8Th Grade Field Trip to Savannah

Lovinggood Middle School

8th Grade Field Trip to Savannah

May 10 – May 13, 2018

The Purpose of this field experience: Our school mission states that we are here to educate and build character in the total child. Statistics show that enriching field experiences positively contribute to student development. It is also a goal of our school to allow authentic experiences that enhance critical thinking. Any trip we take at Lovinggood is an extension of the classroom.

Enclosed you will find information regarding several topics including: Trip Itinerary, What to Bring, Dress Code, Behavior Guidelines on the trip/Code of Conduct, Behavior Expectations BEFORE the trip, Chaperoning, Trip Cost and Payment Schedule and Forms. The following forms are included in the packet:

oBehavior Guideline Acceptance Form

oCode of Conduct

oStudent/Parent intent form (MUST BE RETURNED WITH TRIP DEPOSIT BY Monday October 16th). – Mr. House/Mrs. Ballew will notify chaperone acceptance by Wednesday October 18th

Please return all FORMS by Monday October 16th.

Savannah TENTATIVE Itinerary

Arrive Depart

Thursday, May 11, 2017

5:00 am 6:00amDepart from the Lovinggood Middle School.

11:45am 12:45pmArrive in Savannah. A pizza picnic lunch will be served at Ellis Square.

1:00pm 2:30pmGuided tour of the Savannah History Museum.

2:30pm 4:00pmNarrated trolley tour of the Historic District.

4:30pm 6:45pmCheck into the Hampton Inn at I-95 and Abercorn.

7:15pm 8:15pm Gather at Ellis Square. Dinner will be catered by Longhorn’s.

9:00pm 11:00pm Savannah Riverboat Moonlight Dance Cruise.

11:30pm Return to the hotel.

Friday, May 12, 2017

9:00am 9:45amBreakfast will be served at the Barnes Family Restaurant/Golden Corral.

10:15am 12:30pmArrive Mighty 8th Air Force Museum for guided tour.

12:30 pm 1:15 pm Boxed lunch by Roly Poly at Mighty 8th.

1:45 pm 6:00pmSelf-guided tour of some of Savannah’s famous squares to include Monterey, Orleans, Chippewa, Wright, Oglethorpe, and Columbia Squares

6:00 pm 6:30pmVisit Forsythe Park.

7:00 pm 9:30 pm Star Castle Entertainment (roller skating, games, laser tag, etc.)

10:00pm Return to the hotel.

Saturday, May 13, 2017

7:45am 8:30amBreakfast will be served Golden Corral./Barnes Family Restaurant.

9:00am 1:00pm Visit the Wormsloe Plantation for an introductory video and ranger guided activities which groups will rotate through.

12:00pm 12:30pm Lunch at Wormsloe Plantation catered by Baldino’s

1:00pm 2:00pm Narrated talk and tour at the First African Baptist Church

3:00pm 5:00pm Return to the hotel to prepare for dinner.

5:30pm 7:00pm Dinner will be served at The Pirate’s House Restaurant.

7:30pm 10:00pm Arrive at the Savannah Theatre for a performance of “Savannah Live”

10:45pm Return to the hotel.

Sunday, May 14, 2017

7:00 am 8:00 am Breakfast at the hotel

8:30 am Depart the hotel.

1:30pm Return to Lovinggood Middle School.

WHAT TO BRING

STORAGE SPACE IS AT A PREMIUM! Work with your roommates to pack only the essential items, without duplication. You are limited to one medium suitcase, one carry-on, and a case of water.

NO ONE WILL CARRY YOUR BELONGINGS. PACK ONLY WHAT YOU CAN CARRY!

THINGS TO BRING:

*Snacks and drinks for bus trip (Drinks must be screw top.)

*Appropriate comfortable/casual clothes for walking.

*A favorite pillow and/or blanket for sleep on the bus and/or room.

*Personal items. Work with your roommates here to share items and have less to pack.

*Camera

*Cell-Phones and chargers

*Battery Brick for cell phone

*Sunscreen!

* Water!!!

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

The cost of the trip includes everything on the itinerary. You will only need money for souvenirs.

DO NOT BRING: Anything you can’t afford to lose or you would be disappointed about if it disappeared.

DRESS CODE

Two-finger width sleeveless shirts are acceptable. Racerback tank tops and tube tops are not allowed.

“Cheerleading” type knit shorts ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE!

Shorts length – We will adhere to the Lovinggood PE/Athletic sShorts dress code. Reminder, shorts must be longer than the length of the shirt worn untucked!

• No shorts may be turned down at the waist!

