Washington DC 2023
Carrollton Middle School
GENERAL RULES -- We represent Carrollton Middle School and the larger Carrollton community as we travel. All students are expected to be respectful, considerate and tolerant of other members of the trip, tour guides, chaperones, bus drivers and everyone else with whom we come in contact.
Students are expected to follow school rules as outlined in the student handbook.
School dress code is expected
Appropriate language is expected at all times.
Maintain quiet and respectful behavior while touring monuments, memorials and other government and historical sites.
Students assume full responsibility for all valuables taken on the trip. DO NOT leave valuables in your hotel room while touring.
You may carry your cell phone throughout the duration of your trip. Please note: courteous cell phone behavior is expected. Using the cell phone inappropriately will not be tolerated and may result in loss of cell phone privileges for the duration of the trip.
YOUR SAFETY IS OUR UTMOST PRIORITY.
You are expected to stay with your designated chaperone/small group when we are not traveling as a large group. You MAY NOT switch groups.
NEVER TRAVEL ANYWHERE ALONE.
BUS BEHAVIOR--
Students are always expected to remain seated while the bus is in motion. Students will have assigned seats and need to be in those seats at all times. Do not sit in the aisle.
Keep the bus clean. All trash needs to be deposited in the trash bag when exiting the bus. IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHAPERONES OR THE BUS DRIVER TO CLEAN UP AFTER YOU.
It is important that you enter and exit the bus quickly and go straight to your assigned seat. Attendance will be taken each time we return to the bus.
Students are expected to bring only what luggage they can carry (one suitcase and one carry-on bag), and possibly a blanket and small pillow for the bus.
Luggage should be tagged with the student’s name. Luggage may be inspected at any time.
When a tour guide, chaperone, or bus driver is speaking to the group, students must remove airpods/headphones.
During nighttime driving, the interior lights will be off.
HOTEL RULES --Remember, we are not the only guests in the hotel. Noise travels easily from room to room. Horseplay of any kind will not be tolerated in the hotel.
Students will stay in their own rooms from curfew until breakfast time.
Lights out and quiet time will begin thirty minutes after we return to the hotel. Room checks will occur nightly. Security guards will patrol the halls.
Students are not permitted to open adjoining room doors at any time. This is important for the security and safety of our students.
Rooms must be kept neat and will be checked regularly. In addition, all hotel equipment is to be used properly. Students will be responsible for the cost of any damages or missing items (such as towels, clocks, etc.)
Students will not be allowed to access the vending machines at the hotel. You are permitted and encouraged to pack snacks to keep in your hotel room. Pizza (and other take-out type meals) will not be ordered/delivered to the hotel rooms. ENERGY DRINKS OF ANY KIND (for example, Red Bull, Mountain Dew AMP, Monster) ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE TRIP. Please do not pack them. Soda, water, and sports drinks (Gatorade/PowerAde) are permissible.
Things to bring...
CLOTHING
Pack what you will need for the duration of the first day in your carry-on bag. Luggage in your suitcase placed under the bus will not be accessible until late Wednesday night at the hotel.
Be prepared for weather extremes, such as rain or wind with cooler than expected temperatures. To help you in planning clothes for the trip, average temperatures in Washington, DC during the month of October are a high of 70 and a low of 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
Students may wear comfortable clothing appropriate for touring during the trip; normal school attire is required. All clothing must meet the CMS dress code policy. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Boots are strongly discouraged. NO FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS. NO PAJAMA PANTS TO BE WORN OUTSIDE OF HOTEL ROOMS. Athletic pants are permissible.
OTHER CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Rain gear/umbrella –rain ponchos are best if available
Sweater and/or jacket
Pajamas
Backpack or carry-on bag for bus ride
Small pillow and blanket for the bus ride–optional
Spending money (snacks, souvenirs, etc.) –average amount for students is $40-60
Shampoo, comb/brush, toothbrush/toothpaste, soap & deodorant
Cell phone & charger
SPENDING MONEY: Don't forget spending money to purchase souvenirs, snacks, and miscellaneous items if you want to. You may pack snacks for the hotel room if you choose. Again–no energy drinks (RedBull, Monster, etc.).