Parent+Meeting+Notes

Recap of the May 24th Meeting:

=**Twitter**= Jennifer Melson gave an overview of Twitter and helped to set up Twitter accounts. We will tweet updates and photos (*approximately*) hourly from the theme parks, so make sure to sign up and follow us. Twitter will be our main means of communication for updating you. (search mis2dis and add us to your "follow" list) There is a link to the "Twitter How To" document on our wiki.

=**Emergency Contact (to contact us)**= In case you need to contact our group because of an emergency, you will be given Rina Almarez's cell phone number as well as the ET Representative's cell phone number prior to departure on June 1st.

=**Packing List**= There is a lime green sheet from us and a white sheet from Educational Tours (ET). Please consult the list when packing. Remember to choose comfortable shoes, and bring a backup pair of athletic shoes if sandals will be worn. Students: Stuff newspaper in the shoes to keep the bag from smelling like your tennis shoes. :)

=**Electronics**= Cell phones and chargers may be used at the hotel only.Please do not bring a laptop.Other electronic devices (iPod, iTouch, mp3 players, etc) should be labeled with your child's name.

=**ET Backpack**= The backpack does not have to be used as the 2nd carry-on bag, however, we are asking that you prepare the backpack for the park on Day 1. Pack spending money for the day, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera (provide a waterproof case or a ziplock bag to keep cameras dry!). We will provide a new water bottle for each day, as well as a snack. PLEASE attach an identifiable marker (ex- key chain) to the zipper of the backpack. We would like to refrain from labeling the students' names on the backpack, but do identify the bag by attaching a tag. (ex - A&M key chain :) )

=**List of items that the ET Representative will buy for us (we are reimbursing him):**= Our ET Rep has agreed to purchase items that we cannot carry on easily. Feel free to pack 3 oz of them if you would like, but know that we will have plenty of backup for everyone! Water bottles for each day Snacks for each day (nut-free) Wet Ones Hand sanitizer Bug spray Sunscreen

=**Behavioral Guidelines Packet from ET**= We went over the packet in detail with the students and hit the highlights at the parent meeting.Please read over the packet if you were not present. Everyone should return the last page, signed by both the student and parent. Also, be sure to fill out the alternate contact in the case that you are unreachable in an emergency. **DUE June 1st**

=**Budget for spending money**= Tom Thumb sells Disney gift cards; this may be a nice option in addition to sending cash. Also, generic gift cards are available. Please talk with your child about their daily budget. ET suggests $80-100, but it is really up to you to set that amount. Remember that all meals are covered. Budget for extra snacks as well as souvenirs (that will fit into the carry on bag on the way home). A good idea presented is to have money separated in an envelope for each day and packed that way. We will help them to utilize the hotel safe.

=**Itinerary**= Anne Loomis will mail a paper copy of the finalized itinerary to your home. We reviewed the itinerary as of today. It is viewable here on the wiki.

=**Health Forms**= I will contact Anne to see who needs to turn in Health Forms. Thanks to those of you who turned one in today.

=**T-shirts**= T-shirts will be delivered to the school tomorrow. Please label your child's name in the tag of the shirt with a Sharpie.

=**ET Lanyards**= Lanyards will be passed out at the airport.

=**Roommates**= Roommates will be revealed on the airplane!

Let us know if you have questions, and have a great night! Rina AlmarezJennifer MelsonShannon Taliaferro