Thank you House D students for a fabulous first day of school!  

Families:   Please ask your student for their planner and their field trip permission form.  House D is going on a hiking field trip this Friday, August 29 to Mount Mansfield.  We need permission forms tomorrow preferably or Friday morning at the absolute latest.  The cost is $9 which covers the bus and the state park entrance fee.  If this poses a challenge for your family budget, please speak with one of the teachers and we can work something out.  Here is the information your child received today:

Hiking Information for House D Field Trip:

Underhill State Park

We are leaving at 7:45 am on Friday, August 29, 2014. Be on time!

We will be hiking on Mt. Mansfield, which is Vermont's highest peak! It takes the average hiker 4-5 hours to complete the hike (with breaks). This means many students will reach the top to eat lunch and enjoy the view then hike back down. For people who would like to hike at a slower pace, there is a wonderful vista about half-way up where we can eat lunch, enjoy the view, take pictures, and then start hiking back down. There will be a variety of groups from our team hiking at a variety of speeds. Students may self-select the pace that is right for them. Regardless of how far you make it up before the turn-around time (12:00), here are some guidelines to ensure a fun and safe day:

-Take care of your feet! Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and socks. Hiking boots are best . Sneakers work just fine as well. Do not wear sandals or flimsy shoes (such as Toms, Keds, or similar).

-Bring a comfortable backpack (not too heavy). You should pack a lunch, snacks, and water bottles. We recommend 2 water bottles per person. Please do not bring energy drinks or soda. Also, there are no trash cans so we will be packing all of our trash and wrappers in our backpacks to take home.

-Dress based on the weather but know that it is often cooler and windy at the top. You might want to wear athletic shorts and a T-shirt but bring a long-sleeve shirt or even a light jacket/windbreaker.

-Since it is a school event, all school rules still apply. We understand that many students use their cell phones or other electronic devices as cameras and that is fine. However, we are hiking together to bond with one another and enjoy nature so other cell phone uses will not be permitted. Bring valuables at your own risk as the hike may include puddles and rocky terrain.

-At least two teachers will have first aid kits (the leader and the caboose).

This is a fun field trip that often creates lasting memories for students. We all have different athletic abilities so it is important to remember to go at your own pace and have fun!

Sincerely,

House D Teachers