... and we've stopped for a 15 minute break. I'd put up some pics, but the kids and I all left our USB cords on the bus. Sorry. But so far so good. The kids are kids. My $50 headphones that were guaranteed to "block-out-70%-of-the-noise" most definitely don't -- I wonder if I shoulda sprung for the $100 set? The kids keep saying, "Mr. Cowells, you look tired."
Ignore my woeful tone. We're off to a good start.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
DC08 News, June 30: T-minus 23.5 hours
This will probably be the last email update from me. For those of you who haven't been on my list to receive prior email updates, I've posted the last two updates on the blog. Once the trip starts, I'll do my best to update it as often as possible. Last year I barely had time to update it. The prior year I did a decent job. Who knows what this year will bring?
Some final thoughts:
1. How much money should you bring? That's a tough one to answer. A minimum of $35 would probably be enough for the several meals you're responsible to pay for (most of your meals are covered in the pre-paid total, but there are a few that aren't). Add in some for a souvenir or two and you're looking at a number more than $50. We will be in some malls, but, for pete's sake, the point of this trip isn't shopping in a mall, so I don't think guardians should feel any pressure to provide shopping money.
As far as souvenirs go, I actually think photos are probably the best and most significant souvenir, especially if we can get the kids to take pictures of each other, rather than simply clicking away every time they see a marble building or statue.
2) It's perfectly fine to carry a small backpack or knapsack during the days. That might be a good way to lug around water, sunscreen, money, cell phone, etc. Feel free to wear a fanny-pack, ala Mrs. Richline. (-:
3) We'll be staying in the same hotel all week. Its contact info is here.
4) Those of you kids who enjoy jogging/running/serious walking should bring along shorts and a shirt designated for such sweaty endeavors. Fingers crossed, I'm hoping we'll be able to get in a couple jogs at least -- hopefully one significant one that includes the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, several of the famous memorials, and the White House.
5) Remember, you won't have access to your luggage underneath the bus until late Tuesday. Bring a carry-on with toiletries (tooth brush & deoderant! -- that bus is gonna be close quarters), and maybe a simple change of clothing.
6) Speaking of close quarters... the good news is that we're taking you to Washington, D.C. The bad news is that we're gonna be stuffed on that bus like sevies in the office on the first day of school, asking for help with their lockers. Not only will every one of you have to share a two-seat section with someone, but (worse, from my perspective) is that one of you has to share with one of us. And lucky me, I drew the short stick (remember learning about karma in 7th grade? Evidently I've got lousy karma...). Let's be honest: I'm keen on personal space, which means Hanes is safe; I'm gonna pick whichever of you hasn't been lucky enough to hit your growth spurt yet, allowing me maximum space (guess at least one of you has bad karma, too).
7) When you arrive at CJHS at 7:15PM tomorrow night, drive around to the back. One of us will be there to take attendance, and another will direct you where to stack your "underneath-the-bus" luggage. Keep your carry-on bag with you. Go into the cafetorium and sit with your guardians -- the first one of you that I gotta yell at to settle down will be punished by being designated my seat-partner for the first part of the trip. Well, if he/she isn't too big. (-:
8) It's a good idea to bring a pillow and light blanket for the bus.
Well, it sure seems like I've rattled off enough last minute info, but if I missed something email me back at acowells@yahoo.com or call me at 574-333-4673.
Mr. C
Some final thoughts:
1. How much money should you bring? That's a tough one to answer. A minimum of $35 would probably be enough for the several meals you're responsible to pay for (most of your meals are covered in the pre-paid total, but there are a few that aren't). Add in some for a souvenir or two and you're looking at a number more than $50. We will be in some malls, but, for pete's sake, the point of this trip isn't shopping in a mall, so I don't think guardians should feel any pressure to provide shopping money.
As far as souvenirs go, I actually think photos are probably the best and most significant souvenir, especially if we can get the kids to take pictures of each other, rather than simply clicking away every time they see a marble building or statue.
2) It's perfectly fine to carry a small backpack or knapsack during the days. That might be a good way to lug around water, sunscreen, money, cell phone, etc. Feel free to wear a fanny-pack, ala Mrs. Richline. (-:
3) We'll be staying in the same hotel all week. Its contact info is here.
4) Those of you kids who enjoy jogging/running/serious walking should bring along shorts and a shirt designated for such sweaty endeavors. Fingers crossed, I'm hoping we'll be able to get in a couple jogs at least -- hopefully one significant one that includes the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, several of the famous memorials, and the White House.
5) Remember, you won't have access to your luggage underneath the bus until late Tuesday. Bring a carry-on with toiletries (tooth brush & deoderant! -- that bus is gonna be close quarters), and maybe a simple change of clothing.
