Packing List

What will I need to bring?

The must-haves: Suitcase or overnight bag, toothbrush/toothpaste, comb/brush, shampoo, deodorant, $50-$60 spending money, three changes of clothes to include: shoes/sneakers (comfortable for walking), sweater/coat (layers) raingear, underwear, and sleepwear.

The nice-to-haves: Cell phone, cell phone charger, camera, playing cards, paperback book, a pillow for the bus ride, and snacks (non-perishable).

What should I leave at home?

Bathing suits, towels, soap, irons, flip-flops, perishables, caffeinated and high-sugar drinks, valuables, laptop/chromebook, portable DVD players, electronic equipment (X-Box, Playstation, Wii)

Reminder: You are personally responsible at all times for the items you bring on the trip. The school reserves the right to inspect student bags prior to departure.

Monday morning departure

❖ Students must arrive at 5:30 a.m. Parents do not have to check their child in but students need to check in with their bus leader. Carpooling is preferred due to traffic concerns

❖ If there is a need to park, please do not park directly in front of the school. This area is reserved for the buses.

❖ Luggage should not be blocking sidewalk.

❖ When/if directed to do so, students should help bus drivers place large luggage in storage underneath the bus.

❖ Keep your carry-on with you. There will be no access to underneath luggage storage until we check into the hotel Monday evening.

❖ Use the bathroom, check in with your bus leader and board bus.

❖ We leave at exactly 6:00 a.m. The bus waits for no one.

❖ Once you get on the bus, do not get off

Common Sense Expectations

When on the bus: Aisles need to remain clear and no co-ed seating. Students are responsible for picking up after themselves. Students may use phones and personal portable electronic devices on the bus. Earbuds or headphones must be used when sound is required. When an adult is speaking, students need to be silent; phones and all devices must be put away.

When touring: Students are to remain with their chaperones at all times. Students may not shop unless they have permission from their chaperone. Aside from photo-taking, absolutely no cell phone use while touring (including, butnot limited to Holocaust Museum, National Cathedral, Arlington National Cemetery, Vietnam and Korean Memorials). Picture taking may occur as long as it is permitted at the specific locations. Cell phones may be used for communicating with chaperones, as appropriate.

When at the hotel: The hotel phone is for emergency use only. Use cell phones to call home. Rooms need to remain clean at all times. Students need to keep their voices low. Listen to your chaperone carefully for meeting times. Students may only be in the room that they are assigned. Lights out 30 minutes after arriving at the hotel for the evening. Lights out means shut off all devices, including the television. Hotel doors are taped at night to ensure no one exits the room at night. SLEEP! We will walk an average of five miles each day. Students need their rest. Students are responsible for setting their alarms and being on time for breakfast each morning. The hotel does not provide wake up calls! Hotel security is present on each floor, and they will report any issues directly to Mr. West.

In General:

-All school rules apply while on the trip. This includes the dress code.

-When students use their cell phones to communicate, all communication must be appropriate and could be subject to review by the school. If any of our school cell phone rules are not followed during the trip, Mr. West will hold on to the cell phone aside from allowing students to call their parents/guardians.

-Hats may be worn only when we are outside. Exceptions to this rule include Arlington National Cemetery, memorials, and during the group photo; at these times, no hats may be worn at all.

-Students are not permitted to take photos or videos of anyone without their permission.

Most importantly, while in our nation's capital, remember, we are ambassadors of Brookline and Hollis. We will act in a respectful and responsible fashion at all times towards all people.