CLICK HERE - To Download a Printable PDF Copy of this Document

Brazoswood High School Choir Spring Trip Information

Orlando, Florida

April 26 (after school) May 1, 2006

Dear Parents and Students:

The Brazoswood Choirs have begun a successful year. We appreciate the support and help you have given us in our efforts.

The annual Spring Choir Trip for this year is to Orlando, Florida. I think this trip will be both educational and entertaining for any student. Additional to the typical historical and fun things one would anticipate on a trip of this type is the opportunity for us to show off our musical abilities.

During this trip the students will spend every possible moment involved in chaperoned, educational, and fun activities that are designed to educate the students and promote team building.

The cost of the trip includes transportation (a major expense), housing, entry fees, and activity fees. We will leave on Wednesday after school and return on Monday.

Through fundraising, we will continue to work to make it possible for all students to participate in this trip. If a student makes every effort to participate in the activities offered by this organization, he/she should be able to earn most or all of their trip cost. To date, there has been one fundraising event sponsored by the choir. There are other fundraising opportunities scheduled to begin before the trip. Students who choose to be active in these events will be well on their way to having their total trip paid.

Today, we need to find out exactly how many people are going to participate in this activity by asking for a registration form and deposit to be completed by September 21. If you and /or your student would like to participate in this trip, we ask that you fill out the attached form and return it with a check that includes a $100.00 non-refundable deposit for each trip participant. Refunds for any cancellation will be based on a scale directly related to the amount of money refundable to us at any point in time. Obviously, the closer the trip, the less that is refundable.

Please return the registration portion of this form with your payment by the 21st of September if you wish to participate in this trip. Please return this completed form even if you choose not to participate, so that we can be sure that every student has had the opportunity to consider this trip. Returning this form is a class grade (whether or not you go), you must check "Yes" or "No". Every student is encouraged to participate. Every effort will be made to help students with special needs.

Additional information and final schedules will follow after the initial registration has been completed. Thank you in advance for your participation. This will be a trip and an educational event that the students will remember for a lifetime.

The payment schedule for this trip is as follows. Financial penalties will apply from the date of cancellation.

Thanks,

Bill Few

Paul Hanak

Butch Broom

Brazoswood Choir Officers

REGISTRATION FORM

Please return this portion of the form with a check made payable to B.I.S.D (of applicable) in the amount of $100.00 for each participating member (only the completed form is required if you are not traveling.)

Remember that your account status is always available on our website. Any credit earned from our last fund raising event can be applied to your deposit fee. For example, if you owe $100 and you earned $60 in "profit" in our last fund raiser, you only need to pay $40.

I am completing this registration form with full knowledge and permission of my parents.

ALL students are to complete this form to confirm that they have made a choice. You are NOT required to travel, but you ARE required to make a formal choice.

Student name:____________________________________________________________

E-mail contact:___________________________________________________________

Parent Signature:________________________________________________________

E-mail contact:___________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________

City/Zip:________________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________ Emergency/cell:_________________________

____ I will participate in the Spring Trip to Orlando, Florida.

____ I will not participate in the Spring Trip to Orlando, Florida.

Names of additional family members who would like to travel with us as chaperones:

Brazoswood Choir Spring Trip Outline

Registration Overview

This year"s spring trip to Orlando, Florida will potentially feature the activities listed in these materials. The cost of the trip will be $700.00. This includes entry fees, hotel, transportation costs, and selected meals. Additional activities will be included as time and availability allow.

The payment schedule for this trip is as follows. Upon completion of the enclosed registration forms, the student is considered a participant in the trip until WRITTEN cancellation is made through cancellation document available from the director. Until that time the registered student is a participant and ALL financial obligations will apply. Financial penalties will apply from the date of the written cancellation.

REMEMBER Failure to meet payment deadlines may result in a student being dropped from the trip with the loss of all funds. All cancellation penalties will apply.