6) Speaking of close quarters... the good news is that we're taking you to Washington, D.C. The bad news is that we're gonna be stuffed on that bus like sevies in the office on the first day of school, asking for help with their lockers. Not only will every one of you have to share a two-seat section with someone, but (worse, from my perspective) is that one of you has to share with one of us. And lucky me, I drew the short stick (remember learning about karma in 7th grade? Evidently I've got lousy karma...). Let's be honest: I'm keen on personal space, which means Hanes is safe; I'm gonna pick whichever of you hasn't been lucky enough to hit your growth spurt yet, allowing me maximum space (guess at least one of you has bad karma, too).
7) When you arrive at CJHS at 7:15PM tomorrow night, drive around to the back. One of us will be there to take attendance, and another will direct you where to stack your "underneath-the-bus" luggage. Keep your carry-on bag with you. Go into the cafetorium and sit with your guardians -- the first one of you that I gotta yell at to settle down will be punished by being designated my seat-partner for the first part of the trip. Well, if he/she isn't too big. (-:
8) It's a good idea to bring a pillow and light blanket for the bus.
Well, it sure seems like I've rattled off enough last minute info, but if I missed something email me back at acowells@yahoo.com or call me at 574-333-4673.
Mr. C
For a preview of DC08...
... check out the photos in the slideshow on the left (minus the roller-coasters). And maybe the videos will work, too. Sorry I don't have pics of more of you. Evidently the same kids sat in the back of the bus on both trips.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Where we'll sleep; where we'll explore
If I could put this trip together in the most ideal way, I'd be taking a small enough group that we could stay in my sister and bro-in-law's row house, which would allow us to get a more authentic DC experience (including metroing and walking our way around town, rather than in the isolation of the bus). But life is full of compromises, and that means in this case we have to stay at a hotel that's outside of DC, and isn't easily accessible to the Metro.
Our hotel is the Comfort Inn -- University Center. But we'll spend most of our days on or not far from the Nat'l Mall. Here's a map showing the distance between:
June 28, DC08 News
Please note that it's most likely that updates from now on will be coming from acowells@yahoo.com. You might want to add that address to your email address book, to help prevent it from ending up in a spam folder.
We're gettin' close, and I can tell by the number of kids contacting me excitedly, even as my own sense of "what-was-I-thinking?" predictably rises as well. (-;
Several points:
Please arrive promptly on Monday at 7:15PM in the back of the junior high. We'll have someone designated for you to check-in with, and a spot picked out for luggage that will be going underneath the bus. Kids, remember you won't have access to that underneath luggage for about 24 hours, so keep basic toiletries and perhaps a simple change of clothes in your carry-on bag. Guardians, please keep your kid with you during the meeting; they're going to be so hyped-up we'll need your help in getting them to at least partially focus.
As you pack, keep in mind:
The weather is looking fairly good for DC -- it looks like we'll avoid the typical DC sweltering mix of heat and humidity, but it will be pretty warm most days (up to low 90's) and some storms are forecast. The Hanes family has graciously offered to send rain ponchos for all the kids, so no need to pack rain gear.
Unless you've got a pair of well-broken-in flip-flops that you know you can walk in for miles at a time without soreness, I suggest you bring some walking/running/tennis shoes. You can always switch back to flip-flops when we aren't walking so far.
Of course we caution that bringing valuables like cell phones, iPods, digital cameras, etc is risky; we also know that a number of you will bring such items in addition to your wallet. If there's some way you could label all of these and your wallet with contact info, I'd advise you to do so.
Also as you pack those electronic items, remember to include chargers and/or extra batteries. And, if bringing a digital cam, a usb cord so we can download straight to our teacher laptops.
If you are bringing disposable cameras, I'd suggest you purchase an extra or two -- kids tend to burn through those quite quickly.
We will have a number of times with free time on the grass. Soccer balls, frisbees, footballs and volleyballs would be a wise addition, but, again, label your item -- not just with your name but with a contact # as well. If your luggage is too full, bring the item separately and we'll put it in a crate underneath the bus.
I'll probably put out at least one more update before Monday, and -- since a number of kids are asking -- I'll try to offer some advice about how much money to bring.
If you (or your kid) is planning to bring a cell, and hasn't yet sent me a text with your name, do so. 574-333-4673.
We're gettin' close, and I can tell by the number of kids contacting me excitedly, even as my own sense of "what-was-I-thinking?" predictably rises as well. (-;
Several points:
Please arrive promptly on Monday at 7:15PM in the back of the junior high. We'll have someone designated for you to check-in with, and a spot picked out for luggage that will be going underneath the bus. Kids, remember you won't have access to that underneath luggage for about 24 hours, so keep basic toiletries and perhaps a simple change of clothes in your carry-on bag. Guardians, please keep your kid with you during the meeting; they're going to be so hyped-up we'll need your help in getting them to at least partially focus.
