FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN A STUDENT BEING SENT HOME EARLY AT PARENT EXPENSE.
Luggage Check-In:
Luggage Check-In will occur on Tuesday, May 12th during arrival time.
Students will bring their luggage to the commons and find their chaperone’s table. Chaperones will be checking all luggage and carry-on items.
Chaperones and students will be allowed one carry-on item and one larger luggage item (you will carry it on and off the bus, to your hotel, up the stairs, so keep this in mind!). Items needed for Tuesday during the day need to be placed in your carry-on luggage as you will not have access to your luggage until Tuesday night. Please reference the Packing List for suggested items to bring on the trip.
Luggage can be checked by a teacher chaperone at any time during the trip.
Departure Rules/Guidelines:
Plan to arrive at the school the morning of Tuesday, May 12, either at 5:45 (Bus 1-3) or 6:15am (Bus 4-6). We will meet in the Commons and you will check your luggage and carry-on items with your bus chaperones.
The buses will be parked in bus alley. We ask that all parents plan to park in the front of the school to drop students off.
The buses will depart at 6:30 am or 7:00am. We are on a strict timeline and the buses will not wait to leave.
Bus Expectations:
Partners will sit together in their assigned seats. Students are not permitted to change seats. The bus leader will create a seating chart.
Buses typically have outlets to charge your phone while on the bus, however, this is not guaranteed. If you would like to bring a portable charger, you may do so.
Keep in mind that not all stops in D.C. allow students to bring bags and/or food inside. Your bus leader will alert you to this each day and you will be required to leave all items on the bus.
Bus Restrooms are only to be used in an emergency!
Lying on the bus floor, noise-makers, lasers or any other distracting items are not permitted on the bus and will be taken from students.
Videos may not be taken on the bus. If you choose to take pictures, you must have your flash turned off for the safety of the driver. You may not stand up while the bus is in motion.
Hotel Expectations/Guidelines:
Do not use the room telephones unless it is an emergency.
Vending and ice machines are off limits.
Keep your room neat out of respect for cleaning crews. Do not move furniture.
Do not leave your room or floor without permission from a chaperone. Do not leave for breakfast until you are dismissed by a chaperone.
Please be aware that we are not the only school or guests in the hotel, and you must respect others and your surroundings. Please keep noise levels down and be courteous.
Keep all valuables with you at all times or don’t bring them on the trip. The tour company and school staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
The hotel rooms will be checked when you arrive and when you depart. You will be held responsible for any damages or missing items. If there is damage or something missing when you arrive at the room, notify your chaperone immediately.
General Rules and Tips:
Students are expected to participate in all activities while on the trip.
DC dress code will be followed for the trip. Dress should represent Dempsey and the students in a positive manner.
Bring layered clothing to accommodate all weather circumstances. Wear footwear that is logical for walking, and bring sunscreen, umbrellas, rain jackets ( a hoodie is not a jacket) and a small bag to carry with you during the day if needed.
Phones may be kept on you at all times during the day in case of emergency. You may also use your phone to take pictures. Keep phones on silent or vibrate. When we are touring you are NOT permitted to use your phone. Chaperones will take the phone if a student is found not following rules or displaying inappropriate behavior.
Students should stay in their groups of four at all times for safety, unless otherwise instructed by a chaperone.
Report any bullying or inappropriate behavior that occurs. If your roommates are acting inappropriately, it is important that you report this to a chaperone. Saying nothing contributes to the problem, not the solution. No physical contact between students will be permitted.
Eligibility Guidelines:
Students may be denied participation in the Washington, D.C. Trip if prior school behavior is such that the smooth operation of the trip or the safety of other students might be jeopardized. Students may also be denied participation in this trip if any of the following discipline actions have occurred:
In-school detention, out of school suspension, Suspension Alternative Program, Expulsion, Bus suspensions
Repeated classroom misbehavior (documented by office referrals)
Academic performance - must be passing all classes for the year; no Fs in any class for the year average
Attendance to school - any student with 72 unexcused hours is no longer eligible
Principal discretion
Violation of the Code of Conduct regarding technology use
Possession or use of tobacco, tobacco substitutes, drugs, and alcohol
Stealing
Violations of the Code of Conduct regarding Theft and Smoking/Vaping could result in automatic removal from the trip.