As dropping pass temperatures spawn rumors of continued snowy evenings, the teacher-chaperones of the Eckstein Snow Sports Program, wanted to take the opportunity to review some of the policies surrounding the program. Above all else, in addition to the rules and expectations of Eckstein Middle School and Seattle Public Schools we are bound by the following rules set forth by Youth Sport Services. Thanks for your understanding.
Bus Rules: Before traveling on the bus strap skis together with the poles in between (baskets sticking out by tips). A bag is recommended to protect skis or snowboards. Once students have boarded the bus, they are to stay on the bus.
1. Students are to go and return on the same bus unless they are moved by a chaperone. Students may be assigned to ride a specific bus for the program duration.
2. Students are to speak in a quiet conversational tone.
3. Equipment is not to be leaned against the bus and no bags are to be stored in the back window.
4. All windows must stay closed unless permission to open them is obtained from the bus supervisor.
5. Audio equipment used on the bus MUST have a headset.
6. Riders must remain in their seat while the bus is moving and under no circumstances are they to sit in the driver’s seat or operate any of the bus controls.
7. Changing your tops or pants is to be done in the restroom of the main lodge, not on the bus.
8. Last 2 students on the return bus help pickup the litter.
Bus loads at school parking lot about 235 pm to go to Snoqualmie Summit Central.
Arrival at the Area: After unloading the bus, those without a Season Pass should purchase a lift ticket. Those needing help may ask a chaperone. Students should then carry their gear to the Mohan Hut, just off the center courtyard.
All classes meet in front of the Mohan Hut – Class signs are arranged by numbers. If you forgot which class you are in, just ask a Mohan “greeter” (yellow jackets) for help. New students should NOT put on equipment until class begins.
If a bus arrives late, students missing their regularly scheduled lesson should report immediately to the “Second Sign” located in front of the Mohan Hut for assistance.
Bus is NOT open for dinner. Remember to eat and drink plenty of fluids in the mountains.
Bus loads for the return trip at 930 pm. Anyone arriving to the buses later than 945 pm is automatically suspended for a minimum of one week because they are holding up all the students and the parents waiting in town. Additionally, the student and/or parents are responsible for all charges as a result of their late arrival at the bus.
Bus returns to the school about 1100 pm. Parents are to meet the bus upon arrival. If a supervisor must wait more than 15 minutes after the bus returns for a student to be picked up, the student is automatically suspended from the program for one or more weeks without refund.
Rules for Picking up Children at the Area: Before leaving the bus loading area the child must bring a note signed by a parent or guardian to the bus chaperone. The note is to provide the name and relationship (father, mother, etc.) of the adult who will be picking them up. The chaperone will then arrange a time & place for the transfer of responsibility to happen (usually in the Summit Central parking lot just prior to leaving). Please be prepared to show an ID for verification; this is for your safety and our safety. If this procedure is not followed and the child leaves without properly notifying the chaperone, the child will be suspended from the program without refund.
Responsibility Code & Safety Tips: If you have a problem, are sick or cold, tell a staff member or go to the Mohan Hut.
1. Carry your equipment in front of you when in a crowd. Watch for others carrying their equipment over their shoulders. If they suddenly turn, they could hit you.
2. Tuck in loose clothing. It could get tangled in the tow.
3. Ski/board under control only on patrolled runs within your ability. Stick with a friend or someone in your class. Keep off closed runs & obey all posted signs.
4. When stopping, go to the side of a trail. Stand where you can easily be seen from above. Do not stand below jumps or big bumps. Check up hill before starting.
5. When skiing/boarding down hill, the person furthest down the slope has the right-of-way.
6. Always keep to the side of the trail or slope when walking up or down the hill.
Behavior Policies: Students are to conduct themselves in a safe & pleasant manner from the time they arrive at the bus loading area until they have returned at the end of the day. All rules & policies apply during these times. Violation of the rules listed below will result in expulsion from the program without refund for a day or possibly the season, depending upon the severity of the infraction.
1. Willfully disobedient or verbally abusive of our staff.
2. Vulgarity, profanity, gambling, fighting, spitting, or damaging property.
3. Leaving the Summit Central area or traveling in non-approved transportation.
4. Boarding bus during non-authorized times.
5. Lying / encouraging others to violate our rules or policies.
6. Throwing food, clothing, or other items on the bus.
7. Possession of tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, or weapons is an auto¬matic season expulsion without refund.
Lost and Found: To avoid lost or stolen equipment use the “Ski/Board Check” near the Main Lodge. Gear may be checked-in / checked-out safely with an attendant, for a small daily fee. Also engrave your name, city, and phone number on your equipment. As an extra precaution do not leave valuables on the bus, since the buses are open during lunchtime.
Accident Procedures: If you see an accident tell the Ski Patrol (white cross on jacket), an instructor (in uniform) or go to the bottom of any chairlift and ask the lift operator to phone the Ski Patrol. Those needing attention will be taken to the First-Aid Building for treatment, where there is usually a doctor on duty. If you are hurt tell them you are with the Mohan Renton Skiing & Boarding Program. Depending upon the injury one of the following will happen:
1. They will be treated and released to ride the bus home.
2. If the injury warrants further medical attention the Ski Patrol will make the decision to send the injured party to Overlake hospital. Depending on the severity and our transportation options we will send them down with one of our Emergency Driver teams or by an ambulance.
If possible, the parents will be notified so they may plan accordingly. Parents are strongly recommended to fill out an “Emergency Consent-For-Care Form” so your doctor or the hospital staff may treat your child if you cannot be reached.
Postponements & Refunds – If the program postpones for a day(s), we automatically extend until all trips are completed (we do not operate Feb. 16th through the 22nd for Mid-Winter break). Prorated refunds are available ONLY if the program is not completed by April 9th. Due to administrative and start-up costs, a $50 processing fee is charged by JMS, Inc.
Emergency Drivers – Teams of two adults to drive a hurt student off the mountain in their vehicle. The names of the Eckstein Middle School Emergency Drivers are: Michelle Carroll and Ken Carroll. You should remember these names.
Chaperones – Each bus has at least two adult chaperones to help organize the bus.
Instructors & Assistants – We hire kind, understanding, caring people who are experienced in working with others. We will train you in techniques of effective teaching. You don’t have to be an expert. You just need to negotiate advanced intermediate runs easily. Staff members have many benefits, some are: an unlimited season pass ($50 + tax), clinics / lessons and access to our 3,500sf mountain-side lodge. Instructors should be at least 16 years old. Assistants should be at least 13. For information ask for our staff flier.
Weekly Checklist
□ Season Pass or Lift Ticket Money
□ Lunch / Water / Drinks / Snacks
□ Skis & Poles or Snowboard
(with safety brakes or retainer straps)
□ Boots (Ski or Snowboard)
□ Helmet or Hat
□ Goggles &/or Sunglasses
□ Parka (Weatherproof)
□ Pants (Weatherproof)
□ Gloves or Mittens
□ Long Underwear
□ Thermal Socks
□ Sweater &/or Turtleneck
□ Bag for Gear
□ All Purpose Ski Wax
□ Sunscreen
□ Rain Gear
□ Dry Clothes for Ride Home
□ Emergency Information