Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the trip?
A: This year the trip is Tuesday, May 21 - Friday, May 24, 2019
Q: How much does the trip cost?
A: This trip costs $839.00 which includes 3 night hotel stay, round-trip transportation, all meals and all admission prices. Financial Aid was available to those students who qualified.
Q: Who is WorldStrides?
A: World Strides is our cooperating student travel agency. They are headquartered in Charlotteville, Virginia and help us coordinate every aspect of our trip. We have been travelling with them for the past eight years.
Q: Who chaperones the trip?
A: The trip is chaperoned by School Faculty and Staff who are donating their own time to make this trip possible. In addition to Mr. Casey who has been coordinating the trip for the past 24 years, Mr. Nagle, Mr. Glynn, Mr. Georgopoulos, Mrs. Berinato, School Resource Officer Jeff Wardwell, Mrs. Mangini, Ms. Hammer, Ms. Breakall, Ms. Amirault, and Mrs. Comeiro will all be chaperoning this year's trip.
Q: Does a nurse attend?
A: Yes, Mrs. Joyce Marchesini will once again be traveling with us on our trip. This is her 10th year with us and will be helping to coordinate all of our medical needs.
Q: What bus company do you use?
A: Yankee Line. We will be chartering 4 buses that will be with us for the duration of the trip.
Q: How are students placed on buses?
A: Students will be placed on buses with their roommates. The rest of the bus lists are done randomly, and will make every attempt to balance the number of males and females on each bus.
Q: Is there WIfi on the buses?
A: Yes
Q: Are students allowed to bring snacks on the bus?
A: Yes, but some restrictions may apply due to food allergies
Q: What hotel do the students stay in?
A: Holiday Inn, Capitol Hill. Located one block from the National Mall and in the Heart of the Federal Quadrangle
Q: How are rooms made?
A: In March, a "wish list" was submitted by all of the student. With this information rooms of 4 students were assigned. We try to accommodate as many requests as we can, but the school has the final say in all room placements.
Q: Is there security at the hotel?
A: Yes. World Strides hires security that watches our floors and rooms overnight.
Q: How do students tour during the day?
A: For the most part, we travel together as a group. At certain sites, students are given a limited amount of freedom to explore. ( Museums) Occasionally buses will split up to tour sites. Students are assigned a specific chaperone for the duration of the trip.
Q: What are some of the sites that you see?
A: Please see the itinerary section of this site. We try and see as much as we can during our time in D.C. Our schedule if very full! We keep the kids moving!
Q: What about meals?
A: All meals are provided while on the trip. Breakfast is served Buffet style every morning in the hotel. Lunches and dinner are spent at a combination of food courts and buffet style restaurants. Students are given plenty of choices for their meals.
Q: What is my child has a food allergy?
A: Mr. Casey will work with students and families before the trip to make sure that any special diets can be accommodated. Parents will have access to menus and sites to help their child plan before the trip.
Q: What happens if my child takes prescription medicine?
A: Mrs. Marchesini and Mr. Casey, with the help of Ms. Fernald, coordinate the distribution of medications etc.
Q: What is the dress code on the trip?
A: Our school dress code still applies. ( see Student handbook) Students should dress for warmer weather. ( Shorts t-shirts etc.) And wear comfortable shoes!
Q: Do students need a bathing suit?
A: Although students are not allowed to use the hotel pool, we will be renting out the Freedom Aquatic Recreation Center on Wednesday night. The Center has olympic size swimming pools and gyms for the students to use.
Q: Are students allowed to use cell phones?
A: Students are allowed to use their phones while on the buses and in the hotel rooms, but will not be allowed to use them while on tour other than for taking pictures.
Q: Can I speak with my son or daughter during the day?
A: We encourage parents to communicate with their child at night or in the morning. Obviously a quick text during the day is fine, but just like a regular school day, we ask that the students focus remains on their participation on the trip.
Q: What happens of my child gets sick?
A: Our trip nurse will coordinate efforts. World Strides has a doctor on call program that gives us access to a physician if needed.
Q: Does my child need spending money?
A: All trip costs are covered. With this said, if a student would like to by souvenirs etc., we encourage them to bring a small amount.
Q: What happens if I need to get in contact with my child?
A: Please see the phone #'s of the Tour Company, Hotel, and Bus Company
Q: What forms do I need to fill out?
A; All Students were mailed home a packet of forms that MUST be signed by all participants. In addition these forms can be found on this site. All Participants must fill out Form A and Form B. Students traveling with prescription medicine must fill out Forms C and D
Q: Is there a parent meeting before the trip?
A: Yes, a mandatory parent meeting will be held in the JGMS auditorium on Thursday, May 2nd at 6:30
Parents with any concerns or questions are encouraged to contact Mr. Casey . Joseph_casey@bedfordps.org