Dear Parents of 9th graders,

The Freshman Orientation Adventure (9GOA) is approaching quickly! Counselors and teachers have been busy making plans to take the entire freshman class camping, hiking, and whitewater rafting. Please note the following reminders:

• Hiking boots (not hiking shoes) are the only permissible footwear on land during the trip. Students who have new boots should wear them many times throughout the summer. By breaking the boots in, the students are less likely to get blisters on the trip. Each student will also need a pair of closed-toed water shoes for stream activities. 
• The mandatory Pre-Trip Freshman Meeting will be held in the Munnerlyn Center from 12:15 – 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, which is the day before we leave on the trip. Students must wear their hiking boots to this meeting.  This meeting is for students only. 
• Freshmen should arrive at school on Wednesday, August 13, at 5:30 a.m. to board the buses to Georgia.  There will be two locations for boarding the buses. During the orientation meeting on Tuesday, the students will get their boarding information.    
• If your child will be taking prescription medications during the trip, they will be collected at the start of the meeting by Tonya Carter. Please bring a 4 day supply of each medication in the original container. 
• Teachers will carry common over-the-counter medications that they can administer to students as needed. If there are other non-prescription medications or supplements that your student takes regularly, please include them.
• The packing list, itinerary, trip video trailer, and an informational podcast are all available on the 9GOA link under the “Important Now” section of your My ESJ Parent Portal. If you have questions or concerns you can reach Megan Wickenden via email: wickendenm@esj.org