HOMMOCKS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mamaroneck Public Schools, 130 Hommocks Road, Larchmont, NY 10538 (914) 220-3300

Seth Weitzman Emily Macias-Capellan Rob Andrews

Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal

September, 2017

Dear Parents:

Our annual seventh grade overnight field trip to Sharpe Reservation will take place onThursday and Friday,October 12th and 13th. The two day, one night trip is an opportunity for students to work collaboratively with their teammates to problem solve, build communication and teamwork skills, and participate in investigations of the natural world. Students share family-style meals at the dining halls, bunk in camp style cabins overnight, and participate in countlessmemorable experiences with classmates. The trip to Sharpe Reservation has been a seventh grade highlight for many years.

On Thursday, September 14that 6:30 pm, prior to Back to School night, we have scheduled an evening orientation meeting to acquaint parents with the Sharpe Reservation trip. This meeting will take place in the Hommocks auditorium.

The cost of the trip is $190. The trip cost was increased by $30 to pay for the deposit on next year’s Washington D.C. trip. Please make checks payable to the Hommocks Activity Fund. We have enclosed important information and forms that will require your immediate attention. Please complete and have your child return the forms and payment in person to the assistant principal’s office no later than Thursday, September 28th.

Medication for your child to use at Sharpe Reservation must be brought to Mrs. Jacqueline Sheppard, the Hommocks nurse, by Thursday, September 28th. Please read the “From the Nurse” page that follows this letter for more information. Medication will be delivered to the nurse at Sharpe who will monitor the administration of medication during our stay.

Attached is additional detailed information about the trip. Please notice the checklist of forms that must be completed and returned to school by Thursday, September 28th.

We look forward to a fun, educational experience that children will long remember.

Sincerely,

Dr. Seth Weitzman

Items to be completed and returned:

  • Health Information Form
  • Medication Permission Sheet
  • Attestation and Parent Permission for independent medication carry and use
  • Permission and Behavioral Contract
  • Check for $190 payable to the Hommocks Activity Fund

Trip information:

When are the forms and payment due? / No later than Thursday, September 28th.
What is the cost of the trip? / $190
Checks should be made payable to Hommocks Activity Fund
*Financial assistance is available for those in need. Please speak to you child’s guidance counselor.
Where is Sharpe reservation? / Sharpe Reservation
436 Van Wyck Lake Road
Fishkill, New York 12524
How can I contact Sharpe in the event of an emergency? / Sharpe Main Number (845)- 897 – 4320
Hidden Valley (boys) (845) – 897 – 9860
Mariah (girls) (845) – 896 – 8611
Trip Departure / Students should arrive at Hommocks at 6:30 AM on Thursday, October 12th. Students will congregate in the gym by bus number. The busses will depart from Hommocks at 7:00 AM. Please do not be late – we will not wait for you.
Trip Return / Students will return to Hommocks on Friday, October13that approximately 2:30 PM
What should students bring? / See attached packing list.
If I lost the trip documents what should I do? / Additional copies can be found in the Guidance office andon the Hommocks website.
My child has a food allergy – can Sharpe make accommodations? / If your child has significant dietary restrictions the best course of action is to pack food for the trip in a cooler bag. We will place the cooler bag in a large refrigerator upon arrival at Sharpe. Your child will be able to access the food for meals. We have followed this procedure in the past; although not ideal, it works flawlessly.

MAMARONECK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

MAMARONECK, NEW YORK

PERMISSION FORM

I give permission for my child to attend the Sharpe Reservation outdoor education trip on October 12th and 13th, 2017. Enclosed is my check for $190.00 payable to HOMMOCKS ACTIVITY FUND.

Print Child’s NameParent’s Signature

BEHAVIORAL CONTRACT

SEVENTH GRADE TRIP

The Seventh Grade trip to Sharpe Reservation is on October 12th and 13th. This trip is an annual event that should be educational and fun. In order to insure that everyone has a good experience, you are being asked to sign a behavioral contract, which outlines the expected behavior before and during the trip.

I,(student name), understand that I am expected to behave appropriately on the bus. I will be courteous and considerate toward the staff at Sharpe Reservation, the teachers from Hommocks, other students and parents. I will follow the rules and regulations of the camp and the Hommocks, as I would if I were attending the Hommocks School.

I understand that participation in this trip is contingent on my behavior at Hommocks. If my behavior is inappropriate in school, I know that I will not be permitted to take this trip.

If my behavior is inappropriate on the trip, I understand that I will be asked to leave. My parents/guardian will be responsible to pick me up and bring me home.

I have read the above contract and agree to the terms.

Student Signature: ______

Guardian Name (print): ______

Guardian Signature: ______

Student Equipment Needs

Below is a list of items that students should bring to Sharpe. Students should prepare to be outside for most of the trip, regardless of weather.

  • Warm sleeping bag or sheets and warm blanket
  • Pillow
  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Sweater, sweatshirt and jacket
  • Waterproof boots
  • Sneakers
  • Multiple pairs of warm socks
  • Hat and gloves
  • Jeans, sweatpants
  • T-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts
  • Towel, washcloth, soap
  • Personal toiletries
  • Flashlight (optional)
  • Camera (optional)

Do Not Bring

  • Televisions, radios, speakers
  • Hairdryers