Attention: Northwoods Park Middle School 8th Grade Parents,

The 8th Grade Staff is sending out this interest survey to parents, guardians, and other interested family members to determine if your student would be interested in attending this trip. Please sign at the end of this form if your child would be willing to participate.

Summary Statement:Crossing Carolina is a 3 day event/field trip open to 8th graders during the second semester. Participation is not linked to a competition or club involvement. Mr. Terry Wyatt and Peggy Pullicino(8thgrade co-chairs) will facilitate the trip and serve as the primary contacts for questions.

Background:

During the 1998-99 school year, 8thgraders at Northwoods Park Middle School began learning about North Carolina through an engaging field trip calledCrossing Carolina. Last year, we renewed that tradition and will continue this year. The trip includes connections to team building, history/social studies, math, science, and language arts. The trip is contingent upon administrative and board approval and feasibility based on interest/participation.

Participants:

NPMS 8thgraders are eligible to participate in the event. The trip will be chaperoned by teachers and parents. (Students not attending the trip will participate in an engaging Crossing Carolina integrated unit at school).

WHEN?:

The 3-day trip will take place in early-May. Arrival time is typically between 5:45 am and 6:30 am on day 1 and the return is from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on day 3 depending on final day activities and traffic.(for 2015-16, the trip is scheduled for May 4, 5, and 6).

Eligibility:

Behavior Incentive Guidelines

The Crossing Carolina trip is educational and also serves as an incentive trip. With this exciting trip in mind, students are asked to focus on their behavior and academics in order to maintain eligibility. For a set window of time consisting of 11 weeks, students who wish to go on the NPMS Crossing Carolina trip MUST have:

·  No ISS or OSS

(for 2015-16, the discipline window is 3/1/16 – 5/3/16) Bus referrals will be handled on an individual basis.

Other Behavior Guidelines

Crossing Carolina is our longest fieldtrip in terms of time and distance and student behavior must be exemplary. School administrators reserve the right to restrict participation due to significant disciplinary profiles (grades 6 – 8) and/or involvement with the juvenile justice system.

Tentative Destinations:

·  NC Zoo – Asheboro

·  http://www.nczoo.org/

·  Asheville Adventure Center

·  http://www.ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/kidzip

·  Biltmore Estate

·  http://biltmore.com/

·  Linville Caverns

·  www.linvillecaverns.com

·  Asheville Tourists Baseball

·  http://theashevilletourists.com

Transportation:

Students, teachers and chaperones will travel by charter bus. Students will be allowed to choose their own seats and they must remain in those seats at all times. Boys and girls will be separated on the bus and chaperones will be seated throughout the bus.

Pre-Trip Procedures:

·  The first payment must be accompanied by a signed medical release form and a signed student-parent agreement, including the initialed student expectations portion.

·  There will be a parent meeting in March 2016 as well as a meeting for chaperones in April 2016.

·  Teachers will share specific guidelines for luggage prior to the trip based upon bus storage capacity. The restrictions may include one small carryon and one larger suitcase.

·  All luggage, coat and pants pockets will be searched by school staff members prior to departure.

·  While students may bring a minimal amount of drinks/sodas and snacks, no open beverages will be permitted past the initial checkpoint. Keep any drinks sealed until departure. Students should dispose of any breakfast/fast food drink cups and open bottles or cans before being searched.

·  Gambling related items are not permitted on the trip.

·  Medicine cannot be transported with students except as outlined in OCS BOE policy. Any student needing medicine during the trip should indicate the need on their medical form. Arrangements should be made with the school nurse for transport purposes.

·  Electronics are limited on the trip due to the availability of space. No gaming systems. Other electronic restrictions will be shared prior to the trip.

·  As with any school event, students can’t be in possession of drugs, alcohol, illegal materials, questionable/unsavory materials, etc. These items will be confiscated, offenders will be restricted from the trip (or returned home), and appropriate school discipline and SRO referral will take place.

Food:

Continental Breakfasts will be provided at the motels. Students may bring a reasonable number of snacks for the trip or extra funds provided by their parents.Evening meals and locations will be finalized once a final tally of attendees have been determined.

