Dear Parents, Guardians, and 8th Grade Students,
Parents, thank you for your attendance and support at our meeting. Students, thank you for continuing to behave in a manner that earns you the privilege of traveling with your classmates to Washington D.C. on May 13-15, 2026. Below you will find instructions to ensure a safe, fun ,and educational trip. Please read all the information contained. You will need to refer to it often as the date approaches, so please save it. This is, of course, a non-profit endeavor as all funds collected will be spent on your child. The fee is all-inclusive. If you can pay for the trip in one payment, you are able to do this. If you need to make smaller payments, that is acceptable if you are consistently making the payments. We have also offered a payment schedule for your convenience. It is imperative that the first payment is on time to determine the number of final travelers so that final arrangements can be secured. Students who do not go on the trip are expected to be in school. Teachers will have activities planned.
Additional Information:
TRANSPORTATION
We will be traveling on clean and modern buses. For emergencies, restrooms are available on the bus. Students are expected to comply with all bus regulations.
GUIDELINES FOR TRAVEL
1. You may bring phones or other forms of media. We’ve never completed a trip without someone losing something of value, so you must keep track of these items.
2. Each student is permitted to have one suitcase, which will be loaded under the bus. You are welcome to bring snacks to eat on the bus.
3. You may pack a small overnight bag for personal articles. It must be small enough to fit under your seat.
4. Pack only what you need for two nights – not one week.
5. All personal belongings should be identified.
6. Be careful with your money. You may want to budget a little extra for these meals. You may also want some extra money for vending machines, snacks, souvenirs, and other items. We suggest $50-$100.
Suggested Items to Bring On The Trip
Three outfits
1 large bag to be stored under the bus
Comfortable shoes for walking
Umbrella and rain gear
Toiletries
Light Jacket
Something to listen to
Snacks (save some for ride home)
Dress Code
YES
Any pair of nice shorts or skirts (appropriate length)
Nice pants, jeans, or shorts.
School appropriate shirts
Comfortable shoes - athletic shoes
NO
Hats are not recommended but allowed if brought in the case of sun
Tank tops, spaghetti straps, shirts with bare midriffs
Sandals or flip-flops
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. We will return to WGMS between 7-9. We will alert you when we start heading home.
2. The contact information for the Double Tree Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 301-977-8900
MEDICINES
Students are not permitted to have medications in their possession at any time, except for epipens and asthma inhalers. All prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol, Advil, etc. will be dispensed by the nurse or chaperone with parental permission indicated on the emergency form(s) that you have filled out prior to the trip. Medicines that are administered in school will be packaged up and given to your child’s chaperone prior to the trip. Please email our school nurse, Mrs. Wright to discuss any special Dietary Needs or to discuss any health concerns.