WASHINGTON 2012 

                                                                             CST 2080389-40                                                                        BAL

 September, 2011

Dear Parents & Students

 Once again we will be offering an extraordinary educational experience to interested eighth grade students through our annual tour of Washington, D. C., Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, Monticello, Philadelphia, and Gettysburg.  As in the past, the tour, a non-school activity, will be custom designed to provide participants a rich learning experience as well as an exciting trip.  Students will depart Thursday evening, March 29th, and return Wednesday, April 4.  A SPECIAL INFORMATION MEETING FOR PARETNS AND STUDENTS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 10^th, AT 7:30 P.M. IN THE BALBOA MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA. THIS WILL BE THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AND PAYMENT.

 As teachers, we have seen the value of educational tour programs which stress structured learning experiences through the excitement of travel.  Over the past thirty-four years we have been able to refine and improve our trip.  The result is a stimulating educational program, tailor-made for our students, designed much like a lesson plan using the nation’s Capital and historic sites as our classroom.

 Planned sites in Washington include: Jefferson, Lincoln, & the recently dedicated Martin Luther King Memorials, the war memorials to WWII, Korea and Vietnam, the Smithsonian Institute, the Holocaust museum, the Newseum, and much more.  Students will also tour the Capitol and, schedule permitting, meet with their elected representatives.

 In addition to all this, students will spend an entire day in historic Williamsburg and Jamestown.  Through privately escorted tours and evening programs, students are literally able to “walk back into history.”  We will also visit the battlefield at Gettysburg, tour Jefferson’s estate at Monticello, Washington’s estate at Mt. Vernon, and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

 Students will depart from Los Angeles aboard a regularly scheduled airline.  Once in Washington, we will enjoy deluxe, restroom-equipped, recliner buses with experienced drivers.  Students will be chaperoned throughout the trip with a 1:15 adult to student ratio.  Nights will be spent in a deluxe accommodation such as a Sheraton, Hyatt, Marriott or comparable hotel with interior hallways.  Rooms are well appointed with two large beds, cable TV, etc.  Students will be allowed to select their own roommates; four students are assigned to each room.

 All meals are provided during the trip.  Breakfasts and dinners will usually be buffet style, affording a variety of entrees.  Most lunches are from food courts, or fast food restaurants where students may select whatever they wish.

 The complete cost of the tour is $1,598.00 per person*.  This includes: airfare, airport transfers, lodging, sightseeing, all meals, all admissions, supervision, guide fees, tips, and the performance at the Kennedy Center.  As in the past, we will offer the Guaranteed Price Option, which protects against price increases, excluding any fuel, luggage, or airport surcharges added prior to departure. All REGISTRATIONS WILL BE INITIATED ONLINE AT traveled2dc.com.

 From past experience we know that the trip will provide students with a learning experience and friendships that will last a lifetime.  The website should provide answers to most questions (traveled2dc.com).  If you have any additional questions, contact us at home in the evenings: Jan Timmons at (805) 449-9258, Kirsten Wirth at (805) 279-3224, Tom Johnsen at (805) 499-1569 or Don Zimring at (818) 920-9059.  Since this is not a school-sponsored program, PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

 We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

Jan Timmons                                                    Don Zimring

Kirsten Wirth                                                    Tom Johnsen

 *Based on airfares and land rates at the time of printing.  Final tour costs, unless paid via the “GUARANTEED PRICE OPTION”, will reflect the rates at the time of final billing.



 Student Behavior Expectations

The Washington Trip provides a once in a lifetime learning experience for students.  The trip is planned to provide an exciting and fun-filled week that will bring alive many of the classroom and textbook experiences students have had.  The chaperons take pride in the program they offer and enjoy the trip as much as the students.  The success, however, is based not only on a carefully planned itinerary, but on a positive attitude toward learning and a high level of commitment from the students as well.  To this end, students must adhere to a higher standard of discipline and self-control than is needed in a normal school routine.  Students who cannot meet these standards may be sent home early at their parents’ expense with no refund of any monies paid.  We don’t want that to happen.  The following is a general guide to the behavior expectations we have for the students.

 Students are expected to demonstrate respect and courtesy to everyone they meet during the trip.  The maintenance of harmonious working relationships, particularly with guides and others in authority positions, is essential for our continued success.  This is fundamental for ALL participants.

 Violation of any laws, particularly possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or other harmful items, will result in immediate return home at the parents’ expense with no refund and/or detention by local authorities.

 IDENTIFICATION – Students must carry a picture I. D. at all times, as it will be required at the airport, at several sites and for most meals.

 ON THE AIRCRAFT – Flying is exciting regardless of age.  However, having a 100+ students on a single aircraft requires discipline and cooperation.  Students may not roam the plane or “hang out” in the aisles.  Using the restroom should be the only reason for leaving one’s seat.  We encourage students to rest or even sleep.  Others on the flight will be trying to do so, so students’ behavior needs to be respectful of that.  Do not use the flight attendant call button unless there is an emergency.  When the aircraft lands, students must remain in their seats until the chaperons have given directions for debarkation.

 ON THE ROAD – Students will spend a good deal of time on the buses, which are luxury recliner coaches with restrooms.  No eating, drinking or gum chewing is permitted on the bus.  Music devices are allowed, provided they do not disturb others and that they are put away whenever a chaperon or driver is speaking on the public address system.  Our drivers/guides have a wealth of information to provide, but will not do so, if you appear bored or disinterested.

