Questions answered!
2-10-06

I. Parental Authorization Forms – have them filled out and notorized by May 1st.  Make 3 copies of it.  One in your suitcase, one in your carry-on, one at home with your parents, and the original must be turned into me by May.  I will keep the originals on file.

II. MONEY and Exchange – American money is accepted at most places, however it is best to bring with you an ATM card that is hooked up to your savings account.  You will get the best exchange rate that way and you won’t be carrying money on you.  After talking to the tour consultant, she indicated that it is a good idea if each student traveler give me a set amount of money for an emergency backup (like $50), just in case something should happen where you run out of money.   Also she informed me of tipping that needs to be given to the bus driver and the tour director.  The bus driver gets $1-2 a day and the tour director gets $3-4 a day.  I want that money up front so that we have it and there is no confusion when it comes time to tip.  Since we are a large group I think the smaller amounts per day is plenty so that means each traveler needs to give me $9 for the driver and $27 for the director.  This is just what she told me is the general amout given, if you wan t to give more or less that is up to you. 

III. Rooming Assignments – Adults can pick their roommates and will be assigned to a twin room.  If there is a couple who would want a double room accommodation that can be requested at no extra cost.  However is you want a single room you will be charged a supplement of $30 per night.  Students will be put in rooms upon arrival depending upon the hotel situation.  There may be rooms at the hotel which hold 3 students or that hold 4, therefore we will pick roommates based on this and make two lists; one is there is are 3 person rooms and 1 if there are 4 person rooms.  Have one definite person in mind that you want to room with and then pick the others.  Student and adult travelers need to have their decisions made by the next meeting at the end of March. 

IV. Fundraising – I have had a few ideas come in.
 Redo old fundraisers that were successful (tag day at Walmart, car wash, candy sales, etc.
 Spring Bazaar on March 25 – we could maybe do a Chinese auction again
 Dinner – sell tickets in advance and hold a Mexican night.  I think this is a great idea but requires a lot of outside help.  We would need a place where we could hold the dinner and prepare the food.  I am going to say that the high school is not an option.  I am not from here so I need some help on where we could have this.  We were also thinking we could have some music and dancing…maybe Nick’s band could learn some mariachi music and play?  Hmmmm….

V. Transportation to the airport – I was approached after the meeting about the possibilty of taking a bus rathter than carpooling.  After much thought I think that’s a better idea.  The cost of the bus would be $397.00 approx.  If we each sold a box of candy bars that would cover the cost of that.  I will get the fundraiser boxes from Sam’s club.  Look to be doing that fundraiser soon. 

VI. Anymore questions or concerns, please email or call at cwensel@smasd.org or 837-7525.  Check out my website at www.smasd.org for updates and info as well.