Apparel that advertises substances illegal to minors or that contains sexual double entendres or innuendoes is not allowed.

ANYTHING that could be seen as questionable or explicit to others is not allowed.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT- SAVANNAH TRIP

In preparation for the Savannah trip, it is important that each of you read, understand, and comply with all rules and behavioral guidelines as stated in this form. All students and parents must realize that all Cobb County Board of Education rules and regulations are in effect during the trip. Any student who violates a Cobb County Board of Education guideline will be disciplined upon return to school in addition to any consequences he/she may face during the trip.

These guidelines are based on concepts of good sense, courtesy, safety and the need to be admirable representatives for the well-being of the students during this trip. There are certain restrictions and limitations we must place on your activities that might not apply on a “family trip”. Our goal is to make this event a curricular experience that enhances the learning of our students while allowing for a enjoyable and rewarding time. Maintaining a safe and positive atmosphere is priority for any field experience, especially an overnight trip. We expect and demand nothing but the very best behavior, a representation of excellence, honor and service.

1.I realize that I represent my family, my school and my community while on this trip and I will conduct myself in a responsible manner at all times.

2.I agree that I will only take medications with the permission and under the supervision of the Lovinggood Middle School teachers.

3.I agree to stay out of rooms and areas restricted to member of the opposite sex - nor will I use any type of video chat/calls (i.e. FaceTime/Skype/etc.) into other student rooms.

4.I agree to abide to the same-gender seating rule while traveling to Savannah on Thursday, May 11, 2017 and Sunday, May 14, 2017.

5.I agree to remain in my assigned room from bed check until breakfast.

6.I will NOT take part in destructive pranks, hazing or harassment of any individual at any time. I understand that I will be required to pay for any damage caused by my actions.

7.I will be respectful and considerate of my chaperones, directors, bus drivers, tour guides, classmates, and everyone we encounter on our trip.

8.I agree to stay with my chaperone and pod at all times. I promise not to travel alone at any time.

9.I agree that someone in my group will wear a watch and/or carry a cell phone so that I can abide by all schedules and be on time.

10.I understand the dress code and will be appropriately dressed for all events.

11.I agree not to use or possess fireworks, weapons, tobacco, alcoholic beverages or unauthorized drugs.

12.I understand that I may not enter the room of hotel guests not from our group and that no one from outside our group is to enter our group’s rooms.

13.I will abide by all rules and expectations outlined in the Lovinggood Middle School Student Handbook at all times.

14.I agree to ride the bus with the same seat partner (both coming and going). I agree to spend the entire weekend with the same roommates, even if I suddenly discover that I can’t stand being in the same room with them anymore.

15.I understand that the consequences for negative behavior or breaking any of the above rules will result in restricted freedom or being sent home at family expense.

STUDENTS:

I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT EXPLAINED ABOVE.

Student Signature:______

PARENTS:

I UNDERSTAND THAT MY CHILD IS EXPECTED TO MAINTAIN THE ABOVE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT, AND HAVE REVIEWED THESE EXPECTATIONS WITH HIM/HER.

I FEEL THAT MY CHILD HAS THE MATURITY TO HANDLE THIS RESPONSIBILITY, AND UNDERSTAND THAT FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES ARE GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND COULD RESULT IN MY CHILD BEING SENT HOME AT MY EXPENSE.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______

Behavior Expectations BEFORE the Trip

As we look forward to our spring trip, there are a few expectations that must be followed for students to be allowed to participate.

Students that exhibit repeated behaviors of documented insubordination or disrespect, obtain ISS or OSS for specific codes of conduct that jeopardize the safety and well-being of the student or others will NOT attend the trip. Administration reserves the right to revoke field trip privileges for any inappropriate behaviors not listed above that are not representative of the standards set for our students.

Any student who misses the trip for the reasons listed above will forfeit their $200 deposit.

After March 12th, 2018, any student who becomes ineligible for the trip will NOT be given a monetary refund.

Chaperoning

Several parent chaperones will be needed for this trip; there will be at least one parent chaperone for every eight students participating. Chaperones will be chosen based on previous help with Savannah, need of male vs. female chaperones, willingness to be flexible in the groups you are willing to chaperone, etc. PLEASE INDICATE ON YOUR CHILD’S TRIP INTENT FORM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A CHAPERONE.

DO NOT SEND A DEPOSIT IN TO BE A CHAPERONE UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY MR. HOUSE AND TOLD THAT YOU WILL BE A CHAPERONE. You will be notified by October 18th, with initial deposit due by October 24th.