PAYMENT TIMELINE

(Fees may be paid or earned)

First Deposit or credit (by Sep. 21, 2005) - $100.00

Second Deposit or credit (by Oct. 19, 2005) - $100.00

Third Deposit or credit (by Nov. 16, 2005) - $100.00

Fourth Deposit or credit (by Dec. 14, 2005) - $100.00

Fifth Deposit or credit (by Jan. 25, 2006) - $100.00

Six Deposit or credit (by Feb. 15, 2006) - $100.00

Seventh Deposit or credit (by Mar. 22, 2006) - $100.00

Final Pay-Off Day (by Apr. 06, 2006) - ******

***On this day all paperwork and payments MUST be complete.

CANCELLATION TIMELINE

(On this date amount of non-refundable fees)

First Penalty (by Sep. 21, 2005) - $100.00

Second Penalty (by Oct. 19, 2005) - $200.00

Third Penalty (by Nov. 16, 2005) - $300.00

Fourth Penalty (by Dec. 14, 2005) - $400.00

Fifth Penalty (by Jan. 25, 2006) - $500.00

Six Penalty (by Feb. 15, 2006) - $600.00

Seventh Penalty (by Mar. 22, 2006) - $700.00

Termination Day (by Apr. 06, 2006) - ******

***On this day all paperwork and payments MUST be complete or the student will be removed from the trip with the loss of all funds.

BRAZOSWOOD CHOIR TRIP

COMPLETE INFORMATION & OUTLINE

CHAPERONE AND PARENT INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION:

The following information is designed to augment the basic guidelines covered in the student handouts and the itinerary supplied to each of you. The first and most important thing to say to each of the adults making this tour is THANK YOU in advance for the task you are about to undertake. The students may forget to express their appreciation for the many things you will be doing for them, but on behalf of all of us, we want you to know that you are appreciated, and we know that we could not make this trip without you.

RULES AND GUIDELINES:

I. Use good solid judgment when a student asks permission to do something. We would prefer that students not be allowed opportunities to deviate from the scheduled tour activities, and in this city they certainly should not be allowed to do any activity without the company of fellow students and a chaperone. It is fine to trust our students (within the specific limits), yet you should always be careful and keep a close watch and report to Mr. Few the specific activity you feel is questionable with the name of the student or students involved in this specific activity. A chaperone"s main responsibility is the safety of the students, and secondly to help the tour flow smoothly so that we all can enjoy this trip.

We will ask the chaperones to work as hall monitors in the evenings and nights while on this trip. Each chaperone will be given a specific number of hours that they will guard the hallways to insure the safety of the students throughout the night. This is not a change from the standard operating procedure for this organization. It is typical for Mr. Few to walk the halls throughout the night on every trip we make; however, since we will be gone for multiple days, we will also use chaperones to augment this activity.

A chaperone must stay with a student who is ill even if that causes their tour group to miss an activity. (If we must deal with an ill student, contact Mr. Few, and we will assign your group to another adult).

II. A chaperone can delegate authority not responsibility. We are all responsible for small group check in and for providing for the needs of our students. Chaperones will be assigned to help: guard luggage, load buses, move students, inspect rooms for plumbing problems or damage, and to help students with minor medical and/or personal problems.

III. No one will at any time change instructions or tour plans from those given by Mr. Few, except to protect a person"s life. Chaperones will not give students "special permission" for anything. Guidelines are created for ALL students, without exception. Other adults on this trip may be asked to give assistance to their tour group by the designated chaperone, but it remains the responsibility of the designated school chaperone to assign duties as needed.

IV. ALL DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS must be reported to Mr. Few with full details. In the event of a late night minor discipline problem, get the student"s name and refer the incident to Mr. Few the next morning. In the event of a major problem, contact Mr. Few immediately.

V. Make a roll check BEFORE leaving any stop and before releasing the students to begin any activity. Explain the purpose of the activity, territorial limits and when to be back at the meeting place (pick one before you release the students).

VI. Discourage any rude, crude or unacceptable actions by stating: "This is not considered proper conduct on this trip." You might remind them that a student will be sent home for bad conduct as well as for breaking any trip rule.

VII. Students are not to leave the tour or associate with any person who is not part of this tour. This is essential for the student"s safety. Since Orlando also functions as a tourist city, students are encouraged to be courteous to the new people they may meet. Students should remain aware of their surroundings and the people around them. Law enforcement officials advise us that the best way to discourage problems from outsiders is for the student to remain alert and make eye contact.

Students should be reminded that they may meet or at least see people from other cultures and parts of our country. They should be reminded that not all people are as gracious and friendly as their Clute or Lake Jackson neighbors. Some cultures believe that instant familiarity is inappropriate. Students should remember a "cold" or "business-like" response from a person is fairly typical in larger cities and should be expected.

