Saturday, April 7, 2012
All of Mr and Mrs Ippolito's trip photos online!
All the links are now live at IppTrip.com. From your computer, check out the links to all the photo albums in the upper-right corner of the blog. Enjoy! --------------------------->
How to download photos or entire photo albums to your computer
My wife and I posted all our photos on Picasa Web Albums. You can download the photos using these instructions from Google:
http://support.google.com/picasa/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=39513
http://support.google.com/picasa/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=39513
Friday, April 6, 2012
ECT 2012 - iPhone Photos and VIDEOS
Have spent most of the day catching up on sleep. Mrs Ippolito and I still working on organizing all our photos. In the meantime, here are all my iPhone photos and videos. Enjoy!
ECT 2012 - iPhone Photos.
https://picasaweb.google.com/115123181846550358255/ECT2012IPhonePhotos
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Picasa Album - ECT 2012 - Day 5
Late night. Photos uploaded. Long, wonderful, exhausting day. Coming home tomorrow! I'll keep you posted on travel status--as always. :)
Check out this Picasa album - ECT 2012 - Day 5.
https://picasaweb.google.com/115123181846550358255/ECT2012Day5
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Picasa Album - ECT 2012 - Day 4
Hi,
Check out this Picasa album - ECT 2012 - Day 4.
https://picasaweb.google.com/115123181846550358255/ECT2012Day4
Sorry for the late upload tonight. A bit of roommate drama tonight--nothing too atypical. It's the middle of the trip, and just like a good reality show, this is when roommates start to get on each others' nerves a bit. Nothing out of the ordinary. It just makes for a long night. Off to bed while these finish uploading--should be done around 10:30pm Pacific Time.
Cheers,
Mr Ippolito
More Day 3 photos
Hey parents,
Currently selecting photos for today, but realized that not all of YESTERDAY'S photos uploaded. You can check out 26 new photos in the album from yesterday. I'm working on today's photos right now.
https://picasaweb.google.com/115123181846550358255/ECT2012Day3
Monday, April 2, 2012
Picasa Album - ECT 2012 - Day 3
Good evening families!
Great time tonight with our Amish friends! Lots of photos to share from our very full day. Photos are currently uploading. All should be available by late tonight. Expect about 80 photos or so.
Again, just to reassure you, Mrs Ippolito and I will share ALL our photos with you at the end of the trip. Between the two of us, we're up to about 700 photos so far.
On one final note before I say goodnight, there has been a very loud room across the hall--really boisterous, lots of laughter and occasional loud cheering . Earlier I was convinced it was our kids, but when I approached the source of the noise, it turned out to be another guest room. The noise continues for nearly an hour (our kids have long since been in bed now), and finally the noise is so raucous that I go across the hall to ask these rowdy young people to please keep it down.
There's hushing, one female voice says, "You think it's the front desk?" Finally the door opens, and there is a room full of people my mother's age, drinking and playing Apples to Apples. They were very polite and apologetic.
Who would have thought the loudest bunch of people on the floor were not teenagers, but senior citizens instead!?
Photo link for Day 3 pics is below. G'night all!
Amish Camp update
Wow, the wifi is fast here is Amish country. Guess there's not much competition for bandwidth out here.
We arrived here around 3:30. Kids changed into Amish clothing, and then we were off to the Stoltzfus family farm to do chores. The Stoltzfus family has five children, and the middle child, 11-year-old Daniel was helping organize the chores. Our kids brushed horses, mucked stables, spread mulch, cut the grass with a hand-mower, and helped the mother sew one of the quilted blankets that the Amish donate to charity. The Stoltzfus family owns a little country store, so we got to shop after we were done with chores. They sell homemade pretzels, potato chips, and root beer, along with lots if other handmade goods.
In just a few minutes we will be headed off to a shoo fly pie demonstration, and then dinner, followed by games with the Stoltzfus family. Remember your child doesn't have their phone tonight, so don't fret if you don't get a call or text. I'll post plenty of photos, though. :)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Picasa Album - ECT 2012 - Day 1
Hi,
Check out this Picasa album - ECT 2012 - Day 1.
https://picasaweb.google.com/115123181846550358255/ECT2012Day1
About half of the photos are done being uploaded. Will try to upload 50-75 pics per day during the trip.
After the trip, will upload over 1,000 pics taken by me and my wife.
