WASHINGTON, D.C. FAQ

Q: Do I have to chaperone other students?
A: If you choose a room arrangement in which you have students in your room without their parent/guardian, we do ask that you act as a chaperone for them. This is also the scenario in which we require that you have a BCI background check (which can be obtained at the Tri-Valley Administration Center for $30).

Q: Can a sibling to my 8th grader be a chaperone?
A: Yes, as long as they are at least 21 years old and get a BCI background check if their room arrangement requires it.

Q: How much spending money do students need?
A: None. After a packed lunch on the way down, all meals and tickets are included in the trip package. Many students bring $25 for souvenirs.

Q: Can we choose to ride on the same bus with certain other rooms?
A: No, bus requests will not be taken.  I do my best to put kids on buses with friends.

Q: Can I drive down separately?
A: Only with prior written consent from an administrator, but we do not recommend it. First, we will need you to ride on the bus once we get there so that you are touring with the group (private cars cannot drop off where buses do, etc.). Second, because we will need to reserve this seat on the bus for you, we cannot reduce the cost of your trip, which reduces the benefit of driving separately. If you drive separately, you will need to park your vehicle once we arrive, and not use it again until we depart for home. Third, on Friday morning, the buses will depart the hotel for the last time, so your car will need to be parked somewhere else and then arrangements made for a bus to take you to your car Friday night. Again, if you choose to do this, you must make arrangements with us prior to the trip.

Q: Can we go to ____________ ?
A: Our limited time does not allow us to see everything that every person wants to see. However, on the last day, we will have a time where groups can choose to go where they want (within walking distance). Plan ahead of time, and see what is most important to you during this block of time.

Q: If I have a BCI background check for work, can I use it for this trip?
A: Yes, as long as it is current (less than 1 year old at the time of trip) and you can get us a copy. It must be an Ohio BCI background check. If this is not received, you will not be going on the trip.

Q: Are refunds available if I decide not to go?
A: If you cancel 45 days before departure, you will be charged a $35 processing fee.

Q: Does my child have to have a chaperone in their room?
A: No. Students in a room with no chaperone will report to a teacher on their bus. However, if parents are going, they must room with their children. So they only rooms without parents will be students whose parents are not going.

Q: Can I bring my other child on this trip?
A: Yes, if they are older than your 8th grader. If they are younger, their time is coming.

Q: Can we have 5 people in a room?
A: No. 1, 2, 3, or 4 only.

Q: What happens if I can't find roommates?
A: We will find them for you.

Q: What if my child gets sick while on the trip?
A: Depending on how sick, he may come along on the day's activities, stay back at the hotel with a chaperone, or some other arrangement that we work out with you. We will adapt to whatever the situation requires.

Q: How many teachers will go on the trip?
A: 2 per bus, probably 14 total.

Q: What hotel are we staying at?

A: Hyatt Regency 2300 Dulles Corner Blvd Herndon, VA 20171

Q: Is there nighttime supervision at the hotel?

A: Yes. There will be personnel on each floor of the hotel where our students are staying. They record and report any activity to TV staff. This enables us to ensure that students are where they are supposed to be at all times

Didn't find an answer to your question? E-mail Mrs. Bollinger at ebollinger@tvschools.org