"Yes...I know I'm crazy, but hear me out"

[ImagineerM]

It all began back one fateful day at the end of September 2010. It was an average day at work...it was lunch time. My students were at lunch and I wondered up to check my mailbox in the teacher's lounge.

"Just some more junk mail," I thought to myself, and I tossed a stack of junk into the trashcan.

I don't know what made me look down into that trashcan after the fact. It might have been fate, or possibly the devil's work, but whatever it was, I glanced down and there it was....sticking out from between two educational sales magazines and an Oriental Trading catalog...a wide, blue cardboard mass mailer with a that familiar tri-circle design that has been so influential in my life: Mickey Mouse.

Curious, I reached down to pull of this mailer and read over it.

"Disney Youth Programs" it read...As I walked back to my classroom, I read the whole way about the Disney Youth Education Series, better known as the Y.E.S. Programs.

Before I know it, my lunch period in over, so I tack the mailer to my corkboard and back to work.

Time passed by and I forgot about the mailer. It was happily perched on my corkboard, minding its own business, enjoying the company of many a days' worth of memos, lunch menus, and sports calendars. Fall break came and went, the wife and I headed on a 4 night Disney Cruise. I came back to work rested, refreshed, and recharged with Disney mania (happens easily and often in my world).

About a week later, at academic team practice, I was working with a few students on their most recent tests. Suddenly, another student who had been studying at my desk perks up and asks "Hey Mr. S, what is this?"

I look up and he's looking at the Y.E.S. ad..."I've never been to Disney World before," he said, staring at the pictures on the advertisement.

Initially, I mentioned how much fun Disney World is, and redirected him to his studies. We had a competition coming up and he needed to prepare. But the bug was in my ear. The gears were moving, and my mind was off to the races.

This kid was in middle school and had never been to Disney World! I had been to Disney 14-15 times by his age! How unfortunate!

That night, I laid down in bed and sleep was useless. I was trying to figure out a way to take a school trip to Disney for the YES programs. So I got up and began typing on my home computer.

Wow...this is....possible! 3 hours passed, then 5...I was transfixed on working this out. By 3:30am, I had a 3 page typed proposal in my hand.

The very next morning, I was on a mission to find my school's principal. We sat down in his office, and I pitched my idea....

"Yes...I know I'm crazy, but hear me out. I have this idea that I'd like to take some of out middle school students to Disney World this summer. I was wondering what you thought?"

For what seemed like hours, the room was hushed and he read over my proposal and that fateful blue mailer.

"Sounds great. I'll support you on this....it'll have to go through the school board, but if you want to put the time and effort out there for the kids, then go for it!"

I couldn't believe it! I am pretty sure I was walking on air the rest of the day! That afternoon at academic team practice I pitched the idea to my team....

"So...this is just an idea...a crazy idea, that probably isn't going to happen, but lets say I spent some time putting together an educational trip to Walt Disney World this summer....who would be interested in going? The reaction was overwhelming.

Next thing I know, I'm putting together a giant binder with educational standards, YES course descriptions, pictures, proposed itineraries, and estimated costs. First thing the next morning, I delivered my complete proposal to my principal.

"You did all of this last night?" he asked. "You really might be crazy!" (I think he was joking...not 100% though). "I'm meeting with the Superintendent this afternoon, I'll share this with him and see what he thinks."

And the waiting game begins....back with more in a bit. Your feedback is welcome and appreciated. Have I captured your attention? Are you interested in reading more?

Cheers,
J

[ChisoxGreg]

Good luck. Hopefully all your work will pay off for your students.

Love to here more.

[sperkins921]

I'm intrigued. And should everything work out- those kids are going to remember you with fondness for years if not the rest of their lives.

But tell me, what exactly is YES, and how does it help the kids? Why do you have to put together a proposal and such- does Disney not cover the cost even partially?

pixie dust your way

[ImagineerM]

Originally Posted by sperkins921

I'm intrigued. And should everything work out- those kids are going to remember you with fondness for years if not the rest of their lives.

But tell me, what exactly is YES, and how does it help the kids? Why do you have to put together a proposal and such- does Disney not cover the cost even partially?

pixie dust your way

Y.E.S. is a program Disney offers to schools...we get discounts on rooms and tickets, and meals. But basically, they are 3 hour hands on courses in different areas, like physics, art, and animal sciences. The do experiments, tests, and hands-on activities in the parks.

The proposal was for permission from the school board and my principals. They won't sponsor a trip without quite an intensive investigation because of insurance, etc.

I sure hope they enjoy the trip...and I hope you are right about their memories!

[ImagineerM]

That night seemed to last forever! What would the Superintendent think? Would he support the idea? Am I crazy for wanting to take a whole bunch of teenagers to Disney World for a week? I’m mean, they are good kids…mostly nerds. Academic team and leadership kids….I work with them all the time. I’ve taken them on weekend trips for competitions and conferences. Disney couldn’t be that much different…could it?

I mean, it isn’t like I’m some Disney newbie! I’m an Pnnual Passholder and DVC member! I worked at Disney World as a MK CM for 2.5 years…I go to Walt Disney World 3 times a year with family and friends! This should be cake for me! Right???

The next morning, I’m working in my classroom and the principal walks in. Says the meeting went well, but the Superintendent wants to talk with me about it personally. I immediately call and get on his calendar for that afternoon. I was nervous – this was the make it or break it moment. If I can convince the boss, then odds are the school board will approve!

At the meeting, we sit down and he tells me that he was very impressed by the proposal and wants to know why I want to do this. Am I getting a free trip out of it? Am I getting a kickback? Am I just crazy? So I explain it all…and I explain that I want to do this for the kids….not for me. I explain that, as a matter of fact, less than a week after my proposed trip, I’m going back to Disney World with my family, so it isn’t some stunt to get a trip for me! I genuinely want to do this for the kids.

One hour later, he shakes my hand and says, “I’m impressed! – I’ll support your proposal and present it to the board this month. Once they approve, you have our blessing.”

Later that month, the school board approved what we are now calling “Project Mickey.” At the board meeting, all the members take time to commend me for my efforts and publicly recognize me at the meeting. Afterwards, they introduce me to a writer from the local newspaper that seems very excited about learning more!

The next week, I send home an invitation with approximately 55 students who are involved with academic team and leadership activities. These students and their parents are officially invited to an informational meeting the week before Christmas break. Project Mickey is officially underway.

[Carol]

This is better than a trip report! Hope there is more coming.

[jrbdad]

This is GREAT! Keep it coming.

My oldest did this in Middle School with his 7th grade class. Had a blast! Loved the YES series and especially spending time in WDW with friends.

We actually saved a few bucks on his trip because he was able to use his AP.

He said he felt like a tour guide - but had fun doing it. Our family went twice that year - he was the lucky one that went three times.

I do think DVC has spoiled him - he compared POP Century to Motel 6 .

[ImagineerM]

Originally Posted by Carol

This is better than a trip report! Hope there is more coming.

Thanks! I have tons more typed and ready...coming soon.

I'm doing this as a Pre-Trip Report and will followup once its over!

Hope you enjoy!

[TriciaS]

Great story!!
I'm curious, did the boy who noticed the flyer finally get to go to Disney?? I hope so!!

[mikayla73]

That's amazing! I'm looking forward to reading the rest!