VIII. We are not anticipating any major problems on this tour; however, as chaperones, you should be aware that we are traveling with students at varying levels of social maturity. We are traveling with students who could be classified as very young Seniors through students who are very mature Freshmen. Activities to watch out for (and which are not allowed) might include:

1. Breaking curfew by leaving a room through the door or window. They might also attempt to bring other people into their rooms. {Penalty - students out of their assigned rooms go home on the first offense at the parent"s expense - no exceptions will be allowed. Report the incident to Mr. Few}.

2. Students using substances not approved by school policy (including smoking).

{Penalty - student goes home at parent"s expense}.

3. Attempting to lose the chaperone or evade the rules of this trip. {Penalty - Student goes home}.

4. Being late to a meeting point or otherwise abusing the schedule. {Penalty - first offense will result in a personal chaperone for the rest of the tour. Second offense and the student goes home}.

5. Theft of any type {Penalty - student goes home}.

6. Sexual misconduct - Most of our students are normal outgoing teenagers who will probably make new "friends" on this trip. "Trip love" is to be expected - "Trip relationships" are to be discouraged because they sometimes lead to "trip babies" which is not an appropriate trip souvenir. {Penalty - students go home}.

7. Failure of any student to be less than the best representative of our school for reasons of conduct. {Penalty - students are reported to Mr. Few for discipline which might range from verbal correction to being sent home depending on the severity of the incident and the students willingness to accept correction}.

IX. In as much as we will be depending on each of you for the guidance and care of these students, please remember that it is Mr. Few who holds the final legal responsibility for this trip. Please do not make any decisions that directly affect the welfare or discipline of these students without having the specific permission of Mr. Few. Do NOT "protect" any student by not reporting even minor violations of the rules.

You are instructed to report any conduct or activity of a questionable nature when it occurs. Waiting for two weeks after we return from the trip to question something that you believe was improper is not helpful. While the school will punish students for wrong doing whenever it is discovered, it is legally more difficult to prosecute activities that are not reported as they occur. You are instructed to inform Mr. Few whenever you have a question.

You are further instructed to not make generalizations about student conduct such as "they ALL were doing activity XXXX." Instead, you should make a specific comment about a specific student or students. Again, generalizations are difficult to correct or verify and usually end up condemning good students for activities in which they did not participate.

X. Chaperones might wish to pack an emergency kit which might include: Female health items, notepads, pencils, small flashlight, Murine, aspirin, safety pins, needle and black thread, bandages, masking tape, ammonia, motion sickness pills, paper and plastic bags, bug spray, Band-aides.

Again, thank you for your hard work and help. We will have a great trip if you will keep your eyes open and communicate your desires to your group at all times.

It is Mr. Few"s responsibility to make any alterations to the trip timeline. The responsibility of a chaperone is to ease the flow of the trip not rewrite the schedule to meet their personal taste. This trip is scheduled with activities to fill every moment. We will all enjoy this experience as long as we remember that their are bunches of Indians and helpers but only one chief. Do not alter the rules of the trip. Ask before giving permission for any activity that might involve the students.

Departure Day

Arrive at Brazoswood for the big day. Be sure you have checked your luggage and that you have your music, uniform and money. All luggage should be placed in the choir room for inspection. If it is going with us it must be placed with this luggage. Be sure your luggage is securely closed or locked and that your name is displayed clearly on every item. Be sure all liquids including make-up are in plastic bags and sealed against leaks.

Remember that you will need your uniform. Please be sure you have your student ID or some other form of picture ID. You may wish to give Mr. Few a copy of your traveler's check receipts, and I would suggest that you make a Xerox copy of any credit card you bring with you. Mr. Few will be glad to hold that information for you. All medicine should be cleared with your chaperone. A note from a parent explaining your needs is always appreciated.

Also remember that you should leave all valuable jewelry or items at home.

YOU MAY NOT CHANGE YOUR BUS ASSIGNMENT AND IF YOU ARE LATE, WE WILL LEAVE YOU!!!

FAILURE TO HAVE ALL FEES PAID AND PAPERWORK COMPLETE MEANS YOU STAY HOME.

BE SURE YOUR GRADES ARE OK. CHECK NOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

Say "Hello" to your group sponsor. Load your luggage, find your seat on your assigned bus and away we go! Be sure that you have taken care of any "nature business" prior to leaving Brazoswood. We will not stop on the way. It will be a long non-stop trip on the bus. The buses do have restroom facilities for you to use. You may want to bring a sack snack and cold drinks to eat on the bus because we will not be stopping for food on the way.

