Washington DC

Yes.  The Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA) offers two types of scholarships – one parent can apply on behalf of their child, the other teachers can apply for specific students.  The link to apply:  https://sytayouthfoundation.org/scholarships/road-scholarship   The deadline to apply is found in the link. Parents can also ask for financial support through a form the school will share. In addition to the scholarships above, Timothy Christian Schools will look for grants and other funding to assist.  If cost becomes a barrier for your child attending, please contact Mr. Horne.

Rooming assignments will occur closer to trip time. Students will have a say in their roommates. Students will list names of 5 students they would like to room with. Due to odd numbers and not wanting anyone left out, we will make the room assignments and each student will be with at least one person they choose. Room assignments will be posted the night before the trip.

Rooming Options for the Trip

Quad Occupancy (default option)

• 4 students per room, 2 queen beds.

• Students choose their own roommates. From those choices, we assign rooms.

• Room assignments will be shared the night before the trip.

Triple Occupancy

• Not available.

Double Occupancy (special request only)

• 2 students per room, 2 queen beds.

• To request this option:

  1. Your student must find another student who also wants a double.

  2. Both sets of parents must email the trip coordinator confirming the pairing.

• We cannot place a student in a double room unless they already have a partner.

• Requests for double occupancy must be submitted by the registration deadline.

• Double rooms cannot be guaranteed after the deadline.

If there is a flight interruption on the outbound (to DC), NationsClassroom works with multiple airlines and will make sure the group arrives in DC at the earliest possible time.  NationsClassroom will also work with vendors to adjust the itinerary as needed to accommodate any delays.  If the flight is impacted on the return, NationsClassroom will work to ensure the students arrive home as soon as possible.  If that interruption requires an overnight stay, NationsClassroom will handle all hotel and transportation arrangements.

Suggestions can be sent to Justin Horne at horne@timothychristian.com

From NationsClassroom: we can accommodate gluten free, vegetarian and vegan travelers, as well as those with food allergies. The most important thing is for the parents to note the dietary requirements in the allergy/conditions section of the registration process. By doing so, we can let restaurants know the specific needs well in advance.

The chaperones will all be our certified staff. This will include the principal, our social worker, our 8th grade teachers, and perhaps a few more teachers that all know the kids. We'll have at least enough chaperones to have small groups of 10 with an adult everywhere we go even though we'll be staying together as a group. This will help make sure we are keeping a close eye on everything. We'll have a private tour guide and a tour manager that will go ahead of us to every location to make sure things are safe and ready for us. This even includes inspecting the hotel rooms before students walk into their rooms! A night time security guard will be assigned to our floor to monitor everything all night long. 

Between all of the adults going we have lots of parenting experience and basically make these kids our own kids for the 72 hours they are gone from you. This tour company has helped service over one million students, so we are in good hands there as well.

It is not uncommon for students from different grade levels to have to miss class for excused reasons. The high school teachers will know about this trip well in advance and will help make sure that the content is still covered for your child and there is not any impact on their grades.

Since we are unsure how much money we’ll raise through fundraising, please budget the full amount. The final payment may be reduced due to our fundraising efforts.

• The school nurse will coordinate medications using current information on file and the updated information you filled out for NationsClassroom. One of the chaperones will be in charge of dispensing medications. Families should send in medication on Monday or Tuesday of the week of the trip  in the original container (labeled with your student’s name, medication and dosing instructions). As-needed medication (allergy medication, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, etc.) should also be dropped off with the nurse before the trip.  Please contact Erica Plaisier for more information. 

• Inhalers and EpiPens that are currently being stored at school will be packed by the nurse on the day before and brought on the trip.

Cell phones are allowed on the trip, but will be taken by the chaperones at night. Students can power them off and we’ll charge them. Please bring your own charging cable. All other electronics are not allowed. 

Wake up calls will be provided by the hotel. There are also alarm clocks in each room.

• Day Groups will be announced well before the trip. Roommates will be shared the day or two before the trip. 

• Water bottles will be provided on the bus each day. Students can bring an empty labeled bottle from home if they prefer. 

• Boarding passes, luggage tags, bracelets and lanyards will be prelabeled and handed out at the airport. These all include the NationsClassroom number and show that we are part of a group.

• All students should wear their Timothy Washington DC shirts that will be provided.

• We encourage students to pack a bag that can be used as a carryon (small rolling bag for instance).  An additional backpack or purse that can fit under the seat in front of them can also be carried on. 

• Comfortable walking shoes and layers are encouraged. Dress code still applies as we want to make sure we are presentable. Jeans (not ripped) are okay if the student is comfortable walking in them.

• Mr. Horne’s direct number is 630-782-4080. NationsClassroom will also provide emergency contact numbers and can reach any of us at any time. 

• Optional: We’ll create a groupme chat for any parents to follow. The chaperones will post pictures of the trip that you’ll be able to see.