Following is a list of policies set forth by the Cobb County School System and Lovinggood Middle School that chaperones must abide by while chaperoning the Disney trip. Chaperones should:

refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and/or unauthorized drugs during the course of the activity/field trip.

not distribute any prescription or nonprescription drugs. If a child has a parental/physician authorization, then a designated music teacher will distribute the medication. This includes over the counter headache medication, etc.

contact school personnel if any student is not following the behavior guidelines.

refrain from the use of profanity during the course of the activity/field trip.

Following is a list of procedures the chaperones need to follow during the trip.

In case of an emergency contact: 911 (if applicable), an administrator and/or music director.

If a student must go to the first aid station, go with them. There will be a notebook on file at First Aid with contact information. You must remain with the student until an administrator or director arrives.

Any discipline problems contact: an administrator and teacher lead.

Tape on hotel doors must be applied to only those doors assigned to you. Also, only wake up students from your assigned rooms. Do not remove tape and wake students from other rooms.

Bring cell phone for communication purposes.

Have full knowledge of the school dress code. Students and Chaperones must follow dress code.

If you find a stray student who has wondered away from their group, notify a music teacher and keep them with you until their group is located.

Other Chaperone Matters

While at the hotel, chaperones will be in rooms with one other chaperone. We will provide the opportunity to request roommates but cannot promise you will get your choice.

Trip Cost and Payment Schedule

Student Cost - The total student cost of the trip will be $570. The first deposit of $200 and all forms will be due on Monday, October 16th. Money (check or cash) should be placed in a white, school envelope. Checks should be made out to: LOVINGGOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL, placed into an envelope, labeled with the information below any dropped into any black box around school.

*Payment envelopes should have the following information on the outside:

oSTUDENT NAME & CHAPERONE NAME (If applicable)

oSAVANNAH TRIP

oAMOUNT DEPOSITED

Chaperone Cost -The total student cost of the trip will be $570. The chaperone intent form will be due on Monday, October 16th. Chaperones will be notified by October 18th. Your first deposit of $200 (check or cash) should be placed in a white, school envelope by October 24th, after notification by Mr. House/Mrs. Ballew. Checks should be made out to: LOVINGGOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL, placed into an envelope, labeled with the information below any dropped into any black box around school.

Envelopes should be placed in one of the black school deposit boxes. Do not give money to any teachers. The following are the remaining payments and due dates.

Installment Due Date / Amount
December 4, 2017 / $125.00
January 16, 2018 / $125.00
February 13, 2018 / *Remaining Balance ($120.00 – any fund raising credit)

BEHAVIOR GUIDELINE
ACCEPTANCE FORM

I have read the information about the Lovinggood Middle School 8th Grade Fieldtrip to Savannah 2018 and I accept the behavior and consequences outlined therein and directly below.

Students that exhibit repeated behaviors of documented insubordination or disrespect, obtain ISS or OSS for specific codes of conduct that jeopardize the safety and well-being of the student or others will NOT attend the trip. Administration reserves the right to revoke field trip privileges for any inappropriate behaviors not listed above that are not representative of the standards set for our students.

Any student who misses the trip for the reasons listed above will forfeit their $200 deposit.

After March 12, 2018, any student who becomes ineligible for the trip will NOT be given a monetary refund.

Student Name (Print clearly): ______

Student Signature: ______

Parent Name: ______

Parent Signature: ______

Parent Email and Phone Contacts:______

(e-mail is important as information is mainly sent via this method)

Savannah Trip Student/Chaperone IntentForm

Please complete the following and RETURN WITH YOUR DEPOSIT BY MONDAY, October 16th.

______(student PRINTED name) will be going on the 8th Grade trip to Savannah, GA on May 10 - May 13, 2018.

Enclosed with this intent form is the deposit. We understand that the student deposit of $200 is NOT refundable if the student is not able to go on the trip for any reason.

We understand that students that exhibit repeated behaviors of documented insubordination or disrespect, obtain ISS or OSS for specific codes of conduct that jeopardize the safety and well-being of the student or others will NOT attend the trip. Administration reserves the right to revoke field trip privileges for any inappropriate behaviors not listed above that are not representative of the standards set for our students. He/She may not be allowed to participate in the trip and will not be given a refund past March 12, 2018. (per Lovinggood Administration).

______

Parent SignatureStudent Signature

If a parent/guardian is interested in chaperoning, please complete the following

______

Chaperone Name (printed) Chaperone gender (male or female)

______

Chaperone Email (please print CLEARLY) Chaperone Cell Phone

I agree to the chaperone policies and procedures detailed in the trip information packet.

______

Parent Signature Date

Are you a registered/certified Nurse? Yes _____