1. How do the students travel to Washington
The entire group flies together on a commercial airline flight.
2. Does my child need identification for the flight?
No, since they are under 16 they will not need identification.
3. Where do the kids stay while in D.C.?
We stay in a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia which is right outside D.C.
4. How are hotel rooms assigned?
Students are allowed to pick their roommates for the weekend.
5. How are the children supervised?
Chaperones are with the students for the entire day. At night, a security guard is hired to patrol the floor on which the students are sleeping.
6. How do the students travel while in Washington D.C.?
We will have a tour bus on duty to transport us from the time we land at the airport until they return us there at the end of the trip.
7. Will there be any guided tours?
Yes, our bus driver is an experienced tour guide who will provide detailed information about much of what we see on the trip.
8. Will there be opportunities for the students to purchase souvenirs?
Absolutely, in addition to the trip to Pentagon City, there are gift shops at virtually all of our destinations during the weekend.
9. How will the students be fed?
All meals are included in the price of the trip. Breakfast is served at the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner stops will be made each day at local eateries.
10. What type of clothing should the students bring?
The students will spend much of the day outside and should bring clothes that will keep them warm. the weather in Washington D.C. is similar to what we experience here in Indianapolis. There is also an indoor pool at our hotel the students will have access to and students should bring a bathing suit if they intend to use it.
11. Will there be insurance available for emergencies or trip cancellation?
Yes, it can be purchased through New Century Tours.
12. Who do we return the reservation form to?
Return it directly to New Century Tours. An envelope is included with the reservation information.
13. Is there an opportunity for a group picture?
Yes, Every student receives a panoramic picture of the tour group that is taken in front of the Capitol building. The cost of the picture is included in the trip fee.
14. What is the total cost of the trip?
The trip for the 2008-2009 school year will cost $957.00. Please make all checks payable to New Century Tours. New Century Tours accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Payments should be sent directly to New Century Tours.
15. What does the cost of the trip cover?
Everything. All transportation, accommodations, meals, the group picture, and tickets to any events are included. The only money that your child should bring is spending money for souvenirs.
8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip 2008
October 23rd - 25th
Every year, Belzer Middle School 8th graders have the opportunity to travel to our nation's capital for the weekend. While in Washington D.C., the students visit numerous sites of historical significance to America. The trip is scheduled for the students fall break. They will leave early Thursday morning and return Saturday night. The students travel via airline and spend the weekend in a hotel with other students from Belzer Middle School. The trip director is Mike Connors the 8-2 Social Studies teacher. The trip is operated and booked through New Century Tours of Annapolis, Maryland.
The students will take part in activities at all of the attractions listed below:
Additional events may be added if time permits.
Click on the links below to learn more about each attraction.
Arlington National Cemetery
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier -wreath laying and changing of the guard
The Eternal Flame
The National Mall
Washington Monument
Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR Memorials
Vietnam Wall
Korean War Memorial
WWII Memorial
National Archives
Declaration of Independence
United States Constitution
Smithsonian Museums
The Star Spangled Banner
The Hope Diamond - the world's largest
Ford's Theatre
Site of President Lincoln's assassination
Mount Vernon
Home of President Washington
