Washington D.C. 2014 Trip
June 9th-13th, 2014
Day 1 Video
| dc_2014_day_1.mp4 |
Day 2
| day_2.mp4 |
Day 3
| day_3_smallest.mp4 |
Day 4
| day_4.mp4 |
Day 5
| day_5.mp4 |
Download Video here: (copy and paste in browser, click download)
http://animoto.com/play/wIRY1jKaK487HTNJLQOFIw
Friday 6/13/14
Day 5
Coach lorton
We started out the day visiting Independence Hall in PHILADELPHIA. We got to see where our fore fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, which by doing so put their lives on the line for treason. I can't believe we were standing in the same room where some our nation's greatest took a stand for our country. It was a great way to wrap up our trip piecing everything together to where our nation began.
Although we were tired and worn out many of us chose to eat a true Philly Cheesesteak which greatly lifted our spirits. I think I gained 15 pounds on this trip despite all the miles we walked each day.
One thing that topped this today off was seeing the statue of Rocky and seeing the famous steps he ran up. Rocky was one of my childhood heroes, our tour guide even blasted Eye of the Tiger on way over there. Though many of the students didn't know who Rocky was I think they figured out pretty quickly that the dude was awesome. I think the chaperones and parents that attended were the most thrilled to see this on our drive by to the airport.
My favorite moments on this trip will have to be the Arlington Cemetery(changing of the guard, Kennedy' grave), Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, Ford's Theatre, the National Archives, the Capital Building, The White House (even though I just got to see the outside), WW II Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and watching the kiddos faces as they saw everything for the first time like myself.
I think one of the saddest moments of the trip was finding out that our flight was delayed. We spent almost 6 hours at the airport. Herding 65 students in an an airport might sound horrible but everything actually went very smooth. We were very relieved though that our flight didn't get cancelled.
I can't believe how fast these past 5 days have flown by. Having the opportunity to experience this with the kiddos has been amazing. We have seen in person our country's history and government. These kids have memories that will last a lifetime. I am very proud of our HMS students. We received a large number of compliments about their polite behavior and manners.
Thank you to everyone involved! I will never forget this and will cherish these memories for a life time.
#HMSDC14 #aloha
Coach Ketcham
Well, this was it. Our last day. We made it a good one. We woke up, had a nice breakfast and headed to INDEPENDENCE Hall. The kids had a blast and got to look at the Liberty Bell. After that, we walked by the 1st and 2nd Bank of the US (BUS) and went down to Ben Franklin's house and his print shop. The kids did really like the print shop. After that, we headed to reading terminal and the kids got to EXPERIENCE that. it truly is a UNIQUE EXPERIENCE and everyone I spoke to said the food was AMAZING! .After that, the time was coming up to the kids leaving. I make a habit of telling the kids goodbye and then staying on the East Coast for a few days. As they loaded up the buses and I made sure the guides and bus drivers got their tips (In $2 bills) I started saying goodbye. Bus 1 and 3 were easy. As I walked towards my bus, with my students, I knew this wasn't going to go well.
As we were walking to the bus, a couple of students kept asking me if I was going to miss them, and if I would be sad to say goodbye. I quickly informed them that while I may be like an M&M, hard on the outside, and soft on the inside, there would be no tears because I don't get emotional. As I loaded on my bus to tell them goodbye, something very unexpected happened to me. As I tried to make out the words to tell them goodbye, my words wouldn't come out, but my tears did. Lot of them. I was able to put together some form of words, but it wasn't the goodbye I had planned. It was tough waving goodbye to them as they drove by.
I'll miss them all. They made me proud all year, and even more so, all this week.
Telling them goodbye was hard for me.
Believe, Dream, Try, Do Good.
- Coach Ketcham
Thursday 6/12/14
Day 4
Coach Lorton -
Jefferson Memorial, Matin Luther King Memorial, and Eastern State Penitentiary were all very cool.........#exhausted!
That's you blog.
And that WiFi doesn't work.
- Coach Lorton
Coach Ketcham
Day 4 started with us all heading all over D.C. and then to PHILADELPHIA. We woke up and went to the FDR, MLK, and WWII memorial. After that, Tim took us to his neighborhood (eastern Market) and we all grabbed lunch. The kids rode the metro from WWII and the Washington MONUMENT to Eastern Market. A pretty cool EXPERIENCE for the kids.
