June 2-15, 2011

While you’re waiting…Review the light yellow and tan handouts

Fill out the information for the phone chain

–- Henry Miller

Wear: Tee shirt Neck Pouch (with name tag & passport) Bring: ISE luggage tags – 1 on your checked bag &

1 on your carry-on, clearly filled out with black Sharpie

In your carry-on: Trip binder: “Guía de Costa Rica” Student Journal: “Recuerdos de mi viaje a Costa

Rica” ISE “Recuerdos de Mi Viaje” for the family stay Phrasebook: “Lonely Planet Costa Rica

Phrasebook”Sharpie time! ISE Recuerdos de mi viaje Luggage tags

for parents and students to refer to BEFORE the trip.

Don’t need to bring them with you.Any information pertinent to the trip

itself is reprinted and included in the trip binder.

We will review the information in these handouts this evening.

Anything you want us to know about your child

Individual questions that you want us to follow up on

You have already signed this and we have copies.

You have also already signed Rockwood’s Code of Conduct.

Be aware that if you do something that endangers yourself or the group, you may be sent home at your own expense.

Rockwood School District discipline policy is in effect throughout the trip.

Common sense rules Guidelines for a successful family stay

Photo album (required) Gifts – see orchid handout. Thank you note

Photo contest Luggage guidelines (p. 8-9) Air travel information and Insurance (will

discuss later tonight) Checklist: Before you leave home

Notarized Parental Permission Form – will receive at airport

Thursday, June 2nd Depart St. Louis 11:25 AM, American AirlinesArrive in Miami 3:10 PM (2:10 St. Louis time)Depart Miami 6:20 PM (5:20 St. Louis time)Arrive in San José 7:10 PM (8:10 St. Louis time)

Lunch in St. Louis airportDinner in Miami airportMUST BRING snack for evening at hotel

Thursday, June 2nd – arrive at the airport at 8:30 AM. Meet leaders at American Airlines ticket counter.

Bloomrosen through Jansma, check in with Sra. Pahl.

Martinelli through Wilson, check in with Sra. Lackey.

If parents accompanied students inside, they will need to say good-bye before we go down the escalator to the concourse.

Stay in groups of 3 or more while in the airport and let us know if you’re going to the bathroom, etc.

Bring your phone and have it on – if we need to inform you about a change of gate, etc., we will text or call you if you’re not next to us.

Because you are travelling as a group, you should check in at the airport. Do not check-in online from home.

Wednesday, June 15th Depart San Jose 1:30 PM, American AirlinesArrive in Miami 6:30 PM (5:30 St. Louis time)Depart Miami 9:15 PM (8:15 St. Louis time)Arrive in St. Louis 10:55 PM

Lunch in San José airportDinner in Miami airport

Check with American Airlines about delays. If we are aware of a delay, we will activate the phone chain.

Meet your child at the end of security or at baggage claim.

Señora Pahl’s budget / ISE’s budget $264-$405 spending moneyColones (500 = $1) and exchange

informationBank / ATM / Debit cardsCredit cardsOptions Inform your bank and credit card

companies before departure that you will be in Costa Rica

Students should not carry excess cash in their pockets or purses.

Never carry money in your back pocket!

Leaders advise students on upcoming needs for cash.

Most hotels have safes in rooms. Can store in locked suitcase in room

or give to Señoras for safe keeping Security in hotel rooms has NEVER

been an issue!

Consider the weather before you pack

It will rain. It is the rainy season.

Altitude makes the difference in temperature.

Please take our suggestions seriously.

Highlights 1 checked bag (50 lbs or less!), 1 carry

on carry on should be a backpack (bring

umbrella and rain jacket in carry on) wear long pants and your T-shirt camera and memory cards, charger

Hiking / athletic shoesWool or synthetic hiking socks,

lightweight is fineWater shoes (not flip flops)Sandals Do not go barefoot anywhere.

Water bottlePlastic Zip-Lock Bags (3-1-1 in

carry on + extras)Trash bagsTSA lockFirst Aid kit

HatSunscreen

body face lips

SunglassesInsect repellent

Sun and insect protection Wash your hands Bring medications Back-up antibiotics Don’t go barefoot Take care of minor injuries promptly Drink plenty of water (tap water vs bottled) Eat well

Sanitary standards are very good!Medical services are very good.Health insurance formsWater is potable but bottled tastes

better.Bring a water bottle htat can be refilled.See “How to Stay Healthy in Costa Rica”.No shots required – not in malaria areas.

Good hygiene. Wash hands. Antibacterial hand gel.

Clean, medicate, & bandage cuts. Medications & back-up meds. Don’t go barefoot – EVER! Drink plenty of water! Get some for the

plane after passing security. Eat well. Inform teachers if you don’t feel well If you are prone to “tummy troubles” eat

yogurt and possibly take probiotics

Teacher Cell Phone Number in Costa Rica

From US to Costa Rica 011-506-8975-6306 (write in at the top of the hot pink handout)

From within Costa Rica 8975-6306 (write in section 1, page 1 of trip binder)

Phone chain Unplug Email Phone calls Texting Blog Emergency Numbers

We will email you as soon as we hear from ISE (they think it will be finalized this week)

Check your SPAM folder on your email in case a message from your family gets sent there

Neck pouchCosta Rica t-shirtLong pants Jacket or sweatshirtRain jacketUmbrella Black pen that doesn’t leak

(immigration forms)

Neck pouch! Wear it to the airport!Wear in the airport with passport &

boarding passes!Do NOT take off until we ask for

them after arriving in San José!ALWAYS stop and put your

documents away in the pouch BEFORE doing anything else!

-- Mark Twain