Washington DC Trip

KMS Parent Letter Washington DC May 2026

Washington D.C. Itinerary 2026

2024 Washington, DC Packing Equipment List

Pack so that everything can be carried by the child in ONE trip.  Students must be able to pack themselves back up and transport their bag and items by themselves to and from the hotel and bus. Be informed that we will go outside in all types of weather:  Wind, rain, cold, warm, sunny, and cloudy...be prepared for it all, the temperature will change throughout the day so dress in layers.

• BRING A SACK LUNCH WITH YOU FOR LUNCH THE FIRST DAY

• NO PEANUTS OR NUT RELATED PRODUCTS ARE PERMITTED ON THE BUSES

• STUDENTS ARE PERMITTED ONE CARRY ON BAG AND ONE SUITCASE/BAG TO BE STORED UNDER THE BUS AND AT THE HOTEL

• BRING A BACKPACK AS YOUR ONE CARRY ON BAG, AND A WATER BOTTLE TO GO WITH YOU AS WE TOUR IN DC

Bedding

• pillow and blanket for bus ride, optional

Clothing

• Comfortable Clothes/Shoes- we walk 5-7 miles a day (no flip flops)

• pajamas

• heavy and light shirts

• warm jacket/sweatshirt (layers work VERY well)

• raincoat or poncho (students WILL be touring in the rain!)

• slacks or jeans or shorts

• underwear

• hat/sunglasses

• cold weather clothing (check forecast)

Personal Items

• toothbrush and toothpaste

• soap and shampoo

• deodorant

• comb/brush

• drinking cup or water bottle

• sunscreen

• hand sanitizer

Medications

• Chaperone administered medications in original containers

  • must have doctor permission noted on DCS District Sponsored Overnight Trip Medical Permission Form

  • place all medications in a Ziploc with your name

  • give to bus chaperone on the morning of departure

• Self-carry medication (non prescription) in original containers

  • must be noted on DCS District Sponsored Overnight Trip Medical Permission Form

• Emergency medication (prescription) in original containers

  • must have doctor permission noted on DCS District Sponsored Overnight Trip Medical Permission Form

Optional    

• Flash Light

• Phone

• Chargers

• Spending money $50-$100

Please Do Not Bring

• pocket knives/utility tools

• radios/handheld games/TVs/Portable DVD players

• matches/lighters

• energy drinks (WATER IS BEST FOR THE TRIP!)

• valuable items that could get lost, broken or stolen

*Rule of thumb: If you can’t have it at school, you can’t have it in DC

Karrer Middle School - Washington, D.C. Trip

Important Guidelines

DEPARTURE: Tuesday, October 22nd at 6:00am from KMS. Students must arrive by 5:30am. 

RETURN: Friday, October 25, around 9:45pm.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES COULD RESULT IN A STUDENT BEING SENT HOME EARLY AT THE PARENT’S EXPENSE.

DEPARTURE GUIDELINES:

1. Plan to arrive at school on Tuesday, October 22nd at 5:30am. We will meet on the front sidewalk. You will then receive a school ID on a lanyard which must be worn at all times.

2. The buses will be parked in the front loop. After you have your luggage checked, it is your responsibility to find your bus and make sure your luggage gets stowed underneath. Items needed for Tuesday need to be placed in your carry-on luggage as you will not have access to your luggage until Tuesday night.

3. The buses will depart at 6:00am sharp. We are on a strict timeline and the buses will NOT wait to leave.

BUS RULES:

1. Roommates will sit together in the seats they choose. Students are not permitted to change seats.

2. Students may have water bottles and snacks on the bus. Students will be responsible for cleaning up food and/or spills. Keep the bus clean!

3. Chaperones will decide when and which videos will be shown on the bus DVD player.

4. Buses typically have outlets to charge your phone while riding, however, this is not guaranteed. If you would like to bring a portable charger, you may do so.

5. Keep in mind that not all our stops in D.C. will allow students to bring bags and/or food inside. The chaperones will alert you to this at each stop we make and your carry-on item will have to remain on the bus if it is not permitted.

6. Bus restrooms are ONLY to be used in an emergency!

7. Lying on the bus floor is not permitted. Students must be in a seat at all times. 

8. Distracting items are not permitted on the bus and will be taken.

9. Luggage can be checked by a teacher/chaperone at any time during the trip. 

HOTEL GUIDELINES:

1. Do not use the room telephones unless it is an emergency.

2. Keep your room neat and cleaned-up. You and your roommates will be responsible for fully cleaning up your room prior to check-out.

3. Do not leave your room or floor without permission from a chaperone. The chaperones will make a visit to your room each night in order to go over the next day’s itinerary, see if there are any immediate needs that need to be addressed and then will be “taping” the door for the night.

4. Please make sure to charge your cell phone each night at the hotel.

5. Be aware that we are not the only guests in the hotel. You must respect others and your surroundings. Noise levels must be kept at an appropriate level and we expect you all to be courteous to the other guests.

