Washington D.C. 2024
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Washington D.C. 2024 Trip Slide Show
Washington D.C. 2024 Trip Slide Show
Made up of student & teacher photo submissions. Created by Ms. Mattucci (Mostly!) and Mr. Soto.
DC 2024 FINALLast Minute Trip Tips & Reminders
Luggage
Make sure the white WorldStrides luggage tags are secured on your suitcase (checked bag) and on your backpack (carry-on bag).
Group Name: S.E. Gross Middle School
The backpack (carry-on bag) should be packed and ready to go for the day - as if that's your only bag for the entire day.
The suitcase (checked-bag), is for when you get to the hotel. We prefer that you don't go into your suitcase UNTIL you get to the hotel, at the end of the day.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/travel-checklist
There will be A LOT of walking! Be prepared with good shoes.
- Pack for the weather. Check the weather!
- No video game systems.
The Black Lanyards & Name Tags:
The black lanyard and name tag needs to be worn while traveling at all times! It has the emergency WorldAssist # - 1-800-999-4542 on the back.
Be sure to label the name tag, in a secure, safe manner:
a. Student's First Name
b. S.E. Gross Middle School
c. Bus Number 1
Make sure you have the yellow drawstring bags with you inside your carry-on, backpack.
THIS IS NOT A CARRY-ON! You will use this for day-touring when you board the bus in Baltimore.
The yellow drawstring bags need to be worn while out touring at all times - unless instructed differently
by a chaperone.
Eat & drink water before you arrive.
Stay hydrated.
Pack a refillable water bottle!
Bring money for an airport breakfast. (Assuming time will allow & if opened).
For anyone who is sick or has recently had Covid: Please make sure the families of your child's roommates have been notified of any recent health issues or illness.
If you have to cancel due to sickness, make sure you contact WorldStrides and then me ASAP. If you purchased the trip insurance through WS, you can cancel up until the day of departure.
Spending Money: Though the trip IS all inclusive, it is generally recommended to have the students bring between $100 - $150 spending money, BUT please keep in mind that cashless vendors are becoming more and more common, so I would advise you to be prepared with a VISA gift card or something similar.
Snacks:
Students may pack snacks. We will also be providing snacks and water for students while touring.
For students with gluten or dietary issues be sure to pack some food/snacks accordingly especially for Saturday.
Student's do not need a passport or any ID for flying, though I always advise students to bring their student IDs with them because I think it's probably a good idea to travel with identification.
CHECK THE WEATHER in DC! Click on link! Pack accordingly!
The weather is generally warmer in the D.C. vicinity than it is here in Chicago. Humidity that we have yet to experience can be an issue. Students should stay hydrated and pack a refillable water bottle.
Expect rain. D.C. experiences it's most rainfall in the spring.
Make sure students are in school on Wednesday.
Flight itinerary, meeting times, TSA links & baggage guidelines, and hotel information.
Flight itinerary, meeting times, TSA links & baggage guidelines, and hotel information.
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
DEPARTURE:
Students should assemble in the SEG parking lot on Broadway by 4:35 AM on Saturday morning, May 4th.
We will depart promptly at 4:55 AM for Midway airport.
ARRIVAL:
Assuming there are no delays, our returning flight from BWI is scheduled to arrive at 9:25 PM , parents should plan to meet returning students at Gross Middle School at approximately 10:00 PM on Tues. May 7th.
The students will notify their parents once we’ve boarded the bus at Midway to head back to school. Please be prompt in picking up your child.
The students will notify their parents once we’ve boarded the bus at Midway to head back to school. Please be prompt in picking up your child.
FLIGHT ITINERARY:
FLIGHT ITINERARY:
DEPARTURE on May 4th:
Southwest Air flight # 5903 CHI Midway Airport - MDW at 7:15 AM
ARRIVE - Balt/Wash Intl. Airport - BWI at 10:05 AM
RETURN on May 7th:
Southwest Air flight # 3059 Balt/Wash Intl. Airport - BWI at 8:20 PM ARRIVE - CHI Midway Airport - MDW at 9:25 PM
Travel itinerary & Guidlines.pdfAny questions relating to carry-ons & flight luggage or travel restrictions see baggage policies at the Southwest Airlines websites or TSA links below.
https://www.southwest.com/help/baggage
https://www.southwest.com/flying-with-southwest/#bags_fly_free
Flying Tips & Best Practices.pdf
Students DO NOT need identification at the airport, but it's always recommended to travel with some form of I.D. - like a SEG Student ID.
