DC Parent Information

** If you have any additional questions about the trip, please don't hesitate to call or email Mrs. Vecchio. jvecchio@indpendence.k12.oh.us or 216-642-5865 ext. 1323

In addition please make sure you have filled out or updated your student's medical forms for the district through FinalForms by October 1st! If this is not filled out before the trip, students will not be eligible to go on the DC Trip. 

Medication:  Please see the forms page on this website for any medication forms.  Over-the-Counter medication forms DO NOT need to be signed by a doctor; however, prescription medication forms must still be signed.  All Over-the-Counter medication forms must be returned to Mrs. Vecchio by September 22nd for ALL students!  All medications must be turned into Mrs. Vecchio by October 3rd to ensure enough time to organize and familiarize ourselves with your child's needs.  If you have any questions please contact me or our clinic nurse.

Money $$$: No additional money is needed for students on the DC trip.  The trip cost covers all food, museum tickets, lodging, transportation, and other essential items for the trip.  However, if your student would like to purchase souvenirs on the trip they should bring about $75 dollars.  This will allow them to buy a T-shirt, sweatshirt, and maybe one additional item.  

Luggage:

*Students are allowed to take 2 bags with them on the trip: 1 bag for under the bus with all their essentials and 1 carry-on bag for the bus.  All baggage will be checked by an IMS Staff Member before departing for the trip.  

Under-the-Bus Bag ~ about the size of a large carry-on or a medium/small size duffle bag.  

Carry-On ~ the size of a book bag or cinch bag. 

**Students will be leaving carry-on bags ON the bus during our time in DC. We will be going to and from the bus often throughout each day, so there is no need for students to carry a bag with them at all times.  Due to all of the security checks in DC, having additional bags to be checked will exponentially increase the time it takes our group to move about the city and visit each museum/monument/memorial.  

*Please make sure students pack a poncho in case of rain and 2 pairs of tennis shoes for walking around DC.  We ask that no hats be worn on the trip, no athletic wear be worn while touring DC, and no holes or rips/frays in pants or shorts. On the Information page, there is the Trip Tips and Guidelines document that has a sample list of items to pack on the trip, as well as snack guidelines.  Remember the rule of 3 for snacks and drinks, except water!  Students may bring as many bottles of water with them as they can carry.  I recommend disposable water bottles since most museums do not allow food or drinks within the building (except in the cafe, which we will not be visiting)

Cell Phones:

*Students will be allowed to bring and have their cell phones with them on the trip.  However, there may be times when students are instructed to turn cell phones off/put them away during specified times (in a museum, at a specific exhibit, while chaperones are giving directions, while on a tour).  Please be patient as students respond to your messages.