Tiring day today. Kids' rooms went quiet FAST tonight. :) More adventures tomorrow!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
East Coast Trip - Last e-mail
My final message before we travel is simple: please remind your child to listen. This is such an exciting trip, with so much to see, do, and experience. The number one way your child can make the most of the trip is to listen.
Listen to our tour guide and the park rangers as they describe all the wonderful things we’re seeing. Listen to your buddy when he or she expresses the need for a restroom break. Listen to your chaperone when he or she tells you what time to meet back up for our next activity. Listen to Mr. Ippolito when he tells you what your boundaries are and where you need to be to stay safe.
Take your child close one more time before we depart and remind them to make good choices. We have strong systems and policies in place to protect our kids, we have experienced educators with watchful eyes, but the person with the greatest power to keep your child safe is YOUR CHILD.
I’ll see you at Rio Norte tomorrow evening by 5:30 p.m.
RVI
Listen to our tour guide and the park rangers as they describe all the wonderful things we’re seeing. Listen to your buddy when he or she expresses the need for a restroom break. Listen to your chaperone when he or she tells you what time to meet back up for our next activity. Listen to Mr. Ippolito when he tells you what your boundaries are and where you need to be to stay safe.
Take your child close one more time before we depart and remind them to make good choices. We have strong systems and policies in place to protect our kids, we have experienced educators with watchful eyes, but the person with the greatest power to keep your child safe is YOUR CHILD.
I’ll see you at Rio Norte tomorrow evening by 5:30 p.m.
RVI
East Coast Trip – Second-to-last e-mail
Just a couple of quick things for kids and parents:
Wear your blue USA shirt tomorrow. If you forget it, I have a couple extras, but it may not be your size, so it’s best just to wear your own. We will be wearing this shirt for over 24 hours before we arrive at our first hotel. For this reason, I STRONGLY urge that you take a shower when you get home from school tomorrow so you’re at your freshest when we fly out ESPECIALLY if you have PE and you’re doing the River Hawk Walk tomorrow. We’ll all be grateful that everyone is fresh and clean when we have to share an airplane and a bus together.
Do a final packing check. Batteries and chargers are the most frequently forgotten-at-home accessories on this trip. Go through your whole packing list and check and double check. I already have mine laid out on “The Table.” :-)
Let’s keep in touch. Once the trip begins, I will no longer be sending out these regular broadcast e-mails to parents (you may get just one or two, or maybe not). Instead, I will be posting regular updates on the blog, Twitter, and Facebook. Check from work, check from home, my goal is to post a trip update every 4-6 hours (probably more than that). These links are great to share with family and friends (grandmas love my blog!). There are a number of ways to follow the “Ipp Trip”:
Blog – http://www.ipptrip.com
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/IppTrip
“Like” our trip on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/IppTrip
Check the weather lately? If you've been watching the weather (forecast links to our destinations are available on my blog), you’ll see some very typical East Coast weather for early spring: cold and rain. Be prepared for this weather. I strongly suggest caps and gloves. Weather forecasts can change, too, so be prepared for warmer weather just in case. Layer.
I said "second-to-last" e-mail because I imagine there will be one final one late tonight. See you tomorrow in the Rio Norte front parking lot by 5:30 p.m.! Remember to park under the solar panels and NOT in the red zone. Thanks so much!
RVI
Wear your blue USA shirt tomorrow. If you forget it, I have a couple extras, but it may not be your size, so it’s best just to wear your own. We will be wearing this shirt for over 24 hours before we arrive at our first hotel. For this reason, I STRONGLY urge that you take a shower when you get home from school tomorrow so you’re at your freshest when we fly out ESPECIALLY if you have PE and you’re doing the River Hawk Walk tomorrow. We’ll all be grateful that everyone is fresh and clean when we have to share an airplane and a bus together.
Do a final packing check. Batteries and chargers are the most frequently forgotten-at-home accessories on this trip. Go through your whole packing list and check and double check. I already have mine laid out on “The Table.” :-)
Let’s keep in touch. Once the trip begins, I will no longer be sending out these regular broadcast e-mails to parents (you may get just one or two, or maybe not). Instead, I will be posting regular updates on the blog, Twitter, and Facebook. Check from work, check from home, my goal is to post a trip update every 4-6 hours (probably more than that). These links are great to share with family and friends (grandmas love my blog!). There are a number of ways to follow the “Ipp Trip”:
Blog – http://www.ipptrip.com
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/IppTrip
“Like” our trip on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/IppTrip
Check the weather lately? If you've been watching the weather (forecast links to our destinations are available on my blog), you’ll see some very typical East Coast weather for early spring: cold and rain. Be prepared for this weather. I strongly suggest caps and gloves. Weather forecasts can change, too, so be prepared for warmer weather just in case. Layer.
I said "second-to-last" e-mail because I imagine there will be one final one late tonight. See you tomorrow in the Rio Norte front parking lot by 5:30 p.m.! Remember to park under the solar panels and NOT in the red zone. Thanks so much!
RVI
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The foldable Medication Form
Finally the "Foldable Medication Authorization Form" is complete! You can download it HERE:
http://rippolito.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/52309290/ECT%20Medication%20Authorization%20Foldable%20Form.pdf
And then I will also make hard copies and provide them for students at tomorrow's meeting.
This is the form you will fill out, fold, and then put in the quart-size bag along with whatever meds you are sending with your child. Then you will give that quart-sized bag to one of the four teachers on Friday evening when you check-in, as follows:
If your chaperone is MR IPPOLITO, give your meds to MR IPPOLITO.
If your chaperone is MRS IPPOLITO, give your meds to MRS IPPOLITO.
If your chaperone is MR SHERIDAN, give your meds to MR SHERIDAN.
If your chaperone is MRS ASPLUND, give your meds to MRS ASPLUND.
If your chaperone is MR MCNAIR, give your meds to MR IPPOLITO.
If your chaperone is MRS UHL, give your meds to MRS IPPOLITO.
If your parent is going on the trip, your parent can keep your meds. :)
East Coast Trip - Request for information
Dear parent/guardian,
Would you do me a big favor, take just a couple minutes, and fill out this quick online form?
I already have all your contact and emergency information on the yellow form you turned in at the Pre-Departure Meeting. However, this form will put all the MOST important family contact information all in one spreadsheet for me. So if I do need to contact you, it saves time and helps me reach you faster if you fill out this simple, secure online form.Thanks so much for your help!
Mr. Ippolito
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
East Coast Trip - Meds
One more thing--
My very wise wife has indicated to me that it might help to provide more guidance on packing medication. To that end, TOMORROW I will create and send out a foldable form that you can fold and insert into your quart-size baggie to make managing medications easier for parents and for chaperones.
Be looking for that tomorrow!
Cheers,
Mr. Ippolito
East Coast Trip – Getting packed ready for the airport
We are just THREE days away from our big trip, and the first adventure we will all face together is getting through airport security. However, with some advanced planning and smart decisions, we can all make it through quickly and easily. Here are some tips:
Photo ID – Sometimes the airport checks IDs on our kids, and other times they don’t, but I don’t take any chances. Therefore, I ask that ALL students give me your photo ID Thursday at 2:00pm at one final meeting. I keep all the IDs together in one binder sorted alphabetically to make it easy for check-in. The ticketing agents love this and are usually extra-nice to us as a result. If you will need your ID to use a debit or credit card, just let me know and I will give it to your during the trip. Just keep it safe and prepare to give it back to me before the flight home. All adults will definitely need government-issued photo ID.
Reduce your metal – Try to wear as little metal as possible to the airport. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even clothing with metal accessories attached to them always have the potential to set off the system (metal-rimmed eyeglasses are OK). Boys, if you’re into those big skater belt buckles (those “Famous Stars and Straps” buckles were really popular a couple years ago), leave them at home. Finally, any other objects (watch, camera, cell phone, iPod, coins) that could activate the metal detector should be placed in your backpack. Take some time BEFORE we get to the airport to do this, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. The only things that should be in your hand or in your pockets as you walk through security should be your boarding pass. You MUST have this with you when you walk through security.
Measure up – I’ve already told you that your checked suitcase should be no heavier than 45 pounds. The airlines set 50 pounds as the absolute maximum, but you’re probably going to bring back more than you went out with, so leave yourself some room.
Smart shoes – The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will require you to take off your shoes and place them in a bin to be scanned. Make sure to wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on (no double or triple knots in your laces), but keep in mind these are probably the same shoes you will wear throughout much of our first day on tour.
Sweatshirts, jackets, and hoodies – If your outer layer is one that can be easily shed (zip-up hoodie or jacket), be prepared. TSA may ask you to remove it, place it in a bin, and run it through the scanner. If it’s a pull-over sweater or sweatshirt, they generally will let you leave it on. I actually recommend that whatever warm coat you’re bringing on the trip you actually wear to the airport and DON’T pack it. It’s one less bulky item to pack in your suitcase and it could double as a pillow or a blanket on the plane.