Click above or below for a direct link to the... Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks
11787 Lee Jackson Highway
Fairfax, VA 22033
(703) 352-2525
Students should pack 1 carry-on bag, or backpack, for day traveling and 1 checked bag, or suitcase, for when they get to the hotel in the evening.
Students should pack 1 carry-on bag, or backpack, for day traveling and 1 checked bag, or suitcase, for when they get to the hotel in the evening.
Packing List Suggested-pdf.pdfSuggested packing list.
Suggested packing list.
(This is a very general packing list distributed for all east coast World Strides trips.)
(This is a very general packing list distributed for all east coast World Strides trips.)
Pack a refillable water bottle!
Pack a refillable water bottle!
Washington D.C. Travel
Washington D.C. Travel
Itinerary & Site Information
Itinerary & Site Information
See your new digital Discovery Journal.
See your new digital Discovery Journal.
Save this link to your phone and bring it with you on your trip!
Save this link to your phone and bring it with you on your trip!
https://my.visme.co/view/epy6jwgr-dc-digital-discovery-journal
DC24 Itinerary - April24thTouring itinerary for the 2024 Washington D.C. Trip.
Touring itinerary for the 2024 Washington D.C. Trip.
Please be aware that this itinerary can & most likely will change at the discretion of the chaperones and the WorldStrides Course Leaders. Instances where this may occur could include unexpected crowds or traffic, city/ government events - planned or unplanned, and the weather.
Please be aware that this itinerary can & most likely will change at the discretion of the chaperones and the WorldStrides Course Leaders. Instances where this may occur could include unexpected crowds or traffic, city/ government events - planned or unplanned, and the weather.
Any event that requires a timed appointment is less likely to change - like dinner times, Ford's Theater, & Mt. Vernon.
Any event that requires a timed appointment is less likely to change - like dinner times, Ford's Theater, & Mt. Vernon.
Group Lists
Group Lists
Bus 1
Bus 1
This is your bus for the entire trip, while we're in DC. You will always be with your roommates and the others on this bus for all of the touring sights and stops.
This is your bus for the entire trip, while we're in DC. You will always be with your roommates and the others on this bus for all of the touring sights and stops.
Chaperone Groups - Bus 1
Chaperone Groups - Bus 1
This list is only for attendance purposes, so it's easier for chaperones to keep track of their groups before departing from our stops sights.
This list is only for attendance purposes, so it's easier for chaperones to keep track of their groups before departing from our stops sights.
Bus 2
Bus 2
This is your bus for the entire trip, while we're in DC. You will always be with your roommates and the others on this bus for all of the touring sights and stops.
This is your bus for the entire trip, while we're in DC. You will always be with your roommates and the others on this bus for all of the touring sights and stops.
Chaperone Groups - Bus 2
Chaperone Groups - Bus 2
This list is only for attendance purposes, so it's easier for chaperones to keep track of their groups before departing from our stops sights.
This list is only for attendance purposes, so it's easier for chaperones to keep track of their groups before departing from our stops sights.
Check The Weather in DC! Click on link or the Weather Channel icon or image for updated DC weather reports.
Check The Weather in DC! Click on link or the Weather Channel icon or image for updated DC weather reports.
Washington D.C. 2023 Trip Slide Show
Washington D.C. 2023 Trip Slide Show
Made up of student & teacher photo submissions. Created by Mrs. Mattucci.
One of the best parts of the DC trip is the lifelong memories captured in photos. We are asking for your help in putting together a keepsake slideshow. When we return from the trip, please email your chaperone any pictures you'd like to be included.
You can also AirDrop pictures during the trip, if your chaperone is okay with that.
We ask that you limit submissions to 10-15 total of your best pictures, in order to make sure everyone is represented.
Group shots or pics with multiple students and/or chaperones engaged in trip activities are perfect.
Below are some good examples from previous trips and the video slideshow from 2024.
