Attention 7th Graders: Springfield, IL Trip
May 9-10, 2020
$320.00
Registration meeting Wednesday, September 25, 2019
7:00 pm BPMS Cafeteria
Frequently Asked Questions
* Who is chaperoning our children?
The chaperones for the trip will consist of myself, other BPD3 staff members who have chaperoned this trip with me in the past. Chaperones are not provided by the tour company.
* Will students miss any school? Is it counted against them for perfect attendance?
Students will NOT miss school. We have scheduled it on a weekend.
* Are there behavior qualifications for students to attend?
Yes, there are behavior qualifications. Because we are taking multiple children far from home, if students are consistently not appropriate at school, I won't be able to trust them hours away. The trip chaperone and administration will make a determination as to whether students are eligible to go. If it after the main determination date, and your student has a major discipline issue arise, they will be uninvited to go and no refund will be made unless the family purchased the RGP.
* Where will they be staying? What about hotel security?
Overnight accommodations are at a hotel that has an indoor pool facility. Students will room in groups of 4, and the boys/girls are usually separated on different floors, or different wings (depending on hotel room availability). The tour company employs security guards to watch the floors between 11P.M. and 6 A.M. These guards are not allowed in any of our students’ rooms. If there is an issue that needs attention, the guards will contact the appropriate male / female chaperone to go to that room.
* Will my son/daughter be able to pick his/her roommates?
Yes. Students will make roommate requests at the student meeting on February 4 during lunch. (It will take 10 minutes, if that). I make every attempt to fill these requests, and guarantee 1 of his/her choices. I recommend pre-arranging friends in groups of 4, and those requests are immediately filled.
* What does the price include? Will he/she need extra money?
The fee pays for transportation, the hotel room, admission charges, and meals from Friday lunch through Saturday lunch. Students will need extra money for vending machines, extra food at McDonald’s, the evening activity at
Knight’s Action Park (included is a $10 voucher) and souvenirs. The amount of money you send with the student is at the parent’s discretion.
*What can the students do at Knight’s Action Park?
Students receive a $10 worth of tickets for any of the following activities: go-kart racing, Ferris wheel, batting cages, mini-golf, driving range, and a game room. Students might want to bring extra money for additional activities.
* What can students bring with them? (cell-phones, electronics, etc.)
Students are allowed to bring cell phones and any other electronic device with then EXCEPT that hotel prohibits any type of gaming system (PS3, XBOX, etc.) be hooked up to their TV’s. It is the student’s responsibility to take care of any items brought with them. The chaperones will not be liable for any lost or stolen items.
*What should the students wear?
Dress for the tour should be comfortable but neat. Layers are preferred, as the bus or some facilities can be cool with the air conditioning. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must. Since supervised swimming is planned, please bring a swimsuit and towel from home. Girls are to wear tankini’s or one piece suits and boys are to wear appropriate length trunks.
* What are we going to do/see on the tour?
We will visit historical sites around Springfield, including Lincoln’s Home, New Salem Village, the Old State Capitol, Oak Ridge Cemetery, and Lincoln’s Tomb. We will also visit museums such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Military Museum. We will also visit our Illinois State Capitol. Friday evening, we will relax at Knight’s Action Park, as well as at our hotel with a pool party.
* How do I register my son/daughter?Go to http://portal.brightsparktravel.com/ and use the Tour Web Code TNWGY5M
A registration fee of $35 is required to secure a place on the tour. If you choose to purchase the RGP (Refund Guarantee Protection), you must do so at this time. It is an additional $34.00. You also need to return the emergency contact / signed understanding to Ms. Aken. All students must be registered by October 9 in order to be eligible for the fundraising opportunity.
Important Disclaimer:
This is not a school-sponsored field trip, which means that as tour moderator, I will make the final decision whether a student will be allowed to go on the trip in the event of behavior issues at school. These issues include, but not be limited to, fighting; insubordination; not following adult’s directions; drug or alcohol use; smoking; theft; vandalism. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, and refunds will not be available after a certain date, if you choose not to purchase the RGP.
*Is there fundraising available?
Yes. There is fundraising available to help pay for, or completely cover, the cost of the trip. The fundraising meeting will be Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 pm, BPMS Cafeteria.
* What are the important dates to know?
September 25, Parent/Student information meeting. 7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria at BPMS.
October 9, Must Pay Deposit to BrightSpark Travel if interested in the fundraising opportunity.
October 9, Fundraising meeting, 6:00 p.m. BPMS Cafeteria.
October 23, Fundraising forms and money due to Ms. Aken at BPMS 2 p.m.
November 13, Last day to register if not participating in the fundraising
November 20, Product delivery for fundraiser, BPMS front porch 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
January 13, Second payment due to BrightSpark Travel
February 4, Student Roommate Choosing Meeting, during 7th grade lunch (students only)
February 13, Third payment due to BrightSpark Travel
March 13, Balance due to BrightSpark Travel
April 30, Mandatory Parent/Student meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria at BPMS.
May 9-- 5:15 a.m. Depart for Springfield. Stage in BPMS Cafeteria, please use entrance 5 (north side of building) and come in with your student to ensure all paperwork is received.
May 10-- approximately 6:30 p.m. Return from Springfield, parents pick up students. Please park in the front of the building. The buses will park at the north side of the building.
*Is there a way to be reminded of the due dates?
Yes! Feel free to join Remind BPMS Springfield 2020. On your smartphone, point your browser to rmd.at/ag8akg
Updates will be posted on the application before and during the trip.
*If I have other questions, whom may I contact?
Before the trip, I may be reached by e-mail or school phone. [email protected], or 847-596-5880. As the district librarian, I may not be at the middle school the day that you call, but I will do my best to respond within 24 hours.