You will need to bring on the bus a carry on bag that contains a change of clothes, a towel or two, sunscreen, and anything you feel you will need for a day in the sun. Make sure you put everything you will need for the day in the carry on bag because you will not have access to the bus until we get picked up for the hotel at about 4:00pm. The buses will have VCRs and TV sets to watch movies on, so if you would like to bring a G or PG rated movie to watch, you are welcome to do so. Bring entertainment to keep you busy on the bus. Also, bring a pillow and blanket to use on the bus. Many times the bus will get cold (colder than the choir room) so be prepared.

Hotel Behavior

This is your first opportunity to impress the hotel staff with your maturity and professionalism. I will remind you that a happy hotel staff allows us extra opportunities and a mad hotel staff can make the visit less than pleasant. We need to follow their rules for quiet. You should quickly go to your room and prepare for bed. We will begin room checks almost immediately. Remember, violations of our housing rules could mean that you will be going home early. Be in YOUR room at the appointed time. Failure to meet curfew will cause us to greatly restrict your trip freedom.

After a long day, you should really appreciate the opportunity to relax. The first person alphabetically in each room will be issued the room keys. If we can get the hotel to send us the exact room numbers, we will publish them for you. If not, you will be given that information by your bus chaperon while we are organizing the keys and preparing to unpack the bus. When you are told, get off of the bus and begin to unpack ALL of the stuff from within and under the bus. After the bus is clear, get your room key and go to your room. If your roommate is not there yet, wait a couple of minutes. Do not wander away from your room until everybody gets there. You will probably only have TWO keys. The hotel is our home for the next few days but please remember that you are also a guest here. Be respectful of the rights of others also staying in the hotel

As is traditional, there will be frequent room checks. No co-ed visitation is allowed without a chaperon present. Upon arrival at the hotel, you should unpack your stuff and especially your uniform. Now is also the time for you to use the phone in the lobby to call your parents. Now is also the time to get ice and cold drinks. NOW IS THE TIME TO CALL THE FRONT DESK TO LEAVE A WAKE UP CALL. Your rooms will be blocked for long distance, pay-per-view and room service. Since we have paid in advance, no charges may be made to your room. You may call from room to room but be sure of the number you are dialing. Phone abuse will result in no phones.

YOU MAY NOT ORDER PIZZA OR SOME OTHER FOOD FOR DELIVERY! THE FOOD NEVER ARRIVES ON TIME AND ANYTHING ARRIVING AFTER CURFEW WILL BE REFUSED AND ANY CHARGES WILL BE PAID BY YOU!

Curfew and Room Checks

You are to be in your room at this time. A male and female director will come to your door to check your room. We will want to see each and every roommate in person. Failure to be in your room at this time will result in your immediate removal from this trip. We will call your parents and at your expense you will be placed on the next available flight home.

We are very serious about room checks. We WILL enter your room and we may wish to inspect anything and everything. Be appropriately dressed for visitors. Female chaperons will check the girl"s rooms and male chaperons will check the boy's rooms. As soon your room is checked, we will tape the doors. If the tape is damaged or removed your entire room will be sent home. Do not open your door. Lock and secure your doors and windows. Close the curtains. If you have an emergency, call a director or chaperon. Communicate!

Remember that Mr.Few and the chaperons will be on duty all night. We will walk the halls and check the rooms throughout the night. You are safe and well protected. There is no reason for you to open the door. You may not go get a coke or ice or anything outside of your room after curfew.

You are welcome to stay up all night if you wish provided you do not disturb others. You are expected to be a happy camper the next morning. Traveling is stressful. In order to get the maximum enjoyment from this trip, you need to rest. GO TO SLEEP!

Wake Up Call

Please note the departure time for each day. You should be up and moving at least 30-60 minutes before departure. If you are not already awake, you can expect a tuneful call and a gentle knock at your door. Mr. Few will encourage you to awaken to start the day in his own special way.

Theme Parks

We will leave home and the hotel in plenty of time to arrive for the gate openings. Remember to bring everything you need for the day. This includes money for snacks and locker rental. You may wish to bring sunscreen and a change of clothes. You will not be able to go back to the bus or hotel until tonight. Be prepared for Sun and walking. You will get a map to the activity as you enter the gate. Do not be late for the bus or you will see the next activity with Mr. Few.