Lodging: (We will be staying May 4 and 5 in Asheville, NC location TBD based on availability)

·  Four students per room – students choose their own roommates. Adults will NOT be in the rooms with students, unless a chaperone requests to share a room with his/her child. (There may be an additional charge for rooms with fewer than 4 people). Measures will be taken to ensure that students do not leave their rooms at night.

·  The first payment must be accompanied by a signed medical release form and a signed student-parent agreement, including the initialed student expectations portion.

· 

Dress Code:(YES!! There is a dress code for the field trip!)

This is a school trip and appropriate attire is required. Please adhere to NPMS dress code as explained in the student handbook.

  1. T-shirts are permitted; however, no offensive or suggestive material on any piece of clothing is allowed.
  2. No sleeveless tops or shirts, low necklines, spaghetti straps, shoulder- baring, midriff-baring or revealing tops or open back shirts may be worn.
  3. Modest and appropriate is the goal (no see-through material, no midriff or underwear showing).
  4. Overly short apparel is not permitted.Skirts, skorts and shorts must be fingertip rule, even if leggings are worn.
  5. Tennis shoes, athletic shoes, and sandals are permitted.
  6. No low necklines or tight fitting tops, pants, shorts, etc.
  7. No cut-offs, frays or clothing with holes/slits above three inches above the knee.
  8. No sagging or bagging.
  9. Hats and sunglasses may not be worn inside buildings during the field trip.

Cost & Payments:

·  The estimated cost for the trip is$350.00(for 2015-16).

·  A total cost will be determined once the total number of participants is determined.

·  A payment schedule will be determined with $70 due per payment

o  1st payment in Nov. (for 2015-16, due Nov 6 )

o  2nd payment in Jan.(for 2015-16, due Jan 8)

o  3rd payment in Feb. (for 2015-16, due Feb 5)

o  4th payment in Mar. (for 2015-16, due March 4)

o  5th payment in April. (for 2015-16, due April 8)

·  If actual cost exceeds estimated cost, additional balance will be due with the final/ payment.

Other Cost/Payment Issues:

·  Outstanding balances on school accounts (i.e. media, cafeteria, fees, etc.) must be paid before the final payment is applied to the trip.

·  All money and forms should be turned in to homeroom teachers.

·  If the cost of this trip will prohibit your child from attending, please contact his/her homeroom teacher prior to the end of November.

·  Please make every effort to turn in payments on time or early. If you MUST make a late payment, please notify your child’s homeroom teacher before the due date.

·  If it is necessary for you to request a refund prior to February 26, 2016, for any reason, we will only be able to refund the amount we can get back from deposits.

·  A full refund is NOT guaranteed.

·  All refund requests should be submitted in writing to the student’s homeroom teacher. Please state the reason for the request.

·  No Refunds will be given after February 26, 2016

Behavior Expectations During the Trip:

Although this educational trip is fun, it is still a school event. Students are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Safety is our number one priority. Therefore, it is essential that all students understand and follow the student expectations as listed on the student-parent agreement form. Behavior issues will be addressed individually. Consequences are the same off campus as they are at school (ASD, ISS, OSS). In addition, the student may suffer loss of privileges while on the trip or be sent home.

Financial Help:

If you or someone you know is interested in helping to cover the cost of a deserving student, please contact Mr. Wyatt by e-mail () or Ms. Pullicino by e-mail ( ) .

Chaperones:

·  If you are interested in serving as a chaperone, please indicate it in the appropriate space on the permission slip. The cost of the trip for chaperones is $350. Do NOT send chaperone money now.

·  Chaperones MUST be fingerprinted and approved by Onslow County Schools no later than early March(for 2015-16, March 9).For more information contact Mr. Wyatt or Ms. Pullicino as soon as possible.

·  Chaperones will be required to attend a meeting in mid-April (for 2015-16, Monday, April 18 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm).