Jeanné Aken
* Who is chaperoning our children?
The chaperones for the trip will consist of myself, other BPD3 staff members who have chaperoned this trip with me in the past. Chaperones are not provided by the tour company.
* Will students miss any school? Is it counted against them for perfect attendance?
Students will NOT miss school. We have scheduled it on a weekend.
* Are there behavior qualifications for students to attend?
Yes, there are behavior qualifications. Because we are taking multiple children far from home, if students are consistently not appropriate at school, I won't be able to trust them hours away. The trip chaperone and administration will make a determination as to whether students are eligible to go. If it after the main determination date, and your student has a major discipline issue arise, they will be uninvited to go and no refund will be made unless the family purchased the RGP.
* Where will they be staying? What about hotel security?
Overnight accommodations are at a hotel that has an indoor pool facility. Students will room in groups of 4, and the boys/girls are usually separated on different floors, or different wings (depending on hotel room availability). The tour company employs security guards to watch the floors between 11P.M. and 6 A.M. These guards are not allowed in any of our students’ rooms. If there is an issue that needs attention, the guards will contact the appropriate male / female chaperone to go to that room.
* Will my son/daughter be able to pick his/her roommates?
Yes. Students will make roommate requests at the student meeting on February 4 during lunch. (It will take 10 minutes, if that). I make every attempt to fill these requests, and guarantee 1 of his/her choices. I recommend pre-arranging friends in groups of 4, and those requests are immediately filled.
* What does the price include? Will he/she need extra money?
The fee pays for transportation, the hotel room, admission charges, and meals from Friday lunch through Saturday lunch. Students will need extra money for vending machines, extra food at McDonald’s, the evening activity at
Knight’s Action Park (included is a $10 voucher) and souvenirs. The amount of money you send with the student is at the parent’s discretion.
*What can the students do at Knight’s Action Park?
Students receive a $10 worth of tickets for any of the following activities: go-kart racing, Ferris wheel, batting cages, mini-golf, driving range, and a game room. Students might want to bring extra money for additional activities.
* What can students bring with them? (cell-phones, electronics, etc.)
Students are allowed to bring cell phones and any other electronic device with then EXCEPT that hotel prohibits any type of gaming system (PS3, XBOX, etc.) be hooked up to their TV’s. It is the student’s responsibility to take care of any items brought with them. The chaperones will not be liable for any lost or stolen items.
*What should the students wear?
Dress for the tour should be comfortable but neat. Layers are preferred, as the bus or some facilities can be cool with the air conditioning. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must. Since supervised swimming is planned, please bring a swimsuit and towel from home. Girls are to wear tankini’s or one piece suits and boys are to wear appropriate length trunks.
* What are we going to do/see on the tour?
We will visit historical sites around Springfield, including Lincoln’s Home, New Salem Village, the Old State Capitol, Oak Ridge Cemetery, and Lincoln’s Tomb. We will also visit museums such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Military Museum. We will also visit our Illinois State Capitol. Friday evening, we will relax at Knight’s Action Park, as well as at our hotel with a pool party.
* How do I register my son/daughter?Go to http://portal.brightsparktravel.com/ and use the Tour Web Code TNWGY5M
A registration fee of $35 is required to secure a place on the tour. If you choose to purchase the RGP (Refund Guarantee Protection), you must do so at this time. It is an additional $34.00. You also need to return the emergency contact / signed understanding to Ms. Aken. All students must be registered by October 9 in order to be eligible for the fundraising opportunity.
Important Disclaimer:
This is not a school-sponsored field trip, which means that as tour moderator, I will make the final decision whether a student will be allowed to go on the trip in the event of behavior issues at school. These issues include, but not be limited to, fighting; insubordination; not following adult’s directions; drug or alcohol use; smoking; theft; vandalism. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, and refunds will not be available after a certain date, if you choose not to purchase the RGP.
*Is there fundraising available?
Yes. There is fundraising available to help pay for, or completely cover, the cost of the trip. The fundraising meeting will be Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 pm, BPMS Cafeteria.
* What are the important dates to know?
September 25, Parent/Student information meeting. 7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria at BPMS.
October 9, Must Pay Deposit to BrightSpark Travel if interested in the fundraising opportunity.
October 9, Fundraising meeting, 6:00 p.m. BPMS Cafeteria.
October 23, Fundraising forms and money due to Ms. Aken at BPMS 2 p.m.
November 13, Last day to register if not participating in the fundraising
November 20, Product delivery for fundraiser, BPMS front porch 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
January 13, Second payment due to BrightSpark Travel
February 4, Student Roommate Choosing Meeting, during 7th grade lunch (students only)
February 13, Third payment due to BrightSpark Travel
March 13, Balance due to BrightSpark Travel
April 30, Mandatory Parent/Student meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria at BPMS.
May 9-- 5:15 a.m. Depart for Springfield. Stage in BPMS Cafeteria, please use entrance 5 (north side of building) and come in with your student to ensure all paperwork is received.
May 10-- approximately 6:30 p.m. Return from Springfield, parents pick up students. Please park in the front of the building. The buses will park at the north side of the building.
*Is there a way to be reminded of the due dates?
Yes! Feel free to join Remind BPMS Springfield 2020. On your smartphone, point your browser to rmd.at/ag8akg
Updates will be posted on the application before and during the trip.
*If I have other questions, whom may I contact?
Before the trip, I may be reached by e-mail or school phone. [email protected], or 847-596-5880. As the district librarian, I may not be at the middle school the day that you call, but I will do my best to respond within 24 hours.
Jeanné Aken