We will issue a ticket to get in the park. All other park costs are yours to pay. Get a locker as you enter the park. Remember that there will be check-in times required throughout the day. Typically, we meet in the front gate area. A chaperon will be stationed here a one hour period to give you time to finish your ride and make the check-in. We usually have a check-in time in the early mid-afternoon. There will always be a chaperon in the front gate area if you need us. You may always contact park security or have us paged within the park if you need help.

A general rule for Theme Parks- do not steal or shoplift. The park goes nuts and will put you in jail without hesitation. Throughout the park, staff members are dressed as tourists to look for these illegal activities. We once had a girl who shoplifted a $2.00 key chain. The police had her "cuffed and stuffed" before we were even notified that there was a problem.

Do not forget to buy your mom and/or family a gift.

DRINK WATER NOT COLD DRINKS!

BE AWARE OF HEAT EXHAUSTION!

Theme Park Departure

We MUST make this departure time in order to have travel time to dinner. Plan your activities to start in the back of the park and work your way forward so that you can be at the front gate on time. Roll check will be taken on the bus but we cannot leave until you arrive. Be on time if not early. Paying big bucks for dinner and ending up at Taco Bell because we had to wait on you, will not make you very popular. DO NOT BE LATE!!!

Brazoswood Arrival

Clean the bus of EVERYTHING. This includes your stuff and especially your trash. We hope you had a happy and safe trip. You should thank your bus drivers and chaperones for their help and say a special thank you to your parents for allowing you to make this trip. It is also typical for us to take up a gratuity for the bus drivers. I suggest you put a little money aside for that gift. Remember that you will have a phone available for you to call home.

Final Trip Outline

The following is the final outline of the attractions included in this year's trip. Each activity will be described in full detail. The activities listed are subject to the limitations of weather and availability. No changes will be made to the rooming and bus lists. You may not change rooms or bus assignments!

Always remember that UIL grade standards will apply to your participation and cancellation of your participation FOR ANY REASON will involve financial penalties. You are bound by BISD and legal standards for behavior. Failure to follow the rules of BISD or of the law will result in action.

These chaperones are giving of their time to protect you and insure your safety. You will give them your full respect at all times. All bags and items traveling with us will be inspected by the drug dogs and the local police. If we find illegal substances, we will take action. Having these substances on campus or on a school trip involves even greater penalties. Please be smart and travel chemical and substance free.

Pictures & Souvenirs - Every place we are going will have a gift shop that features T-Shirts and gifts. Many times it is easier to purchase a book or package of post cards about a specific place than it is to take pictures. I would suggest rather than carrying around a camera bag and tons of film for your inside pictures. You should purchase slides or postcards. You are encouraged to bring a camera to capture candid shots in the hotel or outside or of your friends. As the tour progresses, sights tend to blur together. Sometimes it is easier to buy something that is already labeled with a description. Please remember that pictures have the hidden cost of developing.

Food Money - My first suggestion to you would be to encourage you to pack snack foods in your luggage. You WILL want junk food late at night. Bring it with you. Also, many of you only eat a light breakfast. You may wish to save money by packing those kinds of foods also. You will want to bring spending money for any stops we may make along our trip.

Soft drinks in a hotel can also be expensive. For example, the Hilton in San Antonio charges $1.50 for a coke from the machine. I would suggest you either bring lots of change or pack non-carbonated drinks in your luggage. (Remember - seal any liquids that you pack in plastic bags. You would hate for it to explode or leak all over your luggage). Most of your meals will be of the fast food variety and you should expect the cost to be similar to a local restaurant. Unfortunately, I must warn you about the theme parks. For some reason, food at any park is unreasonably expensive. You will spend some time at multiple parks on this trip. I would suggest that you bring a snack with you and expect anything you buy there to be over priced.

In general, I have seen kids bring as much as $200.00 or as little as $40.00 on this type of trip. You can eat on $10.00 to $20.00 a day depending on your needs. I would suggest that you bring a little gift money and remember that Mr. Few will have extra money with him if something comes up.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

A. Souvenirs - Read the trip itinerary and try to plan your spending ahead of time. Remember that luggage grows. Do not buy more than you can carry or pack in your luggage.

