If you have questions that are not answered here, please send mail to the front office.
Please visit the District Yosemite Web Site for more information: https://sites.google.com/a/cusdk8.org/yosemite2018/home
1. Where can I check out gear?
We have a limited amount of gear to check out for the week free of charge. This gear is distributed first come first serve. The Gear Checkout "Shed" is open Wednesday after school or Thursday at lunch.
2. My child cannot attend one of the Wednesday meetings; we will be out of town. Does this mean that they could be moved to the wait list?
If a student has an excused absence from school at that time (planned family vacation, sick, doctor's appointment, etc.) and the office is aware of the absence, then the student is excused from the meeting. They are required to review the content from the meeting which can be found on the meeting notes page. If he or she has additional questions, then they should see Mrs. Mattier. If a student forgets to attend or chooses not to attend, then that is unexcused. Multiple absences like this can be removal from the trip. Please stress the importance of these meetings with your child.
3. Is there a store in Yosemite, and if so how much money should I bring?
There is a gift and snack shop in Yosemite Village, and a store where you can buy NatureBridge items that support their scholarship program. Some students choose to visit the store to buy trinkets, or other small remembrances of Yosemite. You and your parents can budget your money for this as you see fit. You do not need to buy any food there, but some kids do. If you do buy snacks then please remember they MUST be eaten on the deck outside the store. Snacks and drinks cannot be brought back to the cabin area.
4. Do I need to supply the authorized Over the Counter Medication?
No, if you and your physician have authorized the medications listed specifically on the OTC medication form, then you do not need to supply them. If you have alternatives, for example your child will only take liquid Tylenol, then you should complete and submit the form as if it was a prescription medication. We will only administer medication authorized by you, and your physician. We cannot administer any others. Please do not include any extra medications in your prescription bag (distributed in February) beyond those on the label. The label has the list of items we have authorization to administer. Any others will be left at school and returned to you.
5. Can I add my own OTC medications to the medication bag?
No, please do not add any other medications, even if they are over the counter unless you have completed a medication form. If your child routinely takes these OTC medications, then complete the physician's authorization form that we use for prescription medication. If it is possible for your child to skip these medications for the week, for example vitamin tablets, then please consider doing that so we don't have as many items to worry about.
6. What if my child becomes sick just before the trip and is taking medication for it?
Please take the prescription authorization form with you when you visit the doctor. Have it completed in the event that the child will be taking the medication during the trip. Provide the authorization form to Mrs. Holtzapple by the Wednesday before we leave so all documents can be updated. Please keep in mind that if your child is sick, it is better for them to stay home, especially if they have had an infectious disease like the flu. We would like students to be free from fever for at least 24 hours without any medication before attending. Also, if a child is vomiting or has other symptoms of a viral infection, please keep them at home until that condition stops.
7. My child is sick on the weekend before the trip, but they are better by Tuesday. Can I bring them up for the rest of the week?
Please keep in mind that if your child is sick, it is better for them to stay home, especially if they have had an infectious disease like the flu. We would like students to be free from fever for at least 24 hours without any medication before attending. Also, if a child is vomiting or has other symptoms of a viral infection, please keep them at home until that condition stops. If your child is well enough to attend early in the week, and you can bring them to Yosemite, yes you may. Contact the office for the phone number to make arrangements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED about weather!
Q: “Did you know it might rain and snow this week?"
A: The weather MAY be difficult. We are aware and will check the weather updates.
Q: “What about bus/transportation delays?”
A: There may be delays. Students will have food and water and rain gear and bathrooms ON the bus. We are planning to make ONE potty stop in Los Banos where the students may get off the bus and use bathrooms. In the event of a delay, a second stop may be necessary. There are bathrooms on the bus.
Similar conditions for the way home on Friday.
BUS and CAR DRIVERS WILL BE CARRYING CHAINS regardless of 4WD as required by traffic laws.
Q: “How will I know what time the kids will return on Friday?”
A: CHECK : twitter.com/yotrip . Bus by bus, leaders will be reporting the estimated time of arrival back at school. There is NO OTHER WAY to obtain this information. Bookmark this site or sign up for a twitter account to get updates.
Q: What if there are more complicated situations?
A: Nature Bridge has been operating at Yosemite in all conditions for many years. They have a plan of action for almost any scenario. We will post weather condition/activity updates on twitter.com/yotrip.
Q: What should my student pack to prepare for this weather?
A: The students HAVE BEEN INFORMED to have the best waterproof gear they can obtain. There are still jackets that can be checked out from Mrs. Holtzapple in room 31 no later than FRIDAY at LUNCH.
Other last minute announcements:
DEPARTURE: Sunday, March 11: Arrive in the front CMS parking lot NO EARLIER than 9:45. There is no supervision until 9:45
MARK YOUR ITEMS with your last name and your BUS LETTER.
(Your BUS letter is the same as you ROTATION LETTER ex. WOODELL BUS G) Garbage bags are a good idea!