LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!

We are less than a week away from our trip to New York City and I want to make sure your questions are answered. I appreciate your patience with the planning process for this trip. I know it is unconventional, but we are committed to providing the best experience for our students while not allowing for any waste of funds they’ve worked so hard to raise. The journey may be sometimes frustrating, but the result is a very affordable trip to the Big Apple. Here are some updates, tips, and explanations for you:

TRANSPORTATION

• We have secured a bus for the ACTC to CLT leg of the trip! There is no longer any need for parents to drive to the airport and we would strongly prefer everyone to ride the bus. Please arrive at ACTC by 6:15am Thursday and park in the back as directed. We will board the bus behind the multi-purpose room and leave no later than 6:30am.
• We will go through security together at CLT before separating to our flights (see travel group and flight info at boonemedia.com/nyc2017) to Newark and LaGuardia. Both flights leave around 10am.
• The flights will arrive at the airports in NYC/Newark at about the same time (around noon). Ground transportation has been set up to take you via shuttle to Hotel Pennsylvania.
• We will meet in the lobby of Hotel Pennsylvania to check in and discuss activities for the remainder of the day.

BAGGAGE

• It is your responsibility to check the American Airlines website (aa.com) to find out what you can and cannot take on the plane, including the size and cost of certain luggage. Generally, one carry-on bag and one person item is free, while checked luggage is $25 per bag each way. To save money, share suitcases and wear your coat rather than packing it!

SUPERVISION

• There are plenty of adults on this trip, which gives all of us a lot of flexibility. As long as the student has parent permission to be with that adult, they are fine (a sheet was sent home about this). However, students must have adult supervision at all times on the trip.

ACTIVITIES

• Students will be given a prepaid “pass” that will serve as their admission to three attractions of their choice during their stay in New York City. Parents can also easily buy these passes online or in NYC (see boonemedia.com/nyc2017). Attractions may have additional costs involved, and additional attractions can be purchased.
• As a result of the students’ fundraising, everyone will receive tickets to “Wicked” on Broadway. We will attend this show Friday night.

GENERAL ITINERARY

• Thursday: Arrive at Hotel Penn at around 1pm. After checking in, groups are free to disperse for sightseeing throughout the afternoon and evening. We are asking all groups to be back at the hotel by midnight.
• Friday: IBS Conference check-in in the morning (info at boonemedia.com/nyc2017 and ibsradio.org). All students required at Keynote Address at Noon, plus two more sessions during the afternoon. We will make dinner arrangements and prepare for a night on Broadway, showtime is 8pm. Be back at the hotel by midnight.
• Saturday: Students are required to attend at least two morning sessions and two afternoon sessions at the conference. The Awards begin at 5pm! Afterwards, enjoy time out on the town. 
• Sunday: We will check out of the hotel at around 10am, get some brunch, and ground transportation via shuttle has been scheduled for around noon to take us to the designated airports. Flights leave around 3:30-4 and arrive in CLT around 5:30-6. We’ll all meet at the bus there and make our way back to ACTC by hopefully around 7:30pm.

FUNDS

• Everyone is responsible for his/her own meals throughout the trip.
• The Broadway Show (all) and the Attraction Pass (students) are paid for.
• All travel costs - including airline and ground transportation to and from airports - have been paid.
• Hotel - parents are paying for the bulk of the hotel rooms. Students staying with parents who are not their own or are in a room of their own (school purchased) need to pay their portion of the room cost ($150-$200)  to the school/parents before the trip. These students have been notified.

ATTIRE

• Regular neat school appropriate attire is appropriate for the entirety of the trip.
• Students can dress up for the Broadway show and/or the awards but it is not required.
  
• Students will be given a mypulseradio.com hoodie.
  

Thank you for your support and excitement. I am always available for any questions at 954.812.6774