Packing

Luggage Regulations

Since Southwest Airlines allows you to check a bag free, you may do so. Because your luggage cannot be checked on Amtrak, however, you are still limited to a carry-on bag. 

Your carry-on bag must not exceed 14 inches x 9 inches x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm) or 45 linear inches (114 cm). In addition to the one carry-on item, you may bring one personal item such as a large backpack, laptop bag or an item of similar size.

Last year, some students were amazed at how easy it was to pack everything they wanted by rolling their clothing. If you haven't learned the art, here's a three-minute video.

Since you will be entering the most secure places in the nation, you will not be able to take a backpack or purse with you during the day. You should make sure that you have pockets to keep your cell phone, ID and credit/debit cards. You may take a camera.

Remember, that you will have to remove your shoes and belts at certain security checkpoints.

If you bring a laptop, you assume complete responsibility and understand the risks.

The Packing List

• Identification (You must bring your government issued ID, as well as your school ID.)
• One-dress outfit (Guys, I would bring one tie.)
• Causal, comfortable clothing (Some should be layered for variable weather.)
• Jacket (with pockets)
• Great walking shoes
• Dress shoes (At the very least, they should not be athletic shoes. I caution against very high heels.)
• Dress socks
• Toiletries (The rooms will have hair dryers.)
• Cell phone & charger (Every student MUST have one.)
• Umbrella (compact size)
• Medication
• One-inch 3-ring binder
• Pens & highlighters
• Post-it notes
• Lots of energy

Size of Group

I know the group is larger than I wanted or promised.  If anyone wants to back out, I will fully refund your deposit.  The confirmed students all really wanted to go.  I could not imagine pulling names out of a hat.  I would have been devastated to have missed a trip like this in high school because of some random act.

I am designing the trip in such a way that you will still be in smaller groups for parts of the day.  Of course, I am also still trying to arrange some visits with special people.  The trip will still be flexible enough to incorporate most of your interests.

The trip is now officially closed to anyone who has not already provided me with a verbal commitment.  In case a student is unable to make the trip, I will start a waiting list.

Facebook Group

If you are confirmed, you are invited to join the BHS 2012 AP Study Tour facebook group.  Right now, it is a closed group.  You need to request permission to join.

Once we have everyone as a member, I will make the group private.  Then, you can make plans and share interesting links.

What are you most interested in seeing?

I have created an Interest Survey to find out what you are most interest in seeing.  This is one of the advantages of touring with a smaller number of students. 

Please know, however, that I cannot guarantee that you will be able to visit everything you hope to see.  While some places are definitely on our itinerary, I have some flexibility with others.  A list of the definite sites is provided below the Interest Survey.  You will see more sites in NYC than those listed, but this is where your suggestions help set the itinerary. 

The 2012 Interest Survey

Confirmed Sites

• The Federal Reserve
• The United Nations
• Ground Zero
• Wall Street (w/o tour unless sufficient interest)
• Times Square
• Central Park
• The Theatre District
• The Neighborhoods -- Chinatown, Little Italy, . . .
• The U.S. Capitol
• The Supreme Court
• White House (pending official confirmation 3-4 weeks prior to trip -- standard protocol)
• The National Mall with Monuments & Museums
• The DNC or RNC
• A Cabinet Department
• A large lobby organization (maybe NRA)

Registration Form

If your name is on the confirmed list, please complete the registration form.  Your parents will still need to complete two additional forms -- an official HISD permission form and a medical release form.

All of your information is completely secure and will not be shared with anyone except the U.S. Government institutions that require your information for a background check.  Your emergency contact information will be shared with Mr. Leagans.

Registration Form -- 2012 AP Study Tour