After that, my bus swung my the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Baltimore. In this odd stop, the kids got to see the bullet that killed Lincoln, the worlds largest human hairball, and lots of other odd gross stuff. After that, we went through maryland and Delaware (who hates bridges it appears) and then to PHILADELPHIA. We went straight to eastern State PENITENTIARY. This was my first time to bring kids here and I think they really enjoyed it. It seemed to be pretty popular. After that, we checked into the hotel and then went to dinner at applebees. Food was slow, but good. After that, a little walk around the city. Finally sleep, in our fancy Philly hotel!
- Coach Ketcham
Wednesday 6/11/14
Coach Lorton –
As I type today's blog I am feeling the effects of walking what seems 500 miles! We started off the day taking a picture at the US Capital along with 10 other tours. We were informed that a major Republican, was upset in his primary. He was the majority leader. Tons of press we're waiting in the halls to get an interview with him, but unfortunately he didn't come out while we were there. We were threatened to be arrested only once at the capital. Obviously tourists aren't allowed to sit on the floor because it is a sign of protest. The good news is that we came up with a name for bus 3 after leaving the capital "The Cats Meow".
The Congressional Library was as cool as it looks in the movies. It was fun. watching the kiddos stand in amazement looking at all the historical books and monuments. We also got to see the Jefferson Building which held many books that he had read.
The Arlington Cemetery was breath taking. I keep saying this but watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown was so awesome. The kiddos along with everyone else were very respectful. We also got to see President Kennedy's grave and the eternal flame. We had no casualties despite the heat, long walks, and hills!
We then headed down to Baltimore for the Orioles baseball game. Our feet definitely appreciated the hour drive. Some students had to learn the hard way that you don't mess with Coach Stitt. Although he was outnumbered Stitt managed to prove his dominance. Although it began raining in the 7th inning we all had a great time at the ballpark. Something cool I didn't know about the Camden Park is that they have marked off the longest home runs, Ken Griffey Jr holds the record.
Well that's a wrap.
Coach Ketcham
“Bus Awesome”, or ”Bus Eyebrows” had a full day also. We started with our group photo in front of the Capitol Building, and followed by a tour of inside. Our guide was pretty good inside and she seemed to know quite a bit. After going through, we hurried to Ford’s Theatre to see where Lincoln was shot. I didn’t get to go in because we were short tickets, but I’ve been in 7 or 8 times, and the kids came out pretty excited about it. After that, we hit a gift shop, the Portrait Gallery, and lunch. After lunch, we went to the Jefferson Memorial and then headed to Maryland. We took a unqiue stop to the Medical Musesum and the kids got to look at this little gem. The world’s largest human hairball, the bullet that killed Lincoln, and every other sick and gross thing you can imagine. After that, we went to the Orioles game at Camden Yards. It was great until the 7th when the rain came in. We luckily got everyone to the buses and headed home.
Special shout out to our guides and bus drivers for getting through a rough parking/pickup setup at the ballpark. They did awesome!
Tuesday 6/10/14
Coach Lorton – Day 2
Day 2! We started day two with a trip to the White House! Although we didn't get to see the president it was another event we got to scratch off the bucket list. We then headed to the Washington Cathedral. What an awesome sight to see. It only took 93 years to build-pretty impressive, and it holds the graves of Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan, and Woodrow Wilson. We then toured the World War II Memorial. We were very fortunate to get to visit with some WWII veterans from Illinois. Next we ventured off to the Air and Space Smithsonian. Still trying to figure out how they fit all the huge exhibits in there. Next we invaded Buca di Beppo. I am still stuffed, thank you Ketchem and Shelton for the free desert! We topped the night off with a venture to the Congressional Cemetery. Why would anyone want to walk their dog at a cemetery? Off course ghost stories were a must in a cemetery. Thanks Coach Stitt for the awesome stories.
Coach Ketcham – Day 2
Day 2
Well, my group started off with a trip to the White House. We had a kid throw up on his way in, so, awesome, we have decorated yet another important D.C. landmark. Also, Mrs. Fannon’s birthday was mis-type on the form, (my bad), so they wouldn’t let her in. Nothing like being the worst best friend in the world. Luckily, food was had and cupcakes are paid for, and the friendship remains in tack. Phew.
Due to some weather heading our way, and a chance to make up some ground, we headed to Arlington National Cemetery. My kids did a project in May on a person buried there, and they got to present their person to the group. It really makes it a lot more fun and I often learn a lot of new stuff from them!
It was humid, and we were hot, but we got through the walking at Arlington and of course saw all the big things like JFK’s grave, Taft’s, and the changing of the guard. If you have never seen the changing of the guard, it is pretty awesome and moving.
After leaving Arlington National, we headed for lunch and the kids had a choice of several places. We ate, cooled down a bit, and then headed to the National Archives. Once there, they got to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Magna Carta, Emancipation Proclamation and more.
