1. The week of a weekend trip students should review the itinerary of the activity, which will include any special directions and maps. This information will also be posted online at the website.
2. Have as many volunteers (as bus riders, water carriers, etc.) to serve as "Responsible Adults" (RAs) for a ratio of 1 RA to 10 students. These RAs will be given a checklist of items that they will be responsible for the morning of the trip, along with a list of those students they will responsible for, a check-in list for these students and updated itinerary.
3. Use a minimum of 2 RAs on each bus. A list of "bus rules" should be explained to the students so the bus ride will be tolerable for all. No radios-headphones only!! No eating on the buses, unless allowed by bus drivers. Students are to clean up any and all litter.
4. Have a separate RA car going ‘with’ the buses to use as back up, or for emergencies. This vehicle and driver should be as close to the parked buses as possible. Driver should be available to the group during the entire outing in case of emergencies. If students should get lost and not found by the scheduled time to leave, this RA car would stay behind and continue to search while the buses return to school.
5. The itinerary should have specific times and locations listed so everyone knows where he or she is to be at certain times. Students should check in with their respective RAs at the appropriate times with the understanding that if they are late, their grade will be lowered. No excuses.
6. Eat as a group in a specific location. Either all bring lunches or all buy lunches or find a situation where they can do both. The main object is to be in the same area and not wandering all around. More recently, the BPO have been able to provide meals.
7. Make sure the parents are aware of when to pick up their student. Encourage students to call their parents in a timely manner. All students should be picked up within a half hour of returning to school!!!
8. Upon returning to school, make sure the buses are clean before the students are let off. Students should be responsible for getting all the instruments back into the band room.