Expectations:

  1. All school rules will be strictly enforced, including appropriate consequences as outlined in the NPMS Student Handbook and the Onslow County Discipline Handbook.
  2. All students are to be in the designated places at the specified times. Students are to make their chaperone aware of their whereabouts at all times. No one should ever go anywhere alone.
  3. At no time shall any student go into a hotel room that is assigned to or occupied by students of the opposite gender.
  4. Loud talking and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated at any time during the trip (bus, hotel, various stops, etc.).
  5. All students will be respectful to other students, chaperones, and all personnel on the trip (drivers, tour guides, etc.).
  6. There will be no horseplay at any time. Students must keep their hands, feet, etc. themselves at all times.
  7. Public displays of affection (hugging, kissing, hand holding) are not permitted at any time in any location.
  8. If a cell phone abuse or questionable use is seen or heard by any chaperone, it will be taken away for the duration of the trip. Absolutely no cell phones at events when directions are posted against their use, including pictures. Inappropriate messages/texts/pictures will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly (may include removal from the trip). If the situation warrants, administration has the right to read and review any texts and/or pictures on cell phones that are confiscated.
  9. Any student who leaves the group, misses a curfew, uses profanity, is caught with alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, or who misbehaves persistently will be removed from the trip immediately. The student’s parents will be contacted and immediate transportation arrangements must be made at parent’s expense.
  10. Students have a responsibility to inform a teacher or chaperone if any medical or otherwise unacceptable situation arises while on the trip. If something doesn’t seem right – tell an adult.
  11. Students may not have any medication in their possession at any time, unless it is an emergency inhaler with prior approval. All medication, including prescription and over the counter, must be turned in to a teacher and be accompanied by a medical form signed by a doctor.

QUESTIONS?:

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher via email or call the school office to schedule a conference.

Student Name ____________

_____ Yes, my child would be willing to participate in the Crossing the Carolinas Trip.

_____ Yes, my child would be willing to participate in the Crossing the Carolinas Trip (financial assistance).

_____ No, my child would not be willing to participate in the Crossing the Carolinas Trip.

_____ I would be willing to help chaperone and am already approved by the county.

Chaperone Name ______Phone # ______

_____ I would be willing to help chaperone and need to get approved by the county prior to March 5.

Chaperone Name ______Phone # ______

Every student must return this form by October 17, even if you are not planning on attending the trip.

Crossing Carolina 2016

Student/Parent Agreement

Student:

I, ______, have read and completely understand all rules, procedures, and guidelines for the Crossing Carolina field trip. I further understand that if I violate any rules I will receive the appropriate punishment (to possibly include ASD, ISS and/or OSS when we return to school) and that, if it is a serious or repeated infraction, my parents will be notified and I will immediately be removed from the trip.

______

Student Signature Date

Parent:

I, ______, give permission for my child to take part in the Crossing Carolina field trip. I have read the rules and procedures for the trip with my child. I agree that, if necessary, I will provide transportation for my child if he or she must be removed from the trip for any reason.

______

Parent Signature Date

_____ I am interested in serving as a chaperone for the Crossing Carolina trip. All

Chaperones must be approved by OCS Board of Education and fingerprinted prior to March 9, 2016. Please contact me with additional information. (Do not send money now.)

Phone: ______

Please review and initial each of the rules on the next page of this agreement.

Student Name:______

Crossing Carolina 2016

Student Expectations

Parent Student

Initials Initials

______1. All school rules will be strictly enforced, including appropriate consequences as

outlined in the NPMS Student Handbook and the Onslow County Discipline Handbook.

______2. All students are to be in the designated places at the specified times. Students

are to make their chaperone aware of their whereabouts at all times. No one should ever go anywhere alone.

______3. At no time shall any student go into a hotel room that is assigned to or

occupied by students of the opposite gender.

______4. Loud talking and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated at any time during

the trip (bus, hotel, various stops, etc.).

______5. All students will be respectful to other students, chaperones, and all personnel

on the trip (drivers, tour guides, etc.).

______6. There will be no horseplay at any time. Students must keep their hands, feet,