B. Luggage - Although we are traveling on a bus, we still would like for you to limit your baggage to ONE large bag and a second smaller bag or garment bag. It is also wise to pack a nylon collapsible bag inside of your main bag for the natural growth of your junk. Pack according to the length of our stay. Don"t bring your whole closet. I would like to remind you of these factors:

1. You bring it... You carry it.

2. Luggage grows... With your gifts you may have two bags by the time you return.

3. Make-up cases count as baggage.

4. Just because your clothes all fit neatly in your suitcase when you left town, does not guarantee they will all fit when you return.

5. This is a tour... nobody cares if you wear the same jeans twice.

6. A good general rule is to pack in advance then after a day remove about half of what you previously over packed.

7. Share items like irons, curling irons, etc.

C. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages, drugs or tobacco are allowed on school trips. If you are taking prescription medication, please let your sponsor know before we leave on the trip. The preferred method is by written note from your parents. DRUG DOGS WILL INSPECT EVERY PIECE OF LUGGAGE BEFORE DEPARTURE. If we find illegal drugs of any type, you will be arrested and charged. Do not bring drugs on this trip.

D. Follow all directions given by chaperones.

E. All school rules apply during this trip. Violation of trip rules may cause the trip to be canceled at any point in the tour with the entire group returning home.

F. Use only school approved transportation. Do not ever get in a private car or taxi during a school trip.

G. Girls (or Guys) keep up with your purses.

H. LAW - Be aware that if you become in trouble with the law, your parents will receive a collect call from the director. Also realize that any major rules infraction will result in you being sent home at your parent"s expense and that other action will occur when you return to school.

I. The Hotel, attractions, wildlife, etc. are not to be abused in any way.

J. Weapons of battle and mischief - Water pistols, sling shots, confetti, balloons, fireworks, and anything else of this nature should be left at home. If you bring them, we will confiscate them and destroy them. DO NOT prepare a war-chest for this trip. Major infractions of this rule will result in a chaperone becoming your roommate or you will be sent home.

K. Tag all of your luggage (purses also) with your name and hotel both inside and out.

L. If an emergency occurs, do not panic! Contact Mr. Few and your group leader. We can solve almost any problem - Communicate!!!

M. Follow the school dress code at all times. Wear nothing that is of questionable taste. Be prepared for rain, bugs or lots of Sun and walking. Dress for the weather. Watch the weather channel for additional information and forecasts. You WILL be outside on this trip. Be prepared to dress in layers that you can remove as the temperature changes. You will not be able to run back to the hotel during the day and there is no bus to leave things on. If you wear something that does not pass inspection, you will be required to change. Swimsuits must be conservative in style. A good rule to follow is that if you can store your clothes in a zip-lock bag, THEY ARE NOT APPROPRIATE. Conservative clothing is expected. Uncovered bikini tops are NOT acceptable as dress code (this includes guys also).

N. This is a school sponsored trip. Exemplary conduct is expected at all times.

What to bring list....

___________ Choir Uniform with dress shoes

___________ Walking Shoes

___________ Jeans and/or Shorts and Comfortable Clothes

___________ One hair dryer per room (well, I had to try)

___________ Rain Gear

___________ Personal items (Toothbrush, Comb, Makeup)

___________ One suitcase, small bag and tux bag of some type

___________ Camera, film and batteries

___________ Money for meals, games and souvenirs

___________ Flash light

___________ Alarm Clock

___________ Choir Folder and Music

___________ FOOD for your room and the bus ride

___________ BUG Spray or similar stuff

___________ Sun Screen

___________ Student ID card

___________ Money/Travelers Checks

___________ Pillow and Blanket for the bus

___________ Light and/or Heavy Jacket

___________ Something to do on the bus

___________ Clean G or similar movies for the bus

___________ Swimsuit and cover up garments

___________ Money for a gift for your Mom and $2.00 for the bus driver tip.

Final Trip Outline

Wednesday, April 26th, 2006

General Plan: Depart Brazoswood HS after school for Orlando Florida. We will travel by Chartered Bus and will drive through the night. Students will bring a sack dinner. Each bus is equipped with stereo, VCR and multiple televisions. The bus will also have on board restrooms.

During our visit we will have great adventures in dining, enjoy great music making and visit seven of the top ten thrill rides in the state of Florida.

