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Washington D.C. Trip

- Faith Formation

2025 8th Grade Nativity Parish Trip to Washington D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Wednesday, May 14^th – Friday, May 16^th 2025

What & Why: Optional 8^th Grade Nativity Parish trip to Washington DC to provide a capstone event prior to high school that, as a parish, promotes FAITH, LEARNING, SERVICE!

Who can go on this trip? Starting May 2025, the graduating 8^th grade students of Nativity Parish and the guardians of those 8^th graders that want to accompany. All 8^th grade participants must be in “good standing” with the school and religious education program.

I do not attend Nativity School; can I still go on the trip? Absolutely, the trip is open to all 8^th Grade Nativity Parishioners. The trip will not be complete unless our entire Parish community participates.

Does my child need a parent to go with them? No, but parents, guardians or caregivers are encouraged to go! You know your child best. If they want/need a little more parental supervision, then make it a priority to join. The other adults will thank you later. All adults participating in the trip will be required to be Virtus-trained. (VIRTUS® Online (virtusonline.org)).

What about my other kids? Sorry, the trip is reserved for 8^th Grade parishioners and their guardians only. Simply, no siblings allowed.

What are the expectations of the parents/guardians going on the trip? Enjoy this amazing opportunity with your 8^th Grader. We expect adults on the trip to be active in leading/chaperoning a small group of students. We are asking you to be more than a tourist, but a fine example .

Who is leading and operating the trip? Although we have the full support of Father Mike and the parish, this trip is a non-school-sponsored event. We have enlisted the company Grand Classroom (grandclassroom.com) to operate the trip. Grand Classroom was founded in 2002 as a company focused on student educational travel and will be working through the two parent advisors (Ben Powers and Luke Meyers) to execute the trip. Several Johnson County parishes have been using this same company for the last few years and have been happy with the organization. This means Grand Classroom assumes liability, plans travel, offers security at night, etc. Nativity School and the Religious Education Program will help distribute communication but will NOT be points of contact for information or execution of the trip.

When: Fly out morning of Wednesday, May 14^th and return late night on Friday, May 16^th, 2025!

When will I receive more details on the trip? There will be an in-person information session at the Nativity Parish Hall in April 2024.

What is the cost? $1589/student; $1889/adult, based on a planning factor of 35 total Nativity parishioners (students and adults). A $250 deposit will be required in May 2024.

What if my child really wants to go, but this cost is prohibitive? Hopefully this timeline allows enough time for financial planning for this trip, but we absolutely do not want cost to be the main reason your child cannot attend. Please reach out to Mr. Luke Jennison ([email protected], Principal of Nativity Parish School) or Catie Klocke ([email protected], Religious Education Director of Nativity Parish) with specific financial concerns/needs. Financial assistance will be handled with confidentiality on a case by case basis.

What does the trip include?
- - Round trip flights from KC to DC
  - Coach transportation in DC
  - Hotel accommodations: up to 4 students/room; up to 2 adults/room
  - All reservations and planning
  - Full time guide
  - All meals, admissions, taxes, gratuities in DC
  - Night Security in hotel
  - Medical Insurance
  - 24-hour On-Tour Assistance
Am I going to need to provide further money for trip? Cost does not included gifts, souvenirs, airport food/drink.

Anything else that we need to do prior to trip? Students and guardians will both sign behavior and medical release forms.

What happens if my child is misbehaving on the trip? The respective legal guardian of the misbehaving student would have to accompany the child home immediately. If the guardian is not accompanying the student on the trip, that would mean the guardian would be expected to fly out to Washington, DC then fly back with the student. Let us reiterate: if your student wants/needs a little more parental supervision, then make it a priority to be there with him or her.

What will the trip itinerary look like? The trip will be focused on promoting FAITH, LEARNING, and SERVICE, so our intent of the trip is to be more than just sightseeing. We expect the following sights/activities to be included: Capitol, Washington DC service project, Pentagon, Mass at Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception, White House, Arlington National Cemetery, National Mall memorials and monuments.

Other important dates:
- April 2024: Information Night (In-Person) at the Nativity Parish Hall to provide detailed information on the trip for students and parents (actual night to be determined by end of February 2024).
- May 15, 2024: Trip Deposit Due to Grand Classroom ($250/person).
- Fri, February 7, 2025: Final Payment Due.
- May 13, 2025: Send Off Mass.
- May 14, 2025-May 16, 2025: Washington D.C. Trip.
Points of Contact for Questions:
Luke Meyers: [email protected]
Ben Powers: [email protected]