Discover America is a learning experience that extends beyond the borders of our Milwaukee campuses.
5th grade learns about Midwestern industries and environments as they explore Wisconsin. 6th grade travels west to South Dakota and discovers the Badlands and Mount Rushmore. 7th grade engages with culture and climate as they learn about the Southwest and Arizona’s indigenous populations. 8th grade dives into the past in a southeastern Civil Rights experience, witnessing the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other great Americans and activists.
Students commit to these journeys and earn a place as travelers by demonstrating strong character and responsibility in and out of the classroom. Once accepted on the trip, they spread the love of Jesus, embrace opportunities to experience history and nature, tour colleges, challenge themselves physically and mentally, and return from their travels with a renewed sense of self and purpose. The Discover America experience instills in students a cultural awareness and spiritual urgency beyond the reach of classroom learning, both of which motivate students to see learning and service as lifelong endeavors.
Want to stay connected with what our scholars are doing on their trips?
Want to stay connected with what our scholars are doing on their trips?
@stmarcusschool /stmarcusdiscoveramerica
Receiving an Invitation
The general requirement for receiving an invitation to travel is averaging 75 Passport Points per quarter, for a total of 300 Passport Points. Some grades may have additional requirements (such as an application) based on the number of scholars who qualify for and are interested in traveling. Invitations will go out to students at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Invitations will include information about the itinerary, upcoming parent meetings, and necessary forms for reserving your scholar’s seat on the trip.
Some students may receive a contingent invitation (this will be noted on the invitation). Students who receive this type of invitation will be required to meet specific criteria for areas of growth to attend the trip. Students and families can expect regular communication about the student’s progress. Students who meet the criteria will be invited to attend the trip. Students who do not meet the criteria will be subject to losing the invitation. All students, regardless of invitation status, will be expected to attend all boot camps and meet all financial deadlines. *Declined invitations will be refunded the deposit amount.
Reserving a Seat for Invited Scholars
To reserve a spot on the trip, families must do the following by Friday, March 28:
If any of the following are not completed by Friday, March 28, the scholar will not be allowed to attend the trip.
Additionally, to retain a seat:
Deposit & Payment Information
An initial $50 deposit is required to reserve a seat on the trip which is due by March 28th. To travel, fifth and sixth-grade scholars pay a total $275 and seventh and eighth-grade students pay a total of $350. Final payments are due by April 30th. Final payments must be made or a payment plan must be set up with the business office prior to April 30th in order for a student to travel.
Payments can be made here.
Because of the need to reserve and place deposits on buses, flights, accommodations, and attractions, all initial $50 deposits are non-refundable. All payments will be non-refundable after May 10th unless there extenuating circumstances.
To ensure student safety on the trips, each student must have a completed Discover America Medical Form on file with the school (due March 28th) and turn in any prescription medications to the school nurse by May 2oth.
Each trip will have a dedicated chaperone responsible for any medical issues during the trip. As a courtesy to our scholars, we offer the following stock (over-the-counter) medications: Advil (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetaminophen), Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and Tums (calcium carbonate). These medications are in tablet form only. The parent or guardian must provide chewable or liquid medication if his or her scholar is unable to swallow tablets.
If your scholar has a prescription medication, you will need to submit the following:
1. The Original Container – The prescription medication must have the pharmacy label and accurately reflect the medication dose and times as ordered by the physician.
2. Written Parent Permission – The Discover America Medical Form meets this requirement.
3. Written Order from Physician – If not already on file with school, we must receive the written prescription note from your scholar’s physician for the medication.
The parent or guardian is responsible for delivering the medication and consent forms to the school by 5/21/24. Please send ONLY the amount of medication needed for the trip.
Liability & Release Form
You will need to complete the Discover America Release, Waiver, and Indemnity Agreement once for each participant. This form must be completed by March 28th.
Getting Ready for Discover America
Dates to add to your calendar:
March 14: Students Receive Invitations
March 18: Mandatory Parent Meeting (Option 1)*
March 25: Mandatory Parent Meeting (Option 2)*
March 28: Deadline for reserving a seat by paying $50 Initial Deposit and completing the DA Medical Form and the DA Liability Release Form
April 30: Deadline for final payments
May 20: Deadline for turning in student medications to the school nurse
May 28: 7th and 8th grade depart for Discover America!
May 29: 5th and 6th grade depart for Discover America!
June 1: 5th grade returns
June 2: 6th, 7th, and grade return
*Mandatory Parent Meetings
The Mandatory Parent Meetings will be after students receive their invitations, but before RSVPs are due. That meeting will give parents a clear understanding of the details and expectations for trips and a chance to meet the chaperones who will be on the trip. At the meeting, parents will also have the opportunity to submit the deposit and fill out the forms to reserve their scholar’s seat on the trip. If you are unable to attend either meeting, please reach out to your trip lead.
Meetings will be held in the cafeteria at the North Avenue Campus, starting at 4:00 PM.
Chaperones
Each trip will have five to six staff chaperones, including a trip lead. If you have specific questions about the trip, please connect with the lead chaperone.
5th Grade Lead Chaperone: Jordyn Krier
6th Grade Lead Chaperone: Aidan Gregorius
7th Grade Lead Chaperone: Karly Jane Mathena
8th Grade Lead Chaperone: LaToya Young
Packing Lists
Itineraries
Highlights from Previous Trips
