It’s almost SHOWTIME! I am very excited about our trip to Austin and I hope that you are too. Students: Please read the entire packet (even if you went last year). Remember you need to be passing all classes with a 70 or above to go to Austin. I will do a formal check on your grades on Wednesday. WHAT – Texas History Day WHEN – Friday, April 27th - April 28th WHERE –
Competition – The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum 1800 North Congress Avenue Austin, Texas www.thestoryoftexas.com Lodging -
Drury Inn – Austin (room assignments will be given Friday) 6711 IH – 35 North Austin, Texas 78752 (512) 467-9500
WHAT TO WEAR : (Friday) - Regular school clothes (Meet LJH Dress Code and comfortable) (Saturday) – Everyone will need to dress in “business casual” for competition on Saturday. It doesn’t have to be full dressy attire, but look nice, neat and within school dress code. Boys at a minimum should wear khakis and a collared shirt. Ladies: you know I prefer you wear dress pants, but skirts that go all the way to the knee, etc are suitable. Make sure it is comfortable, especially the shoes. All other times you may dress as you would for school. You may bring comfortable shoes to change into after your interview, but if there is any chance you will be receiving an award, you will need to change back for the awards ceremony. Your outfit from Lamar is probably great for THD, unless you had a growth spurt. Be sure to think through the “wrinkling issue”. You will be able to change when we stop for food on the way home. SWIMMING – You will need a swimsuit if you decide to swim at the hotel. (Friday night) Ladies: One piece or “tankini” styles with fuller bottoms are required. There needs to be as little midriff as possible showing (preferable none). You may not just wear a t-shirt over a bikini. Gentlemen: real swimsuits are needed, not just shorts or cut-offs.
CONTEST MATERIALS: You are responsible for bringing everything you need for competition including process papers, bibliographies, display boards, lights, extension cords, DVD/documentary, etc. Remember to have everything saved on a flash drive and saved to your Chromebook!!! (Make sure files are viewable offline)
MEALS and OTHER COSTS: The district will provide each student with money for meals ($20 total for Saturday). Bring a lunch for the ride there and we will eat complimentary dinner at the hotel. If you know you eat more than what $20 will buy, bring extra money. You may also want to bring money for Chili’s (it’s next door to the hotel). Breakfast at the hotel is complimentary. Feel free to pack a few snacks to bring with you. Chocolate is probably not a great idea, because it will melt! You may want to bring additional spending money as well, but not much. THD state t-shirts are usually $15. Room Chaperones Only - You will need to save all itemized meal receipts to be reimbursed.
SCHEDULE: Attached you will find a TENTATIVE schedule. This is just to give you an outline of the trip. Students are assigned to a room chaperone part of the time and a competition chaperone for other times. These adults are in charge!!! You must stay in your group and be with them at all times. (Austin is a bit different than Livingston).
HOW TO REACH US We will have our cell phones at all times. Students will be allowed to have their cell phones at all times, but must turn them off during competition. You can always reach me by calling or texting my Google Voice number 936-701-1167. If you have any questions please call, text, or email me at
[email protected]. We are very proud of the preparation that our students have put into this competition. We know that while they are in Austin, they will behave and represent LISD in a way that everyone will be proud of. If you have any questions, please let me know. Sincerely,
Suzonna McFarlain
All other contest information is online at: https://www.tshaonline.org/THD There is also a contest program with schedule of events, maps, and other information about participation, parking, and rules.
Friday 8:00
(Tentative) Load Bus/Depart LJH
11:00
Possibly Washington on the Brazos/Lunch *Note: Everyone brings sack lunch.
2:00
Registration and Exhibit set-up
3:00
Hotel check in/Free time (Chaperones have final say on swimming)
5:00
Dinner at Hotel Kick Back (free) or Chili’s (your own money)
7:00
Free time at hotel (Chaperones have final say on swimming)
Saturday 7:00– Load luggage on bus or to parent's room/vehicle 7:15 – Meet in hotel for breakfast 8:00 – Depart hotel for competition 9:00 – All Junior division preliminary competitions (THD Schedule) 12:00 – Lunch 1:00 – Junior division finalist competitions (Performances only) 3:15 – Dismantle and load exhibits on bus/parent car 4:45 – Awards Ceremony 7:00 – Approximate time – Depart Austin – we will load busses immediately following ceremony. We will stop for fast food outside Austin. At that time, students may change out of dress clothes and get comfortable for the ride home. 11:45 – Approximate time – Arrive at Livingston Jr. High