Quart-size bags – If you’re toting tons of electronics with you (iPod, iPod charger, cell phone, cell phone charger, headphones) all in your backpack, it may look like you’re carrying some sort of explosive triggering device. Make your life and the life of your TSA screener easier by grouping these items into quart-size storage bags. I’m partial to the quart-size freezer bags because they’re a little sturdier. If the TSA screener has to open your bag, it will be easy for him to see you have nothing suspicious. Plus, it will be easier for you to find your stuff later without cords getting all tangled up.
Avoid liquids in carry-on – In the TSA 3-1-1 guide (available on http://ipptrip.com), it talks about the rule for bringing liquids in your carry-on. I’m not bringing ANY liquids in my carry-on luggage (my backpack). All my hair gel, toothpaste, shampoo, acne cream (OK, well I don’t use this any more, but you might), goes into my toiletry bag in my checked luggage. Why do you need hair gel or deodorant on the airplane? These guidelines are mostly geared to overnight travelers who pack everything into their carry-on, and that’s not us. Ooh, and I have one more tip for you. You know you can’t bring bottled water through airport security, right? But, Mr. Ippolito has been bugging you (and will continue to bug you) about staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water, right? Try this: pack an EMPTY water bottle in your carry-on bag. Once we get through security and we’re just hanging out in the terminal waiting to board the plane, go fill up your bottle at the drinking fountain. This can be one of those fancy refillable bottles, or simply an empty Aquafina bottle.
There are tons of other prohibited items that I'm not going into, but most of these are common sense. Here's a good rule: if it's not allowed at school, it's probably not allowed on a plane. Please ask Mr. Ippolito if you are unclear about what is prohibited and what is not.
“The Table” – When it comes to personal travel, I am a very inefficient packer. For some items, I pack way more than I need. For other items, I don’t pack enough or don’t pack it at all. Inevitably I forget something, and we end up stopping at Target or Walgreen’s or someplace like that to get what I didn’t pack.
We don’t have that luxury next week, which is why I am such a different traveler when I go on the East Coast Trip. My wife laughs at me, but I actually set out a folding table. On “The Table” I place my packing list and then item by item I lay everything out that I need. Deodorant: check. Toothpaste: check. iPod charger: check. Camera battery charger: check.
If you haven’t set up your own version of “The Table” yet, I urge you to consider it. Lay everything out in advance now so you know what you have and what you may still need to get. Places like Walgreen’s are not always easily accessible with the places we’re visiting and the schedule we’re on. Hotel gift shops often sell toothpaste and batteries and memory cards, but it is likely at a significantly higher price.
Our final student meeting will take place THURSDAY, 2:00 to 2:30! I originally tried to schedule a lunch meeting, but I realized that I have guest speakers this week and I can't get a sub when I have guests in my classroom. We’ll play a quick quiz game that will test students’ knowledge of everything we’ve learned about the trip so far (with prizes!). Want to “study” for the quiz game? I will draw from every e-mail I’ve sent out, the pre-departure meeting, the packing lists and tips sheets. Basically, it’s everything that’s on my blog: http://ipptrip.com.
Students—The next time I’ll see you is THURSDAY AT 2:00PM
Parents—I’ll see you FRIDAY AT 5:30 PM!
RVI
Photo ID – Sometimes the airport checks IDs on our kids, and other times they don’t, but I don’t take any chances. Therefore, I ask that ALL students give me your photo ID Thursday at 2:00pm at one final meeting. I keep all the IDs together in one binder sorted alphabetically to make it easy for check-in. The ticketing agents love this and are usually extra-nice to us as a result. If you will need your ID to use a debit or credit card, just let me know and I will give it to your during the trip. Just keep it safe and prepare to give it back to me before the flight home. All adults will definitely need government-issued photo ID.
Reduce your metal – Try to wear as little metal as possible to the airport. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even clothing with metal accessories attached to them always have the potential to set off the system (metal-rimmed eyeglasses are OK). Boys, if you’re into those big skater belt buckles (those “Famous Stars and Straps” buckles were really popular a couple years ago), leave them at home. Finally, any other objects (watch, camera, cell phone, iPod, coins) that could activate the metal detector should be placed in your backpack. Take some time BEFORE we get to the airport to do this, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. The only things that should be in your hand or in your pockets as you walk through security should be your boarding pass. You MUST have this with you when you walk through security.