SEG Does DC 2023, Version 7.0
Medical Release Form.pdfCode of Conduct.pdfThe Medical Release form & Student Code of Conduct form must be completed and turned in to Mr. Thompson or Mr. Johnson as soon as possible.
The Medical Release form & Student Code of Conduct form must be completed and turned in to Mr. Thompson or Mr. Johnson as soon as possible.
These forms can also be picked up in those teacher's classrooms.
These forms can also be picked up in those teacher's classrooms.
2024 Washington D.C. Trip & Registration Information below
2024 Washington D.C. Trip & Registration Information below
The 2024 8th Grade Washington D.C.
Trip is May 4th – 7th.
Dear Parents and Students,
I am excited to announce that I will once again be escorting a group of S.E. Gross Middle School students on a WorldStrides program to Washington, D.C. While on this amazing adventure, students will explore some of our nation's most important historic and educational sites, memorials & monuments and experience incomparable learning moments. This will be a trip that the 8th graders who are fortunate enough to attend will be talking about for years to come!
8th Graders will return home excited to talk about:
• Standing where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial • Discovering the true meaning of sacrifice & respect at Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and many other war memorials • Walking in the footsteps of our greatest leaders on Capitol Hill and around the White House • Exploring numerous Smithsonian Museums, like the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of African American History & Culture, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Air & Space Museum
"The Washington D.C. Trip is an essential part
of the 8th Grade experience at SEG!"
- SEG Alumn
We travel with WorldStrides, who I've been working with for the past 10 years. WorldStrides has been around for over 50 years. I have been a part of the 8th Grade Washington D.C. trip since 2002 and have led the trip since 2014 and look forward to leading it again. I will chaperone the program with many of SEG's best teachers. Throughout the trip our group will be guided by a WorldStrides-certified Course Leader (tour guide.)
I would love to share this incredible and unforgettable experience with as many of the 8th Grade class as possible.
Payment plans, financial assistance and fundraising are available. Scroll below for more information.
This tour is operated by WorldStrides Student Tours. School District 95 is NOT sponsoring this tour and does not assume any liability concerning this tour.
Scan the QR code for trip information.
Sign up using Trip ID # 210572
You can also register for the trip by going to The World Strides - S.E.Gross Middle School Trip Website or by calling 800-468-5899.
You can also register for the trip by going to The World Strides - S.E.Gross Middle School Trip Website or by calling 800-468-5899.
Sign up for the trip online using Trip ID: 210572.
Sign up for the trip online using Trip ID: 210572.
For more important information about the trip please click on the parent presentation link below. It includes information on everything from signing up, educational goals & travel logistics to medical, safety & security measures.
For more important information about the trip please click on the parent presentation link below. It includes information on everything from signing up, educational goals & travel logistics to medical, safety & security measures.
WorldStrides’ Parent Presentation or go to the direct link options for the PARENT PRESENTATION below. https://vimeo.com/669248312/c52fd8b64
WorldStrides’ Parent Presentation or go to the direct link options for the PARENT PRESENTATION below. https://vimeo.com/669248312/c52fd8b64
Contact World Strides Customer Service online or at 1-800-468-5899, or contact me at (708) 588-8843 or ssoto@district95.org for any questions.
Contact World Strides Customer Service online or at 1-800-468-5899, or contact me at (708) 588-8843 or ssoto@district95.org for any questions.
The World Strides - S.E.Gross Middle School trip website:
https://worldstrides.com/custom/2024-s-e-gross-middle-school-dc-210572/
2024 Trip Financial Resources for Families
2024 Trips Parent Finance Resource Letter.pdfWorldStrides FLAG Financial Assistance
WorldStrides FLAG Financial Assistance
Parent calls Customer Service at 1-800-468-5899 and returns verification paperwork within 30 days.
Eligibility: families earning up to $85,000 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) are eligible.
Selection process: none; completely based on income.
Award amount: depends on cost of program, but anywhere from $50-$400.
Requirements: Parent must return a brief application to verify eligibility (Customer Service will send it to them after their phone call)
Funds are first-come, first-served and usually run out sometime in mid-fall!
You can also Click On! WorldStrides Customer Service or contact the customer service team at 1-800-468-5899.