 VISITING SITES – Students will be surrounded by their nation’s history and culture.  While it will be exciting, we must act with the respect these sites deserve.  These historic and national treasures hold memories and values that are important to many people.  It is unacceptable to detract from that atmosphere by running, climbing, yelling or chewing gum.  When a guide is talking at a site, students must be attentive and not talk or “play around.”

 HOTELS – Students will be expected to strictly adhere to hotel behavior standards and curfew rules.  Many other patrons use the facility; their right to not be disturbed must be respected.  Students are not permitted to “hang out” in the lobby, hallways or in the rooms of other students.

 ATTIRE – The normal school dress code will be in effect on the trip.  “Gang” style clothing or accessories are not permitted.  Students will be expected to dress appropriately for their evening at the theatre.  A clothing list is available on our website and will appear on the back of trip Talk #1 in the Spring.

 FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THE ABOVE RULES MAY RESULT IN THE STUDENT BEING SENT HOME EARLY AT THE PARENTS’ EXPENSE WITH NO REFUND PROVIDED.

CLICK HERE FOR BEHAVIOR CONTRACT

WASHINGTON 2012

 CST 2080389-40                                                  BAL                                                                                  REGISTRATION: Space is limited.  Applications for registration will be initiated on line at TravelEd2DC.com.  Only applications that are complete, including both parent and student signatures, behavior contract, and a deposit check or money order, will be accepted. (Participation on the trip is contingent upon both student behavior and academic performance.  Students must maintain a “C” or better in all classes to be eligible to participate.) Applications and deposits will be initially accepted at the October Parent/Student Information Meeting.  If the number of completed applications received at that meeting exceeds the space available, a lottery drawing will be held.  Those not selected in the lottery will be placed on a waitlist, and notified of space availability as cancellations are received.  Applications will be accepted by mail after the Parent/Student meeting.  IF YOU NEED A PAPER REGISTRATION FORM PLEASE CALL MR. JOHNSEN AT 805-499-1569.

You may select from two methods of deposit to suit your individual needs (sorry, no credit cards):

 GUARANTEED DEPOSIT:  A deposit of $500 received by Friday, December 2, will reserve space, if available, and guarantee that the final tour price, will not be increased.*  The balance will be due approximately six weeks prior to departure.

 SPACE DEPOSIT:  A deposit of $275 will reserve space, if available.  The tour price is based on airfares and land rates at the time of printing.  The final tour price will reflect any price increases that occur prior to final payment.  The balance will be due approximately six weeks prior to departure.

 REMEMBER: APPLICATIONS WILL BE INITIATED ON LINE.  PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION ON LINE, PRINT THE CONFIRMATION PAGE ALONG WITH THE BEHAVIOR CONTRACT AND BRING IT WITH YOUR DEPOSIT CHECK AND BEHAVIOR CONTRACT TO THE MEETING, OR MAIL IT IN AS INDICATED ON THE WEBSITE (traveled2DC.com).

 SPECIAL CLASSES:  One of the primary factors that has made our tours so successful has been the special classes conducted prior to departure.  Each class deals with a different aspect of the trip and will help the students more fully appreciate everything they will see and do.  The classes will cover topics ranging from government and law to photography and travel tips.  Classes will be held after school beginning three weeks prior to departure.  Attendance is mandatory.

 INSURANCE:  Students are required to show proof of medical/accident insurance as part of registration.  Accident insurance and/or trip cancellation insurance may be purchased separately along with flight insurance.  For information on these policies please contact Travel Insurance Center (866.979.6753) or <worldtravelcenter.com>.

 RESPONSIBILITY:  It is hereby understood by all participants that TravelEd, its chaperons or agents, are agents for the purpose of writing tickets for transportation and making arrangements for tours, lodging, and accommodations only and we are not liable for any and all claims, suits, actions, delays, inconveniences, strikes, wars, injury or any other expenses of any kind or nature caused by the tickets or arising out of their issuance for travel, transportation, baggage handling or any other type of difficulty stemming from participation in this trip not caused by the gross negligence of the aforementioned parties.  Participants are required to provide a completed Medical Release/Discipline form and proof of medical insurance.  TravelEd has complied with the California Seller of Travel law. 

 REFUNDS:  We hope you will not have to cancel.  The trip is an exceptional educational experience.  If you find you must cancel, please notify TravelEd in writing immediately.  Your deposit, less a $100.00 service charge plus any airline penalties will be refunded if written notice is received postmarked by January 20, 2012. For cancellations postmarked after January 20, but prior to fourteen days before departure, $250.00 of your payment along with airline penalties will be retained.  Cancellations received fourteen days or less before departure will receive a 50% refund, after any airline penalties are paid. Airline cancellation penalties can include non-refundable tickets.  In such instances, the price of the ticket will serve as the airline penalty and the ticket will be included along with any refund due. Students sent home early for disciplinary or medical reasons are not entitled to a refund.  If the trip is canceled by TravelEd, registrants will receive a full refund.

 QUESTIONS?  VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.traveled2dc.com

OR CALL US AT HOME IN THE EVENINGS OR ON THE WEEKENDS

TOM JOHNSEN 805-499-1569 OR DON ZIMRING 818-920-9059

(THIS IS NOT A SCHOOL TRIP: PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL OR DISTRICT OFFICE.)

*Final price may be adjusted based on any fuel/luggage/airport surcharges added by the airlines.  Guaranteed Price Option becomes invalid due to war, terrorist attack, strike, bankruptcy or natural disaster which causes a change in airline availability.

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION