October 2015
Dear Parents and Guardians:
As I am sure you have heard the chorus has been selected to participate in the 2015 Disney Candlelight Processional at Epcot. Disney selects the performance dates and we will be performing Saturday, December 12th , the 5:00pm show. We will leave Saturday, December 12th at 5:30 am sharp, and return around 1:00 AM on December 13th. The cost of the trip will be:
$50.00 without an RHS Disney Candlelight t-shirt OR
$60.00 if you would like an RHS Disney Candlelight t-shirt.
The cost includes round trip transportation on a charter bus, tickets are provided by Disney. The students would only have to pay for snacks or dinner, lunch is provided by Disney.
The cost of the trip is based on 95 people attending. Before you read further, please know that the trip IS NOT REQUIRED AND HAS NO GRADE ATTACHED TO IT. However, if we move too far from our original numbers the cost could change for the students participating.
The trip must be paid and all paper work completed by November 5th. Unless the school cancels the trip, THERE ARE NO REFUNDS GIVEN AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON. When you sign up to attend, reservations and contracts are signed on your behalf and if for some reason you decide not to go or become ineligible to attend, no money can be refunded.
The choruses will fall under the guidelines outlined in the chorus handbook when it comes to “who can attend”. People that were not on the audition tape, do not know their music, that have problems following rules or have UNEXCUSED ABSENCES FROM REQUIRED CHORUS EVENTS or DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL will NOT be able to attend. Take the time to read this section in the handbook so you will know the requirements before you sign up.
There is a second free ticket provided by Disney that the student will receive after they return from Winter Break, providing they have met the following criteria:
1. You have followed all rules during the field trip.**
2. You have turned in all permission slips in the box by 2:00 PM, Thursday, November 5th.
3. You participate fully and without incident in the Winter Extravaganza rehearsal on December 8th at Ridgeview High School.
4. You participate fully and without incident in the Winter Extravaganza on December 10th at Ridgeview High School.
**Field trip rules will include, but not be limited to things such as:
· wearing the correct “Disney Candlelight uniform” upon arrival to RHS,
· meeting your chaperone at the right times and places,
· having no food/drink on the buses,
· following ALL Disney procedures.
Disney Uniform (outlined further on the Disney pages):
White shirt, black pants, long black socks, black shoes (no other color on the shoe!!)
You MUST wear your “Disney Uniform” when you get on the bus and get off the bus at Disney. If you choose to bring alternative clothing to wear in the park, you must carry them with you and they must be school appropriate. Be mindful of the weather because Florida is unpredictable in December.
Chaperones: Parents who are interested in chaperoning, please contact Mrs. Bice, either by e-mail (.) Parents who have volunteered to help as seat sitters, chaperoned District MPA, helped with the chorus cabaret or have donated their time in other ways to assist the chorus will be given first opportunity to chaperone this wonderful trip. Chaperones will be responsible for 5-10 students and their cell phones from 4-9:30 pm. Adults willing to chaperone must also attend a chaperone meeting on Monday, December 7th at 6:30 pm in the chorus room. If chosen to chaperone, the price for adults attending this trip is $40 and includes a t-shirt.
Friends and family attending the Disney Candlelight performance: RHS chorus students are to be in the company of only RHS chorus students and RHS chorus chaperones. If students have family or friends that will be going to the park to see them perform or would like to hang out with them please send in a note from the parent stating who will be there and who students are allowed to be in the presences of. This includes parents because I do not always know parents by sight. If I encounter a RHS student with an unknown person I will approach them and ask for identification.
Parents who would like to take children home after they perform: If you are staying at Disney or would like your child to ride home with you, please email me so that we can set up a meeting place ().
Rules for traveling with the chorus: The students and adults on this trip are representing Ridgeview High School. Their behavior will help determine if there are any other trips of this nature. This trip has been planned for you because you possess superior musical ability and the potential for demonstrating behavior FAR ABOVE the average high school student. Our trip should not only give you a positive learning experience, but also remain as one of your fondest memories of RHS.
I feel some guidelines should be given to help you understand the expectations of the trip.
1. You are expected to act professionally both musically and in those situations that are planned and unplanned.
2. Since you are a large group, you need to be very considerate of others that are not in our group. Remember that this is not a family vacation.
3. This trip is an extension of the classroom, so ALL rules and regulations of the Clay County School Board will be followed. All chaperones attending this trip are reasonable adults; their judgment will not be questioned. It would be wise for all parents to be sure that their child understands this before we leave. If you have a problem with this, perhaps it would be best if you stay home.
4. We will expect and require all students to be in the company of ONLY other RHS students on the trip with us.
5. The basic rules of road will apply:
a. Quiet conversation only with the people in the same seat as you.
b. Expensive toys (iPods, cameras, electronic toys) are permitted as long as you realize that they are your responsibility.
c. Cell phones will be allowed on this trip. However, cameras and cell phones are not allowed in the rehearsal area or on stage, they will be left with the chaperones.
d. Food will NOT be allowed on the bus. This includes water & gum.
e. Everyone is to be in his or her assigned seat every time we board the bus. Your assigned seat must be with a member of the same sex.
6. Remember, time and bus wait for no man. All reasonable and rational efforts will be made to locate everyone during the trip, but the responsibility is yours to the group…not the other way around. Be sure to listen to instructions and times and follow them.
SEVERE PENALTY CLAUSE
After consultation with the RHS administration, and it is deemed appropriate, students will be sent home at the total expense of the parents for any infringement of the school board policy on drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, lack of professional conduct or stated policies.
Legal issues that may arise will mean that the parent and the RHS administration will be notified immediately. Any breach of conduct that the director sees as serious in nature will mean that the parents will be notified and appropriate action will be taken upon return to RHS. The violation will be handled in accordance with Clay County Student Code of Conduct.
There is no way every circumstance can be covered. I do expect you to use your common sense and the good manners that your parents have taught you. If there is a situation that you are unsure of, ASK! You are never to leave the group. If an emergency arises, talk with a chaperone immediately. All of RHS is being judged by your actions. Show them why we are the best.
RHS Disney Candlelight Itinerary
Saturday, December 12, 2015
5:00 AM Arrive RHS for check in with chaperones *
5:30 AM We will leave promptly with or without you
9:00 AMish Enjoy the park
2:00 PM Meet in Italy
2:15 PM Arrival/Security Gate Clearance - Dinner
3:15PM Choir assembles on rehearsal risers/pre-show announcements
3:35 PM Rehearsal
4:15 PM Robe distribution and break
4:30 PM Riser lineup, processional formation & candle distribution
5:00 PM Show
6:00 PM Show ends and return to the park
9:30 PM Watch Fireworks from the Epcot ball side of the lake
(If you are not on that side you will miss the meeting time.)
10:30PM Meet at fountain to go home
1:00 AM Arrive back at RHS
Last minute instructions/changes will be given in Epcot.
*In order to board the bus you MUST be wearing solid black pants, long black socks, solid black shoes and a solid white short sleeve T-shirt, a watch or some way to tell time and have a photo ID.
Please consider everything very carefully before you sign on the dotted line and as always, if you have any questions please call and let me try to clear them up for you. I look forward to this years Disney Candlelight performance. I think we are going to have a great time.
Sincerely,
Heather Bice
DISNEY CANDLELIGHT 2015 CHORUS TRIP
I have read the letter about the Disney Candlelight trip and understand the student expectations regarding traveling with the chorus for this event. I know that when I sign up for this trip I am making a financial obligation for:
$50.00 without an RHS Disney Candlelight t-shirt OR
$60.00 with an RHS Disney Candlelight t-shirt
and that there are NO REFUNDS.
______Yes, my child will attend Disney Candlelight and buy an RHS Disney Candlelight t-shirt for a total of $60.
______Yes, my child will attend Disney Candlelight, but will not be buying a t-shirt. Total cost $50.
______No, my child will NOT attend Disney Candlelight.
______
Student’s Name Student’s Signature
______
Parent’s signature Date
______
Parent’s name
Please use money that is in my chorus account.
This form, Disney release form, and money are due
November 5, 2015.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
The payment is due, November 5, 2015 along with all paper work. If there is going to be a problem getting a payment in on time please let me know ASAP because I also have payment schedules to meet. Remember that money earned from the fall fundraisers can be used to pay for the cost of the trip.
DUE NOVEMBER 5th – $, THIS FORM, DISNEY RELEASE FORM