You can also Click On! WorldStrides Customer Service or contact the customer service team at 1-800-468-5899.
One of World Strides most successful fundraising tool! Within seconds, you can customize our Gift of Education e-cards and send them to friends and family members. https://fundraising.worldstrides.com/gis-gift-education/
One of World Strides most successful fundraising tool! Within seconds, you can customize our Gift of Education e-cards and send them to friends and family members. https://fundraising.worldstrides.com/gis-gift-education/
Designs are available for all trip types and for all special occasions, including birthdays and the holidays. E-card recipients can quickly and easily make an online contribution directly to your account – and remember, 100% of the money you raise goes directly towards offsetting your trip price!
Designs are available for all trip types and for all special occasions, including birthdays and the holidays. E-card recipients can quickly and easily make an online contribution directly to your account – and remember, 100% of the money you raise goes directly towards offsetting your trip price!
For detailed information about fundraising ideas and scholarship options SEE BELOW or click on:
For detailed information about fundraising ideas and scholarship options SEE BELOW or click on:
https://fundraising.worldstrides.com/scholarships-and-grants/
https://fundraising.worldstrides.com/
D.C.
D.C.
D.C.
D.C.
ATTENTION 8th Graders attending the WASHINGTON D.C. Trip:
IT’S TIME TO SELECT YOUR ROOMMATES!
WHEN: On Thursday, February 29th AFTER SCHOOL
WHERE: In the LUNCHROOM: Girls on one side and Boys on the other.
BEFORE YOU SHOW UP, make sure you:
have discussed this with your parents and your friends.
do the best you can to have established roommate groups of 2 or 4 (of all girls or all boys.) Some rooms may end up with 3 people, based on overall numbers. Groups of 5 will not work.
are prepared to be after school for about 20 - 30 minutes. The more prepared you are when you show up, the quicker we can sign you up and the quicker you can leave.
are in attendance for this meeting!
If you know ahead of time that you can’t be there on that Thursday, make sure you or a parent/guardian email me (ssoto@district95.org) to let me know who you’d like to share a room with.
If you are not in attendance and do not contact me with your intentions, you will be placed in a room at our discretion.
We will do the best we can to make everyone happy, but some students may have to make necessary concessions or compromises, to help accommodate the entire group and ensure that everyone is included.
No one should feel left out or allowed to feel that they are alone for this amazing experience. Therefore, nobody will be dismissed until everyone has a room assignment that they feel comfortable with. * Girls and boys may be dismissed separately.
I know this means a lot to you now, but you will only be in the rooms for a short period of time each night before you go to sleep. Other than that, the entire D.C. group will tour together, travel together, and eat together.
Students and parents should contact me with any roommate concerns or questions before Thursday, Feb. 29th.
There will be a very important, final Washington D.C. PARENT/STUDENT MEETING on an evening to be determined soon, within the final 2 weeks before departure.
Tell your friends… it’s not too late to sign up yet, but it’s getting there.
If you didn't get an email update with this information, please contact me immediately, so I can add yo to the email list.
There will be more trip information coming soon.
8th Graders selected their D.C. trip roommates
on Thursday, February 29th
There will be a final
Washington D.C. PARENT/STUDENT MEETING on Monday, April 29th in the BrookPark Multi-Purpose Room at 6:30pm.
Brook Park is located at 1214 Raymond Ave. in LaGrange Park. Please use Door 17 in the back of the building, off of Harrison.
During the meeting we will be discussing:
Distributing and filling out luggage tags, lanyards & drawstring backpack bags.
Collecting Medical Release & Student Behavior forms.
Student medical and allergy concerns.
Student ID - not mandatory for travel.
Travel Itinerary - including departure and arrival times, dates & locations.
Trip Itinerary.
Hotel/bus/airplane rules, dos and don’ts!
What to pack, how to pack, and what not to pack.
Pack a refillable water bottle!
Spending money & snacks.
Roommate/Bus/Airplane lists.
Chaperone lists & groups - keeping track of our students.
Using the REMIND App.
SILENCE & RESPECT.
Any last minute questions.
This meeting is for both the student and their parents.
Please bring your completed Medical Release & Student Code of Conduct forms … IF you have not already turned them in.
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