Less than 24 hours to go!!! ***LAST MINUTE REMINDERS***
Zach DiIonno
1) Transportation
2) Baggage Fees
3) Student IDs
4) Carry-on bag of White House outfit
5) What to Pack
IMPORTANT NOTE: Our first day in D.C. (Saturday) is going to be jam-packed and non-stop! We are going to the White House directly from the airport, and from the White House, we are going to be visiting museums and such. We will not be arriving to the hotel until Saturday evening so PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU GET A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP TONIGHT AND ON THE PLANE RIDE!!!! You are going to need all the energy you can get on Saturday!!! Conserve now!!
Transportation
Please drop your student off at the airport by 11:45am. Some of the advisors will be arriving slightly before to prepare the airline for the large group, but to ensure a smooth check-in, arrive at 11:45am and absolutely no later than 12:00pm.
If you need to work out a ride to the airport, contact me via cell immediately at 973.296.8433
Baggage Fees
United Airlines is charging $25 for the first checked bag. There will also be a $25 fee on the return flight. In total, students wil ll need to provide $50 for baggage fees. NOTE: these fees are not covered by the tour! The airlines might only accept credit for the baggage costs. Therefore, please provide your child with either a credit/debit card or cash. If your child has cash and the airlines does only accept credit card, one of the advisors will use their credit card to pay for the child's bag in exchange for the cash.
Student IDs
Students, please remember to bring your IDs and check them on your person (i.e., wallet, purse, fanny pack). You will need the IDs for check-in and more importantly, for the White House tour.
White House outfit packed in carry-on bag
Please make sure that your child packs an appropriate outfit for the White House in their carry-on bag. We are for asking this in the event that a student's checked bag is misplaced and they cannot access their dress clothes. We don't want anyone to have to show up to the White House wearing their airplane sweats and sleep gear!
Students will have the opportunity to freshen up in the restrooms at the airport. Once we are finished with the White House tour, students will have a chance to access their luggage on the bus and change into "street clothes" for the remainder of the day.
What to Pack...
Baggage:
Students can bring ONE bag to check in and ONE to carry on and/or SMITHSONIAN BACKPACK (max 1 suitcase + 2 carry-on). We recommend a suitcase with wheels to check in and a backpack or duffel bag to carry on. Also, bring a suitcase lock for when you leave the room.
REQUIRED: Smithsonian backpack + lanyard (to be worn daily), luggage tag (put on suitcase).
Clothes:
· Sweatshirt or jacket, preferably with a hood (bring more than one if you tend to get cold so you can layer)
· Heavy jacket/coat – need to show advisor your jacket/coat by 3/11
· 4-5 casual shirts (Girls-No tank tops)
· 1 long-sleeved dress shirt (Capitol/White House)
· 4-5 jeans/pants
· 1 dress pants/slacks/long skirt (must be ankle-length) (Capitol/White House)
· 3-4 warm sleep clothes
· Underwear for 7 days
· Socks for 7 days
· Wear Civic Club shirt to airport
· I ♥ NY Shirt
· Something green for St. Patrick’s Day
· Optional: Thermal underwear or leggings/tights
Shoes:
· 1 pair of STURDY AND WARM walking shoes (we may walk several miles a day, and it will be very cold and possibly wet – no canvas sneakers or mesh athletic shoes)
· 1 pair of comfortable dress shoes (Capitol/White House)
· 1 pair of rubber slippers (hotel)
Accessories:
· Keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum (ideally, don’t bring ANY!) to avoid loss/theft
· A passport pouch to keep ID/money to wear inside clothes at all times A fanny pack or shoulder bag to take on day trips
· Gloves/mittens if your hands get cold
· Beanie or wool hat (esp. if you have short hair)
· Optional: Scarf, sunglasses, belt
Toiletries:
· Shampoo, conditioner, lotion and soap are provided by the hotel, but you may bring your own.
· Deodorant
· Lip balm
· Brush or comb
· Toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste (don’t share it!)
· Dental floss
· Glasses, contacts, and contact solution (if needed). If you wear contacts, always bring an extra pair.
· Feminine hygiene products
· Toilet drops
· Important medications and vitamins (prescriptions, Tylenol, cold or allergy medicine, cough drops, etc.) NOTE: Teachers/chaperones are not allowed to give a student medicine, so make sure you bring your own.
· Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and any other liquids or gels must be in a travel size (3 ounces or less) container and must be packed in a quart size baggie if you put them in your carry-on. Otherwise, it may be confiscated by security.
Other:
· Laundry bag/plastic bags for dirty clothes
· Hospitality gifts (Macadamia nuts, Hawaiian souvenirs) – Advisors will provide also
Basics: (Pack In Your
Carry-on):
· Wallet
· ID
· Cash (no more than $200.00)
· Traveler’s checks or credit/ATM card
· Emergency contact numbers
· Medical history
· List of medications
· Insurance card
· Breath mints/gum (gum for plane only, please)
· Snacks (pretzels, hard candy, granola bars)
· AR book
· Travel pillow
· Cell phone and charger
· Calling card (try Longs Photo Dept.)
· Camera and charger/batteries
· Film/memory card
· Travel size tissue
· 1 set extra clothes – THIS SHOULD BE YOUR DRESSY OUTFIT FOR THE WHITE HOUSE
· Pen/Pencil (advisors will provide)
· Civic Club DC Journal (advisors will provide)
In quart-size zip-lock baggie:
· Lip balm
· Eye drops (esp. if you wear contacts)
· Lotion (optional)
· Hand wipes/sanitizer
Other than that, if you have questions or concerns, please email me. I can't wait to see you all tomorrow at the airport! Let's go!
Aloha,
Zach
--
Zach DiIonno, Special Education Provider
Ilima Intermediate School
91-884 Fort Weaver Rd.
Ewa Beach, HI 96706
Phone: 808.689.1250 Ext. 281
Cell: 973.296.8433
Email: zachd...@gmail.com