Helena Middle School
Choir
1299 Hillsboro Parkway Helena, Al 35080
E-mail: [email protected]
Spring Trip- Walt Disney World
The Choral Department is planning a trip to Disney World April 26th-30th. Singers will perform publicly
on stage at Disney World. We will perform in one of the parks, or in Downtown Disney. On top of that,
students will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the country’s great theme parks.
Costs per person:
$621 -Quadruple (students)
$685 -Double (Chaperones or 6th grade parent and child)
What this covers:
 3-day park-hopper pass that will allow us to visit all four of the Disney World Theme
Parks during our stay
 Transportation and parking
 Independent Security Service-The choir will hire its own security guard. No one leaves
the rooms, no unauthorized entrances by anyone, and an aid in an emergency situation.
 Breakfast and Dinner are included Friday and Saturday. Dinner is provided on Thursday.
 Lodging at the Hampton Inn
If you would like me to distribute lunch money to your child please leave the money in three
separate envelopes marked with the child’s name, and the day it is for. Lunch in the park will
run about $15 a day.
If you want to go:
Deposits are due Tuesday, October 4th. The initial trip deposit will be in the amount of $125
along with a signed copy of the attached form. Space is first come, first serve. Students will
take priority over parent chaperones.
40 participants are required for us to take this trip. All funds will be returned if participation
does not meet 40.
Payment Schedule (per person):
October
4th
$125
December
1st
$125
February
2nd
$371
(non-refundable deposit)
(non-refundable deposit)
($435 for doubles)
There will be after school rehearsals in preparation for this trip.
Opting out:
All funds received go to the tour company, and I will give you everything I can (tickets, meal
vouchers, etc) if you are unable to make the trip. We may be able to get some of the final
payment back depending on when you opt out. After February 22nd, there are no refunds.
Fundraisers:
We are offering three fundraisers to help students raise money for their trip: The Boston Butt
Fundraiser, and the Cookie Dough Fundraiser..
Chaperones:
7th and 8th Grade Parents will room with other 7th and 8th grade parents. All 7th and 8th grade students will room quad
with other students. 6th grade parents have the option of doubling with their students, or quading with another 6th
grade student and parent. All chaperones will be required to provide a background check through the Shelby County
school system. This is not required of in-system teachers (if you're out-of-system, email me).
TENTATIVE ITINERARY---HELENA MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR
ORLANDO, FL
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
8:30 pm (CT)
Depart from school
Thursday April 27, 2017
7:30 am (ET)
9:00 am
Evening
Arrive in Orlando
Breakfast (not included) stop prior to arrival at the park
Disney World 3-day Park Hopper admission
Each passenger will receive a $15 dining card
Check into the hotel
Driver will already have the group checked into the hotel upon
arrival.
Friday, April 28, 2017
Deluxe continental breakfast at the hotel
Disney Performing Arts Performance
Disney World parks of your choice
Each passenger will receive a $15 dining card
Saturday, April 29, 2017
9:00 pm (ET)
Deluxe continental breakfast at the hotel
Check out of the hotel
Disney World parks of your choice
Each passenger will receive a $15 dining card
Depart Orlando for home
Sunday, April 30, 2017
6:00 am (CT)
Arrive at school
Student Expectations
Your clothes must meet the Shelby County Dress Code. No Exceptions.

Students are expected to be considerate when traveling. Loud talking, screaming or anything of this
nature will not be tolerated. Students may bring their radios, Ipods, DVD and CD players but may not play
them without headphones. This rule will be enforced. The basic rule about music on this trip is this: If
your music can be consumed by anyone but you, then your music is too loud!

Students may bring cell phones on this trip. All chaperones should bring their cell phones if possible.
No one is going to take responsibility for your personal possessions. You must keep up with all of your
belongings. No one will carry your items for you, so do not take more than what you can carry.
VERY IMPORTANT:
If you receive a class III offense between now and the trip, you will be removed from your place, even if you have already paid.
The money we send to pay for this trip is non-refundable, and we will be unable to refund that money to you. You may sell
your place to another “eligible” student if you are unable to attend, but you will not receive a refund. If you demonstrate any
less than perfect behavior while you are on this trip, you will lose your privileges to participate in daily activities. You will not
receive a refund. All Shelby County Code of Conduct rules will apply on this trip. Any violation of these rules will be
punished. Any student who breaks the law will be dealt with by the local police. Excellent behavior is expected.

Remember who you are. Remember that you are representing our choral program, our school, and our community.

If you are ever in doubt about something that you are about to do or say, just think, “what would Mr. Andrews say?”
or “what would my parents say?”

Please remember that you are not the only person on this trip. Many things have to be taken into consideration
when making decisions. It will help greatly if you work at being flexible and adaptive to situations and decisions. DO
NOT COMPLAIN!!! The chaperones and Mr. Andrews will be more than happy to consider your requests if they are
presented in a mature manner. However, you must understand that ALL decisions are made by Mr. Andrews.

All students have been assigned to a chaperone. STUDENTS, YOUR CHAPERONE MUST KNOW WHERE YOU ARE AT
ALL TIMES! It is not the chaperone’s responsibility to find you, it is your responsibility to let your chaperone know
where you are.

