SKY RANCH Parent Information Meeting
Feb 25, 2016
SKY RANCHParent Information Meeting
DEPARTURE Students should arrive at school by 7:30AM. Students should report to the East side of Stinson
Field (near Key Street) with all of their necessary items.
Buses are limited in space. Pack lightly. Duffle bags are preferred. Pack bedding into luggage or in a labeled trash bag. Be sure all bags and pieces of clothing are labeled
with your child’s first and last name.
SKY RANCH INFORMATION Location- Nestled in the piney woods of
East Texas in Van, TX 903-266-3300- use only for emergencies
CABINS Students are assigned cabins with at least 2-3
chaperones in each cabin. Roommate requests are accommodated as much as possible.
Students will be in mixed-advisory cabins to encourage new friendships and team building.
Each cabin is equipped with beds, showers, and restrooms. Separate cabins for boys and girls.
SCHEDULETIME DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 37:00-9:00 Wake up
BreakfastWake upBreakfast
9:00-12:00 Arrive at Sky Ranch
Class 2 Class 4
12:00-12:30 Lunch Lunch Lunch1:00-4:00 Class 1 Class 3 Depart for
MIS4:15-6:15 Rec Time Rec Time6:15-6:45 Dinner Dinner6:45-9:00 Clue/Games Campfire9:00-10:00 Ready for bed
Lights outReady for bedLights out
SKY RANCH HOME EDITION We will provide alternative (Sky Ranch-
like) activities for those students not attending Sky Ranch.
Your child will be counted absent if they do not attend school on “camp” days. Please inform the office if your child is sick.
CLASSES Limnology- aquatic study of freshwater Challenges- Team building activities
involving communication, trust and cooperation
Orienteering- Teams practice orienteering skills by learning Geomatics and using GPS
Forces in Nature- Learning about gravity and friction and how nature changes our environment
RECREATION AND NIGHTTIME ACTIVITIES Open rec time- field games, zip lines,
water slides, etc. Team games Campfires- skits, songs, and more
LEARNING GROUPS Students will travel with mixed advisory
learning groups as they participate in sessions.
12-17 students per group Learning groups are led by experienced
counselors. Teachers and parent chaperones will be
accompanying the students.
CHAPERONES We need approximately 6 moms and 6 dads per team
depending on class sizes. More is better! Chaperones can sign up tonight or with advisory teachers
By Friday for Chiefs, Patriots, and Team Genius By October 7th for Olympians, Superstars, and Titans
Chaperones that need to attend due to medical necessity must be included on sign-up form.
Chaperones are required to attend an additional chaperone meeting. Meeting times and location to be announced.
Responsibilities include supervision in classes, cabins, mealtimes, and bed time.
Must have ALREADY completed criminal history background check.
Cost approximately $100 depending on numbers
COST AND FORMS Payment $195 per child (if not already paid
online) Checks should be made out to MIS and returned
to student’s advisory teacher. District Health History Form Sky Ranch Participant Agreement Medication Form (only if needed-available online) Form and payment due dates:
Chiefs and Patriots: September 12 Team Genius: September 16 Olympians, Superstars, Titans: October 3
Due to time constraints, no late payment will be accepted
MEDICATION Authorized HPISD staff will assist in the
administration of medications to students while at camp in accordance with HPISD medication guidelines and board policy.
Guidelines will be sent home in communication folders.
Please review these guidelines carefully if your child will require medication at camp.
If you have questions, contact your child’s advisory teacher or the nurse.
WHAT TO BRING Detailed packing lists will be sent home. Some items include:
Sleeping bag/sheets and blanket Pillow and pillow case Towels Appropriate clothing (weather) Swimsuit with swim shirt (t-shirt) Toiletries Watch Backpack Flashlight Sunscreen and bug repellant Refillable water bottle Camera (disposable preferred) $$$ for snacks and gift shop (no more than $40)
Please label EVERYTHING
WHAT NOT TO BRING: Electronics, cell phones, eReaders,
iPads, iPods Valuables or breakable items Prank materials
DISCIPLINE Students are expected to follow all
school rules and camp rules. Parents of students who fail to follow
directions will be called to come pick up their child from the camp.
TWITTER UPDATES Teachers will post information about our
adventures on @SkyRanchMIS2013. Instructions will be sent home to create
accounts. Tweets will be protected, so only
approved followers can see images and tweets.
If your name is different than your child’s, send us a message with your twitter name so that we can identify you.
MEALS Food is served family-style. Kid-friendly menus Salad bar is available at each meal. Dietary needs are addressed. Please let your child’s advisory teacher
know through e-mail about any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
ARRIVAL AT MIS Our estimated time of arrival back to
MIS is 2:30-3:00 pm We will update twitter with more precise
arrival times, so please check periodically.
Students may be picked up from school after being signed out with advisory teacher.
We must have written notice if your child is going home with another adult.
Pick-up location will also be on Stinson Field near Key street.