6. Keep all valuables safe while on the trip or consider not bringing them along if they are not needed. The school and the tour company are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

7. The hotel rooms will be inspected when you arrive and when you depart. You and your roommates will be held responsible for any damages or missing items. If there is something missing when you arrive at the room, notify your chaperone immediately.

GENERAL GUIDELINES AND TIPS:

1. Students are expected to participate in all activities while on the trip.

2. School dress code must be followed. Student dress should represent KMS and the students in a positive manner. 

3. Bring layered clothing to accommodate all weather conditions. Please bring comfortable shoes as we will be doing a lot of walking each day. *NO CROCS or Flip Flops!

4. Phones may be kept with you at all times during the day. Phones must be kept on silent or vibrate. There will be times when your phone is not permitted and you are not allowed to take pictures. While we are touring, airpods and all other earbuds should be removed and put away.

5. Students should stay in their groups of four when given time to explore independently. No student should ever be by themselves in any situation!

6. Please represent yourself, your family and your school in a positive manner. We expect you all to hold yourselves accountable as we are touring. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - D.C.Trip Edition

How many bags are we able to bring?

Each student may bring one large suitcase and one small backpack/drawstring bag as their carry-on. The large suitcase will be stowed under the bus as we travel to and from D.C. The suitcase will only be accessible once we arrive at the hotel, so please plan accordingly. The carry-on bag will be with you on the trip and should include things that you may want or need. You will be responsible for carrying all of your luggage at the hotel.

What clothes should you bring?

We want you to represent yourself and GMS well during our time in D.C. Students should follow all dress code rules and should be prepared for any and all weather conditions. Students should dress casually and comfortably and for the weather while adhering to the dress code.

What shoes should you wear?

Running/tennis shoes are encouraged since we will walk 6-7 miles each day. It is good to have back-up shoes should the weather be rainy. Flip-flops and sandals/CROCS are discouraged while we are touring. 

How much money should students bring?

All meals are paid for and money will be given to each student at meal stops. Students may bring extra money for snacks and souvenirs. This is typically no more than $50. Parents should use discretion when sending money with their child on the trip.

Are you allowed to bring credit/debit cards?

This is a family decision.

Can I take my cell phone?

Yes! We want you to be able to take pictures and communicate with your family. It is also important for chaperones to be able to communicate with you if there is an emergency. All District/school policies apply on this trip and must be followed. You are personally responsible for any items you bring. The staff, chaperones, and tour company are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. We will do our very best to help you locate any item that may go missing.

Can I bring my school chromebook, Nintendo Switch or other gaming devices?

No. These are not necessary and only open students up to having these come up missing or get damaged.

What do I do if I take medicine?

Parents must bring all medication in the original containers, all medication needs to be in a ziplock bag and must have your child's first and last name on the bag. We do not take medications from our clinic. If you would like to send the supply that is in our clinic, a parent must come to school on the Friday before the trip (3/18), to pick up the medication.

All medication needs to be handed directly to your child's bus chaperone the morning of the trip.

Can I pack snacks?

Yes. We ask that students be mindful of food allergies as we travel on the bus and then with their roommates at the hotel. At the very least, all snacks should be peanut-free. Students may bring their own water bottles and water will be provided as well. 

Is there a bathroom on the bus?

Yes, but this is for EMERGENCIES ONLY. We will be stopping at rest areas regularly throughout the trip.

Can I pick my own seat on the bus?

Yes. Students may select the seat of their choice, and must sit with one of their roommates. The chaperones will work to divide the bus in two in order to keep this separated. The chaperones reserve the right to move students at any time should it become necessary.

How many students sleep in a room?

There will be 4 students per room. Most rooms will have two full or queen size beds. Students should expect to sleep 2/bed.

Can we swim in the hotel pool?

No. This area is off limits to students during our stay, should the hotel have a pool.

Can we visit other hotel rooms?

No. Once you are in your room, you may only leave at the direction of your chaperone. 

Where do we eat while we tour the D.C. area?

The morning that we leave, you should bring your own breakfast or snack. On our way to and from DC, we will have boxed meals provided (you selected your choice previously) We will have a buffet style breakfast each morning. Lunch/Dinner will typically be food court areas. If you have a food restriction or an allergy, please make sure your medical forms contain all the necessary details and information related to this restriction/allergy.

What should I do if I get lost or need to contact a chaperone in the event of an emergency?

Students are required to stay with their group while on the trip. Students should NEVER walk anywhere alone as we tour and if you should need to use the restroom. Students should be aware of what is around them and report anything out of the ordinary.

Students should wear their lanyards at all times while touring. On the back of the lanyard the phone number to Prodigy Student Travel will be included. Mr. Anglea and Mrs. Wilch’s google voice numbers will also be included. Students can text or call this number, if necessary.

DC Trip Medical FAQs

Parent Consent for Trip Form

Responsibility Contract for Overnight Trips

District-Sponsored Overnight Trip Medical Authorization Form