Specific Plans for Wednesday, April 26, 2006:

8:30am - ALL materials traveling with us will be brought to the Brazoswood Choir Room for storage. You must label every item with your name and home phone number (with area code). "Carry on" luggage will be placed in one storage area and "under the bus" luggage will be placed in a second location. Items not stored in the choir room will NOT travel with us to Florida. You will only be allowed to have access to these stored items with adult supervision until the moment of departure. Leaving things in a car or at home until departure will not be allowed. Any item not stored in the choir room must visually opened and inspected before will be considered for travel. Medicine that will be needed during the trip must be checked in at the choir office. Attached to the medicine should be a card telling us exactly who you are and exactly how this medicine is to be distributed. Adult chaperones will be in charge of distribution. Be smart and plan ahead!!!

3:00pm - You will given an early release pass to come to the choir room before the end of the school day. It is during this time that your parents can bring you food, money or other items of concern. We will load the bus for departure by 4:00pm or shortly thereafter. Go to the restroom NOW!!!

You will be on the bus until we arrive in Florida. This is a NON-STOP drive. You will be on the bus until about 11:00am Thursday morning. There will be no restroom stops or opportunities for you to unpack stored luggage.

You must pack wisely for the trip. The buses are full. You cannot plan to have two seats or to block the isles with junk. Do not bring boom boxes. You cannot play loud music that disturbs others. For example, do you really want to listen to my choice of music for 18 hours (If you do, I am bring my opera collection - get the idea)

On Board Luggage Suggestions:

1. Blanket (the A/C will always be the wrong temperature)

2. Small pillow (you will need to sleep but you have limited personal space)

3. Restroom items (if you need "things" for the restroom plan ahead)

4. Food that will not spill or spoil (18 hours non-stop)

5. Musical devices WITH HEADPHONES and batteries

6. Movies (G,PG only). The choir directors and officers are building a supply of videos for the trip. If you want to see something, it has to be approved. (Disney would be a great choice - HA! HA!)

7. Comfortable clothes that will be appropriate when we get to Florida. You will need clothes with you to cover from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon. This does not mean bring your closet. (Remember that we cannot go directly to the hotel upon arrival. We are going to Universal Studios first. Plan to change at some point.)

8. Medicine needed during the travel period. (We will have an emergency kit on each bus but you will need to plan ahead for your regular medical needs.)

9. Put your "stuff" in a lightweight nylon bag. Things tend to get lost on a bus. Put your small stuff in a small bag that can be stored in the overhead bin. Bring things such as cards, books or snacks in small bags. Huge chip bags only cause problems. Pack serving size things. (Trust me, the smell will make you glad that you did.)

10. Money-. You will need some money and/or change on the bus with you. We are going to Universal without unpacking the bus. This means that you will need to bring enough money for the first half of the day. We will give you lunch money and a ticket to get in the parks. You will also get a big meal that night. You will want snack money when we arrive in Florida.

11. If you bring an item on the bus that causes space or other problems, it will be removed and returned to you in Florida. Ice chests are not going to be allowed unless they fit in your lap. Use some kind of cold pack (not liquid ice) and a canvas lunch box.

12. Suggestion - Do not eat or bring rich or grease filled foods such as pizza. The smell and the after effects linger with you for many hours. There is no window to open and we all breath the same air (get the idea).

13. Sleep when you can. Rest is very important when you are on the road. Everybody wants to be around a happy camper and some people are able to travel more easily than others.

14. Finally, trip love - I expect you to be the best examples of BISD behavior. I know that you will be the fine ladies and gentlemen that I have grown to respect. If you cannot follow the bounds of good taste and appropriate behavior, I will just have to be your seat partner for the rest of the trip. (I cannot wait to tell you all about my 200 CD opera collection - get the idea.)

Thursday, April 27th, 2006

General Plan: Arrival in Florida is scheduled before lunch. Our first activity is Universal Studios Theme Park and Universal Studios Island of Adventure. This complex includes both shows and some of the top rated adventure rides in the country. Your pass will allow you to visit BOTH parks during our stay. The parks are connected so you will be able to enjoy the best features of the two parks. You will spend a few hours on Thursday and have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the park on Saturday.

Connecting these parks is Orlando's City Walk that is a world rated group of eating and shopping areas. Some of the restaurants in the CityWalk are Hard Rock Caf , Emerils, NBA City and Motown. You will get a meal ticket for your lunch.

There are numerous web sites with pictures and maps but a couple of interest might include:

http://www.universalstudios.com

At approximately 4:30pm, we will leave the theme parks for our hotel. We will be staying in a quality location near our activities. Every room has a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Continental Breakfast is included for FREE

Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista in Lake Buena Vista, Florida