A good time will be had by all if everyone follows instructions and behaves in an appropriate manner. Please make
this a top priority.
****None of this is meant to appear harsh. It takes the joy away from being with students and causes disruption within
the group when one or two students willingly choose not to follow the rules and guidelines set forth for the trip.
Helena Middle School
Chaperone Guidelines
General Information
All Adults are chaperones
On Chaperoning
Use good judgment. Don’t get hung up on being too strict and don't worry about being too
easy. Just relax and enjoy the kids. One of the greatest joys you will get on this trip is watching
the kids have fun. Don't miss it!
Problems will arise. Most will take care of themselves. If a solution is not in sight and you feel
you need to address the situation---simply use good judgment. If the situation is getting out of
control, or if you feel uncomfortable with it, please do not hesitate to call me.
As a rule treat the kids as if they were your own. Be helpful and positive when you can and as
often as you can. Negative comments and criticism will only serve to make both parties
miserable. If you see a problem------simply fix it.
Parking
Make sure the buses can get in and out based on where you park.
Rooms
There are “in your room” times on the itinerary that are to be strictly followed. No students
are to be out in the hallway for any reason after curfew – meds should already be taken, trips
to the ice/vending machines should already be made, etc.
No excuses – only punishment for students out of their rooms after curfew!!
THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, so please enforce curfew!!
1. Roll Call- Each chaperone has been allocated a small number of students. That
chaperone is responsible for ensuring that all students are present for any roll call the
director requires.
2. Punctuality- Each chaperone is responsible for getting the students to the area they
belong on time. This is very important as delays impact the entire group. Please try to
be a little early. If a student is making this task difficult, please speak with Mr. Andrews.
3. Bus behavior- Students should be in their seats, maintaining a reasonable level of
volume. All trash must be thrown away. Students must clean-up any mess they make.
Music and DVD players may only be used with headphones.
4. Always insist upon proper behavior and respect.
5. Hotel
a. Inspect and note any problems in a room before allowing students in. Anything
broken, torn, or missing should be noted and reported to the front desk.
b. Assist students as necessary with room set-up, scheduling morning routines, and
safety evacuations. In the case of an emergency evacuation, all students will
meet back at the bus.
c. Identify yourself when knocking on the door. Instruct students to ask before
opening to just anyone.
d. Students must not run.
e. Male and female students may not be in the same rooms at the same time.
f. Conduct a room check at lights out. You must physically see EVERY STUDENT
ASSIGNED TO THE ROOM. No students are allowed out of their rooms after this
time.
g. Check-in with your students at wake-up time, and make sure they are moving.
h. Rooms should be neat before departure each day, valuables put away.
6. Be aware of your students’ whereabouts. It is their responsibility to make you aware of
their location at all times, and it’s your responsibility to make sure they do. Any issues
with this should be taken up with Mr. Andrews.
7. If a problem occurs, use your best judgment and contact Mr. Andrews.
8. Remember that you are participating as a parent chaperone, and that the role comes
with important responsibilities. Remember that you are representing our school, our
choral department, and our choral program and that you are serving as a role model to
the kids. I want everyone to have a great time, but the trip is always about the group
first.
HELENA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Helena Spring Trip
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION/MEDICAL RELEASE FORM
STUDENT’S NAME________________________________________
GRADE _______
ADDRESS ________________________________________________________
PHONE___________________
HOME
PARENT/GUARDIAN NAMES _____________________________________________ STUDENT LIVES
WITH____________
CONTACT PHONE #’S DURING FIELD TRIP HOURS: Name____________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT OTHER THAN PARENTS____________________________________
PHONE _________________
RELATIONSHIP TO STUDENT__________________________________________________
MEDICAL INSURANCE CO_____________________ POLICY NUMBER _______________________
NAME OF PHYSICIAN _______________________ PHONE NUMBER ________________________
PLEASE LIST ANY CURRENT MEDICATIONS/HEALTH ISSUES:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Please note any medication authorized and taken during the school day will be distributed accordingly during field
trip.
**************************************************************************************
I GIVE PERMISSION FOR THE ABOVE NAMED STUDENT TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN THE
FIELD TRIP TO Disney World_, ON THE DATE OF __4/26-4/30/2017_.
TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED BY ___Landmark Tour and Travel
I UNDERSTAND THAT THE SHELBY COUNTY CODE OF CONDUCT WILL BE IN EFFECT AND
ENFORCED DURING THE TRIP.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO Helena Middle School.
**IT IS NOT OUR INTENT TO MAKE A PROFIT FROM ANY FIELD TRIP. IF AN OVERAGE OCCURS
THE MONIES WILL BE USED FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS OR SUPPLIES FOR THE STUDENTS.
**************************************************************************************
I authorize my student to participate in this field trip. I agree to hold harmless and release from liability the Shelby
County Board of Education or any employee or representative thereof, for any action, claim, or damage that may
arise as a result of my child’s participation.
I authorize any employee or representative of the Shelby County Board of Education to obtain the services of and/or
advice from an available physician or other medical personnel for my child in case of illness or injury, including any
necessary transportation for emergency care. I hereby agree to assume ALL responsibility for costs related to such
medical care.
PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN SIGNATURE _____________________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE _______________________________________________
DATE___________
Student Cell Phone #___________________________________________
If a chaperone is attending: Who__________________________________
Chaperone is rooming with (please confirm with this person):_________________________
6th Grade parents-How are you staying? ____double w/student____quad w/other 6th chap and
student
Please check here if your child may not attend unless you attend________