Measure up – I’ve already told you that your checked suitcase should be no heavier than 45 pounds. The airlines set 50 pounds as the absolute maximum, but you’re probably going to bring back more than you went out with, so leave yourself some room.
Smart shoes – The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will require you to take off your shoes and place them in a bin to be scanned. Make sure to wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on (no double or triple knots in your laces), but keep in mind these are probably the same shoes you will wear throughout much of our first day on tour.
Sweatshirts, jackets, and hoodies – If your outer layer is one that can be easily shed (zip-up hoodie or jacket), be prepared. TSA may ask you to remove it, place it in a bin, and run it through the scanner. If it’s a pull-over sweater or sweatshirt, they generally will let you leave it on. I actually recommend that whatever warm coat you’re bringing on the trip you actually wear to the airport and DON’T pack it. It’s one less bulky item to pack in your suitcase and it could double as a pillow or a blanket on the plane.
Quart-size bags – If you’re toting tons of electronics with you (iPod, iPod charger, cell phone, cell phone charger, headphones) all in your backpack, it may look like you’re carrying some sort of explosive triggering device. Make your life and the life of your TSA screener easier by grouping these items into quart-size storage bags. I’m partial to the quart-size freezer bags because they’re a little sturdier. If the TSA screener has to open your bag, it will be easy for him to see you have nothing suspicious. Plus, it will be easier for you to find your stuff later without cords getting all tangled up.
Avoid liquids in carry-on – In the TSA 3-1-1 guide (available on http://ipptrip.com), it talks about the rule for bringing liquids in your carry-on. I’m not bringing ANY liquids in my carry-on luggage (my backpack). All my hair gel, toothpaste, shampoo, acne cream (OK, well I don’t use this any more, but you might), goes into my toiletry bag in my checked luggage. Why do you need hair gel or deodorant on the airplane? These guidelines are mostly geared to overnight travelers who pack everything into their carry-on, and that’s not us. Ooh, and I have one more tip for you. You know you can’t bring bottled water through airport security, right? But, Mr. Ippolito has been bugging you (and will continue to bug you) about staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water, right? Try this: pack an EMPTY water bottle in your carry-on bag. Once we get through security and we’re just hanging out in the terminal waiting to board the plane, go fill up your bottle at the drinking fountain. This can be one of those fancy refillable bottles, or simply an empty Aquafina bottle.
There are tons of other prohibited items that I'm not going into, but most of these are common sense. Here's a good rule: if it's not allowed at school, it's probably not allowed on a plane. Please ask Mr. Ippolito if you are unclear about what is prohibited and what is not.
“The Table” – When it comes to personal travel, I am a very inefficient packer. For some items, I pack way more than I need. For other items, I don’t pack enough or don’t pack it at all. Inevitably I forget something, and we end up stopping at Target or Walgreen’s or someplace like that to get what I didn’t pack.
We don’t have that luxury next week, which is why I am such a different traveler when I go on the East Coast Trip. My wife laughs at me, but I actually set out a folding table. On “The Table” I place my packing list and then item by item I lay everything out that I need. Deodorant: check. Toothpaste: check. iPod charger: check. Camera battery charger: check.
If you haven’t set up your own version of “The Table” yet, I urge you to consider it. Lay everything out in advance now so you know what you have and what you may still need to get. Places like Walgreen’s are not always easily accessible with the places we’re visiting and the schedule we’re on. Hotel gift shops often sell toothpaste and batteries and memory cards, but it is likely at a significantly higher price.
Our final student meeting will take place THURSDAY, 2:00 to 2:30! I originally tried to schedule a lunch meeting, but I realized that I have guest speakers this week and I can't get a sub when I have guests in my classroom. We’ll play a quick quiz game that will test students’ knowledge of everything we’ve learned about the trip so far (with prizes!). Want to “study” for the quiz game? I will draw from every e-mail I’ve sent out, the pre-departure meeting, the packing lists and tips sheets. Basically, it’s everything that’s on my blog: http://ipptrip.com.
Students—The next time I’ll see you is THURSDAY AT 2:00PM
Parents—I’ll see you FRIDAY AT 5:30 PM!
RVI
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Updated itinerary now online
Updated itinerary is now online! The one change between this and the paper one you got at the Pre-Departure Meeting is that this one has the correct "roll-out" time for the coach to leave Rio Norte on Friday, March 30. Remember, "roll-out" time is 6:00 p.m., which means you should be at Rio Norte no later than 5:30 p.m.
Download the itinerary here:
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