As you pack, keep in mind:
The weather is looking fairly good for DC -- it looks like we'll avoid the typical DC sweltering mix of heat and humidity, but it will be pretty warm most days (up to low 90's) and some storms are forecast. The Hanes family has graciously offered to send rain ponchos for all the kids, so no need to pack rain gear.
Unless you've got a pair of well-broken-in flip-flops that you know you can walk in for miles at a time without soreness, I suggest you bring some walking/running/tennis shoes. You can always switch back to flip-flops when we aren't walking so far.
Of course we caution that bringing valuables like cell phones, iPods, digital cameras, etc is risky; we also know that a number of you will bring such items in addition to your wallet. If there's some way you could label all of these and your wallet with contact info, I'd advise you to do so.
Also as you pack those electronic items, remember to include chargers and/or extra batteries. And, if bringing a digital cam, a usb cord so we can download straight to our teacher laptops.
If you are bringing disposable cameras, I'd suggest you purchase an extra or two -- kids tend to burn through those quite quickly.
We will have a number of times with free time on the grass. Soccer balls, frisbees, footballs and volleyballs would be a wise addition, but, again, label your item -- not just with your name but with a contact # as well. If your luggage is too full, bring the item separately and we'll put it in a crate underneath the bus.
I'll probably put out at least one more update before Monday, and -- since a number of kids are asking -- I'll try to offer some advice about how much money to bring.
If you (or your kid) is planning to bring a cell, and hasn't yet sent me a text with your name, do so. 574-333-4673.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
June 1, DC08 News
Last Friday we met with the kids and handed out a flyer to help prepare them for the trip. Just in case the flyer didn't make it home to you, I've pasted the text below.
Bring…
Ø Sunscreen and/or a cap
Ø Enough money for three meals on Tuesday & lunch on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, plus any extra that you might want for souvenirs, snacks and drinks (staying hydrated will be important, but you could reuse a water bottle rather than buying another new expensive one every time you need a drink).
Ø CDs/DVDs/Books for bus – but remember that you risk losing valuable processions, so think twice as you decide what to bring.
Ø Film and a Camera – You might want to think about buying disposable cameras for the trip so you do not lose or break an expensive camera. Buy film or cameras here in order to avoid being overcharged in DC.
Ø Only one suitcase, plus one small carry-on – You will want to separate your luggage because you will not be able to get to your suitcase for the first 24 hours. Therefore, packing a change of clothes and toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) in your carry-on would be appropriate!
Ø Pillow for bus
Read….
Ø Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Ø Night by Elie Wiesel
Watch…
Ø National Treasure & National Treasure II (rated PG – not completely accurate, but they’re okay for adventure films)
And with your parents’ permission:
Ø The Patriot (rated R – and also not completely accurate)
Ø Schindler’s List (rated R for disturbing and sometimes graphic material. Widely regarded as the definitive Holocaust film)
Remember…
Ø To prepare for unpredictable weather (example: jackets & raincoats, though usually DC in July is hot and humid)
Ø Comfortable walking shoes (A MUST! We will be doing quite a bit of walking. Even though flip flops are stylish and you think that they are comfortable…your feet might regret you wearing them!)
Ø Swim suit – The hotel has a pool!
Ø School-appropriate clothing
Begin asking your family…
If you have any connections to Washington DC or the battle of Gettysburg . For example, did any of your ancestors serve in the US military – we’ll be stopping at the W.W II Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial, and we could incorporate other visits if doing so would make the trip more meaningful to you. Email Mr. C. with any connections that you discover.
Special Opportunities…
We will be taking part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery on Tuesday, July 2nd. We are looking for four students to participate in the laying of the wreath. This is a very solemn ceremony and requires students to act appropriately. The four students will be required to wear dress clothes (nice slacks and a button up shirt for boys and a dress or skirt for girls) and appropriate shoes (absolutely no sandals, flip flops or tennis shoes) If you are interested in being part of this special ceremony please contact Mrs. Weatherholt or Mr. Cowells.
Also while at Arlington , we are planning to take a few of you who have stronger connections to Mrs. Schoenherr (probably if you were in drama) to place flowers on the gravesite of her grandfather and grandmother. If you would like to join this group, let one of us know.
Guardian Meeting…
There will be a meeting with the travelers and their guardians on Monday, June 30th at 7:15 pm in the CJHS cafetorium. At that time we’ll hand out the finalized itineraries and cover any other last minute details. Then we’ll board the bus and head out by 8PM.
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at:
kweather@concord.k12.in.us, acowells@yahoo.com, or acowells@concord.k12.in.us or you can reach Mr. C. by cell at 574-333-4673.
Monday, April 7, 2008
T-minus... um, idk, something like three months
Okay, so DC08 isn't until the first week in July. But I'm getting a head start, playing around with the new Google Gears software which will hopefully allow me to seamlessly blog whilst offline. There's more to this practice run than just software, though; I'm actually headed out to DC this week to spend a couple days doing some preliminary footwork for this year's trip.
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