After our visit around there, we next headed to the Air and Space museum . The National Air and Space Museum (NASM) of the Smithsonian Institution holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world with over 160,000 square feet of exhibition floor space. It opened in 1976. They all got to see The Wright brothers plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, and lots of Apollo stuff. It was a fun time for them.
After that, we got to go to the National Cathedral and check that out. A beautiful building, it’s impossible to describe it properly. The cornerstone was laid when Teddy Roosevelt was president and it was complete when Bush 41 was in office. It has 231 stained glass windows and is so big, you could lay the Washington Monument down inside of it. Ah- Maz-Ing.
After that, we went to Dupont Circle for a few, and then walked to dinner. Everyone was full fat and happy after dinner and dessert!
Finally, to wrap up the night, it was a night of Ghost Tours of Congressional Cemetery. It is a lot different feel to Congressional than Arlington. The kids got to go into a crypt and hear stories of ghosts all around the cemetery.
After a quick ride home, the kids went to bed, and seem to be pretty tired tonight… J
Looking forward to a good day tomorrow.
Ketcham Out.
Monday 6/9/14
A blog from Coach Lorton: (First time on the D.C. Trip)
Are alarm clocks really supposed to go off at 3:45AM in the summer? Why yes they are, it is #HMSDC14 day! We started off the morning with crazy weather but made it safely to DC. We hit the ground running starting off with a nice lunch at the Pentagon Mall. Our first adventure was touring the Air Force Museum. We then headed to Ford's Theatre. Wow, talking about history alive. Seeing the spot where arguably the most influential presidents of the US was assassinated and then touring the building where he took his final breath at the Peterson house was truly remarkable.
We then toured the Museum of Natural History and saw many interesting artifacts and pieces of American history including the Hope Diamond. We topped the evening off visiting the Korean, Lincoln, and Vietnam Memorials which was a very eye opening experience. Some of the coolest things these eyes have ever seen! Seeing things you have seen on television and movies, and read countless books about in person has been one of the best experiences in my life. Looking forward to tomorrow!
Lorton
A blog from Coach Ketcham (8 visit, 6th with kids)
Well, I couldn’t sleep the night before but what is new. I got to the airport at 6:15 and almost everyone was there, even though they didn’t have to be there until 6:45. Awesome! Flight 1 and Flight 2 got through security really fast. Flight one was up and in the air, and flight two had some delays. As we got onto the plane, I received a text from Coach Stitt, that they landed. I do have to say, Flight 2 didn’t complain even once and everyone was in a great mood. We finally took off, and the flight attendants and the pilot complimented me on how great our group was.
After a potty break, we meet our favorite guide, Tim. Tim picked us up, while “The Rabs” group went to meet up with Clift and Mike. We had a special treat for our guide Tim as he met us.
also, for the record, we were asked by tons of people for pictures of our shirts. They were a huge hit!
We then went to the American History and Natural History Smithsonian’s, followed by Dinner at Union Station. After dinner, we hit up some memorials, (Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam) and headed back to the bus. A quick stop at Wal-Mart and we got back to the hotel.
Camryn asked me what my favorite part of going to D.C. was, as seeing the same thing over and over must get old. She is right, but my favorite thing is seeing the kids see things for the first time. Love it and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Weather is great, kids were great. Great start to the trip.
Ketcham Out.
Tomorrow.
7:15 AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30 AM Tour of the White House
11:00AM Tour Washington Cathedral
Lunch
1:15 PM Visit National Archives to see Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights
3:00 PM Visit Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum
6:30 PM Dinner at Buca di Beppo
8:00 PM Congressional Cemetery Ghost Tour
When is the parent Meeting
TUESDAY JUNE 3RD, AT 7PM - WE WILL BE HAVING A MANDATORY PARENT/STUDENT MEETING AT 7PM IN THE CAFETERIA AT HILLWOOD.
What Flight am i oN?
All Flights are on American Airlines.
Flight 1
If your History Teacher is Mr. Shelton or Ms. Glenn....
Going there: DFW/DCA #1033 7:35am – 11:35pm (YOU NEED TO BE AT DFW AIRPORT AT 5:30AM)
Coming home: PHL/DFW #370 6:50 pm – 9:40 pm
Flight 2
If your History Teacher is Coach Ketcham or Ms. Rabatin....
Going there: DFW/DCA #1584 9:05am – 12:59pm (You need to be there by 6:45 AM)
Coming home: PHL/DFW #1542 5:05 PM – 7:45 pm
Flight 1
If your History Teacher is Mr. Shelton or Ms. Glenn....
