Ski Bus

Welcome to Ski Bus! 

Hello Fellow Snow Enthusiasts!

Gardiner Middle School will be partnering again this year with Mt. Hood Meadows.  This is a fantastic way for students to get out and enjoy a winter adventure on one of the most amazing mountains that Oregon has to offer.  It is also an awesome way for students to connect with fellow students and build friendships.  The ski instructors are great!

This year ski bus dates are February 9, 16, 23 and March 1. Gardiner students will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m. from class to board the bus which will depart promptly at 3:15 p.m.. Since there is no school on February 9, the ski bus will load at 12:45 p.m. and leave at 1:00 p.m. There will be no ski bus from Gardiner on February 2. The bus on February 2 will be the last bus from Tumwata to make up for the snow day. We will be boarding the bus to return to Gardiner at 9:00pm each Friday night.  We should arrive somewhere between 10:45pm and 11:15pm. This arrival time can change depending on weather conditions and the use and removal of chains. Students will text once we reach Damascus, for students that do not have a cell phone, a phone will be available for them to send a text.

What should we expect?

NO STUDENT will be able to board the bus without a signed medical release form.  There are NO exceptions to this.  This can be turned into the school office or handed to me on the first week. 

A tour of the lodge will be given to all students that are first timers and are interested, on the first Friday.

RENTALS: 
Students that are renting will have help navigating the rental shop and will have help going through the process of getting their gear. No personal belongings may be left in the rental area. Students need to either rent a locker or put their gear in an open community room on the second floor.

LESSONS:
Once we arrive at the mountain I will check in with lesson staff and find out the time that lessons will start but typically go out at 6pm. This time can change slightly depending on our arrival time to the mountain and other buses. I will be in the rental shop before lessons to give this time to students if they need support.  I will also be out at the meeting spot so if any students have questions or need help connecting with their instructors I will be able to help them.  It is YOUR student’s responsibility to show up for their lesson on time.

ABSENCE:
In the event that your student misses a scheduled ski bus night, Meadows offers one make up session. To utilize this makeup session you will need to go the meadows website and fill out the form. This form is found under the Consecutive week program which is located under the Lesson/Rental tab. You will need to align your schedule to a day that Meadows has listed and provide your students transportation. Please email the absence to me prior to departure time so that we don’t lose time looking for your student. Please keep your student home if they are sick or injured and unable to participate.

BUS BEHAVIOR:
Students need to enjoy themselves without getting rowdy.  Once the bus is moving there is NO walking around or switching seats unless the student is using the bathroom. I reserve the right to move students if their behavior warrants it. Really awful behavior can get your student kicked off the bus with no refunds.  I am so thankful that in the last 3 years we have not had to follow through with these policies.  Students can and do bring electronic gadgets. Your student is responsible for any damage or theft that may occur.  Once unloaded the bus is parked and locked. Students will not have access again to the bus till 9 pm when it is time to load.  Some students elect to leave their devices on the bus. Other students elect to rent lockers that the lodge has available.  This is a personal preference that you can arrange with your student. Additionally, I will not release students at the end of the evening until the bus is clean and all garbage has been picked up and bagged.  Please make sure they get the all clear from me before they leave with you.

Students must be on time for departure. The bus will load at 9pm and depart at 9:15.

**Please email me if your student will NOT be attending on any particular Friday night. If your student has to miss one day, you can make it up. You will need to provide their transportation to the mountain. ** IF your student is injured and unable to ski or board PLEASE keep them home and use a makeup pass.  The kids have empathy and feel bad and will sit in the lodge with their friend and not be out in the snow.

Mark all student gear with their names, pay particular attention to snow gear. It is amazing what gets left behind.  I am not responsible for lost gear but will try to help students find their missing items.

Encourage your students to use their zipper pockets for anything they want to carry on themselves and don't want to lose.  My son lost his brand new Christmas phone 4 days after getting it this last season when he thought it would be a good idea to take it out on the mountain and did NOT zipper it into a pocket on the ski lift.

Students that will not be renting ski and snowboard gear and will be bringing their own can bring gear on the morning of and store their gear in a spot that the school as set aside for this purpose. I will pull it out and have it available for students to grab after class dismissal.

SNACKS:
Students are encouraged to bring a sack lunch.  Lots of parents will also meet us at 3 with hot food for their student.  The kids also love to have social time in the cafe at the lodge where they can purchase burgers, fries, hot coco and many more items. Please let kids know that it is a privilege to have snacks on the bus and that their garbage must go in a bag. If it goes on the floor we will lose the option to eat on the bus.

I know there is SO much information to share!  Hopefully, I am covering everything.

Below are helpful hints that I follow for getting myself and kiddos ready for the mountain. Feel free to print and give to your student!

STUDENTS:
Your parents have done the computer registration and paid for you to go on this adventure. THANK THEM! Now, show them that you are responsible and looking forward to this adventure. Pack your gear Thursday night. This allows you to know what you have and helps you keep track of what you brought. Below is a list of items that I pack.

• Ski Socks. Pack two pairs. One to change into after school so that you have dry feet to start the evening off with and one pair for the way home in case your feet get wet.

• Long Johns, leggings etc. a base layer or two is important. Night conditions are generally colder and can be windy. You will enjoy the evening if you are warm.

• Snow Pants- Water proof is best but water resistant that have been sprayed work too.

• Sweatshirts and under layers. It is a good idea to have a second set for the way home in case you get wet.

• Insulated, Water Resistant Jacket (NOT a sweatshirt).

• Neck Warmer.

• Helmet - These are available to rent at the rental shop. Don't quote me but I think its $5/$10.

• Goggles - These are important as we have wind, snow and cold temps in the evening.

• Effective Gloves or Mittens - Water proof are best and I always pack 2 pair for my kids. cold wet fingers are no joke.

• Chapstick- Weather conditions can be tough on the lips.

• Snacks and a sack dinner for the ride up and down the mountain, or money for the cafe Skiing/Snowboarding is a lot of work. ALL snack wrappers MUST go in the garbage. I will make several trips up and down the aisles.  We will not unload the bus at the end of the evening until the bus is clean.

• Equipment: skis, board, and poles (stored under the bus). Keep your helmet and boots with you on the bus to keep them warm!

MARK your stuff. I let your parents know how much stuff gets left behind or lost, with your name on items it will be so much easier to connect you with your stuff.

Store your gear in a duffel/backpack and the office will have a place for you to store your gear Friday morning.  I will pull it out of the closet and have it ready for you to grab when you get dismissed from class to catch the bus. Dismissal is at 3:00pm and the bus will depart at 3:15pm.

Beginner Snowboarders spend a lot of time sitting, crawling and kneeling in the snow. Wet snow will get you wet pretty quickly. Good waterproof pants are really nice. Water resistant pants with some kind of kneepad underneath is almost as good.  Volleyball knee pads work well.

You will want to bring your school backpack on the bus so you can have it with you for the weekend.  We will not have access to the school once we leave at 3:15p.m.

FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:
Noah Wezensky at noah.wezensky@orecity.k12.or.us