Remind families about a field trip in a few clear lines

About this exercise

Families need a field trip reminder. Write under 80 words, plain text: the first line gives the deadline for what's missing, then at most 3 bullets (form, fee, lunch) using the current fee. Don't name or hint at which students are missing forms, since this goes to every family. Write a prompt that gets that reminder.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 80 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part: "First line under 14 words, each bullet under 14 words."
• Burying the deadline. The AI opens with "We're so excited for our trip!" and the due date shows up later. Try: Say it: "First line: forms and fees due Monday, Dec 1."
• Too many bullets, old fee. The AI lists every detail and may use the $15 fee from the first flyer. Try: Add: "At most 3 bullets: form with link, $12 fee, packed lunch."
• Calling out kids. To be helpful, the AI may say "7 students still need forms" or list names, in a message every family sees. Try: Add: "Don't name students or say how many forms are missing."
• Forgetting where it gets pasted. AI adds bold and headings by default, which show up as ** and # clutter in the school's messaging app. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

• Sets a word limit
• Puts the deadline first
• Uses the current fee
• Limits the bullets
• Protects students' privacy

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