Going there: DFW/DCA #1033 7:35am – 11:35pm (YOU NEED TO BE AT DFW AIRPORT AT 5:30AM)
Coming home: PHL/DFW #370 6:50 pm – 9:40 pm
Flight 2
If your History Teacher is Coach Ketcham or Ms. Rabatin....
Going there: DFW/DCA #1584 9:05am – 12:59pm (You need to be there by 6:45 AM)
Coming home: PHL/DFW #1542 5:05 PM – 7:45 pm
Who takes my child to and from the airport?
You do.
No Bus?
Nope.
What are you doing? Can I get an updated itinerary.
| hillwood_dcp_14-05-28.pdf |
Any Helpful Hints For Packing?
I thought you'd never ask. Right here.
| helpful_hints_dc_hillwood.pdf |
What else?
D.C. Dates:
Tuesday JUNE 3rd, at 7PM - We will be having a MANDATORY PARENT/STUDENT MEETING at 7PM in the cafeteria at Hillwood.
Monday June 9th - Your child needs to be AT the airport 2 hours before their flight leaves.
Friday June 13th - Please, pick up your child at the airport. We don't want them anymore.
Our winning T-Shirt Designs
| hillwood_d.c._trip_shirts_2014.pdf |
Forms you may need.
| hillwood_white_house_tour_form.doc |
| medical_form.doc |
| hillwood_2014_registration_form.doc |
Washington D.C.
Tour Company: Junior Tours
Contact: Brian Ketcham
Here is a “brief” summary of our trip to D.C.
We spend 5 full days (4 in D.C. and 1 in Philadelphia) and we are busy from sun up to sun down. Our typical day goes from 6:30AM to about 10:00PM. I promise to keep them busy the whole time they are not asleep. We travel to D.C. on a plane and are taken by our private bus with our tour guides all over the city. Last year, we saw the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, White House, Capital, a Nationals game, National Zoo, National Cathedral, Medical Museum, Air and Space, Natural History, and American History museums, WWII memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Iwo Jima, Arlington National Cemetery, FDR Memorial, National Achieves, Ford’s Theatre, Washington Cathedral, just to name a few things. This year we are adding a side trip to Philadelphia to see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Eastern State Penitentiary. We stay busy.
While there, the kids will blog for us and we update the website with photos so the parents can follow along. We even have our own Facebook page called “Hillwood D.C. Trip”. After the trip they get a video of each day and panoramic photograph of the group.
Why do I believe in the trip? I’ve never had a kid have a bad time and haven’t heard anything but great things from parents. I love the fact, that all the US History stuff they study all year, comes to life, and it is soooo neat to see them make the connection. I also love this trip because it seems we only attract really good kids and they have such a blast meeting new kids or becoming better friends with everyone on the trip. It is something they never forget. I truly believe that your child can buy new clothes, and toys, but memories last forever, and this is a good one.
Be sure to come to one of our meetings and let me know if you have any questions what so ever.
Coach Ketcham
Contact: Brian Ketcham
Here is a “brief” summary of our trip to D.C.
We spend 5 full days (4 in D.C. and 1 in Philadelphia) and we are busy from sun up to sun down. Our typical day goes from 6:30AM to about 10:00PM. I promise to keep them busy the whole time they are not asleep. We travel to D.C. on a plane and are taken by our private bus with our tour guides all over the city. Last year, we saw the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, White House, Capital, a Nationals game, National Zoo, National Cathedral, Medical Museum, Air and Space, Natural History, and American History museums, WWII memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Iwo Jima, Arlington National Cemetery, FDR Memorial, National Achieves, Ford’s Theatre, Washington Cathedral, just to name a few things. This year we are adding a side trip to Philadelphia to see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Eastern State Penitentiary. We stay busy.
While there, the kids will blog for us and we update the website with photos so the parents can follow along. We even have our own Facebook page called “Hillwood D.C. Trip”. After the trip they get a video of each day and panoramic photograph of the group.
Why do I believe in the trip? I’ve never had a kid have a bad time and haven’t heard anything but great things from parents. I love the fact, that all the US History stuff they study all year, comes to life, and it is soooo neat to see them make the connection. I also love this trip because it seems we only attract really good kids and they have such a blast meeting new kids or becoming better friends with everyone on the trip. It is something they never forget. I truly believe that your child can buy new clothes, and toys, but memories last forever, and this is a good one.
Be sure to come to one of our meetings and let me know if you have any questions what so ever.
Coach Ketcham
