counter medication includes vitamins/supplements, cough drops Tylenol and/or Motrin, etc. Completed form should be placed inside of the large Ziplock bag. *Please include a copy of your student’s Action Plan in the bag, if applicable.

All medications should be in the original pharmacy prescription labeled container or a sealed as purchased over the counter container. Loose medication will not be accepted.

All medication must be submitted to the Nurse’s Office prior to departure. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 6, 2026. Parent’s must pick up medication after we return from trip. No medication will be returned to the student.

All WorldStrides forms and proof of insurance (front and back of insurance card) must be completed and submitted to Ms. Melissa by Friday, March 6, 2026. This information is required all trip participants. Without these items, your student may not be able to participate.

Medical Information

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Please take some time to talk to your child about the following:

Responsibility while traveling and visiting sites

Behavior in public spaces, especially monuments

and memorials

Respecting chaperones, each other and opinions of

others

Being active and engaged with their group

Healthy eating habits

Review D97 Student & Family Handbook-Student

Behavior Expectations (Prohibited Student Conduct

p. 52-63)

Preparing Your Child For The Trip

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What To Wear

Casual and comfortable clothing is appropriate for most of program; please follow the dress code outlined by your school.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must!

The weather can be unpredictable. As long as it is safe, we will do all activities as planned, rain or shine, so make sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella!

Each student is allowed one piece of carry-on luggage (size comparable to what is used for flights) and a small backpack or purse. Please be sure your student’s luggage has a luggage tag for identification purposes.

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What to Pack

Season-appropriate clothing (one set per day)
Windproof/Waterproof Jacket
Undergarments/socks
Comfortable Shoes
Hat (for sun protection)
Spending money for snacks and souvenirs.
Sunscreen
Sunglasses

Cell phone and charger and cord. Charger should be labeled with your student’s name. We will not have extra chargers on hand.
Toiletries
Small backpack or daypack
Water bottle
Alcohol based hand sanitizer
Disinfectant wipes

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Financial Assistance

Oak Park District 97:

Financial Assistance is available for those who qualify.

If you are in need of financial assistance, please call your student’s school first before contacting WorldStrides regarding financial assistance.

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WorldStrides:�FLAG�Financial Assistance

More than $2.5 million in financial assistance given out each year
Families with an annual adjusted gross income of $85,000 or less may qualify
Learn how much may be available to you by calling 800-468-5899

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Brooks Contact Information:

Julian Contact Information:

Minerva Colbert

Phone: 708-524-7514

Email: mcolbert@op97.org

Echelon Jackson

Phone: 708-524-7512

Email: ejackson@op97.org

Looking Forward To Nashville!!

We will notify you once the registration portal is open.