CODE: 6153
SECTION: INSTRUCTION
FIELD TRIPS
The Board of Education recognizes that field trips, used as a device for teaching and learning are integral to the curriculum, educationally sound and an important ingredient in the instructional program of the school.
For purposes of this policy, a field trip shall be defined as any journey by a group of pupils away from the school premises, under the supervision of a teacher, which is part of an approved course of study and conducted for the purpose of affording a first-hand educational experience not available in the classroom.
The Superintendent of Schools shall develop guidelines and regulations consistent with Statutes and the Administrative Code, for the planning and approval of field trips suitable to the various grade levels.
The Board of Education shall consider field trips which are included in curriculum guides to have been approved in advance. All trips not listed in the curriculum guide must be individually approved by the Board.
When field trips and excursions are to be arranged, the following guidelines apply:
A. All trips, and the arrangements for them, must have advance approval. This includes whether district buses will be used; whether these may be supplemented by private vehicles; the route to be followed; and parking arrangements if necessary.
B. Costs must be ascertained.
C. Each child who goes on a field trip or excursion must have written parental permission.
D. Pupil safety must be of prime concern, and adequate supervision must be provided by staff aided by other adult chaperones if necessary.
E. All trips must be well planned, properly timed, and related to regular learning activities, or to district goals and objectives.
F. Each field trip should be evaluated by pupils, teachers, and the administration.
The Board shall bear all expenses of field trips included in the curriculum guides. Parents/ guardians shall be asked to bear the expense of all other excursions. No pupil is to be denied the right to participate because of inability to pay.
The Superintendent shall develop guidelines for planning trips suitable to the various grade levels, and regulations governing frequency, distance and expense.
The Board does not endorse, support or assume liability in any way for any staff member of this district who takes pupils on trips not approved by the board. No staff member may solicit pupils of this district for such trips within the facilities or on the school grounds of this district without Board permission.
The Board of Education has the right to authorize overnight field trips. To insure the health, welfare and safety of all students and staff on any school authorized trip which takes students and staff off campus, the Board has the right to require parents/guardians to give their written consent to such trips. The Administration may also request parents/guardians to give their written consent to the Administration to conduct an examination of the student’s person and possessions in accordance with the attached administrative procedure. In the event that a parent/guardian does not give their consent to such search, that parent/guardian shall sign a certification indicating that they have searched their child’s luggage and possessions, and that they are free from drugs, alcohol or weapons. Where there has been non-compliance with the aforementioned procedure, a student may be denied participation in such trips. As in all field trips, the Board of Education reserves the right to cancel any trip in which the health, safety and welfare of students and staff may be adversely affected.
Overnight senior class trips shall be subject to approval within the following guidelines:
A. A developed trip itinerary, which is educationally sound.
B. Provision for participation ineligibility based upon student disciplinary record.
C. Assurance of a sufficient number of staff chaperones at a ratio of 1 per 12 students.
D. Trip is self-supporting financially except for provision to handle hardship needs at the principal's discretion.
E. Trip be recommended by the High School Principal to Superintendent of Schools, then reported from Superintendent of Schools to Board of Education with a recommendation.
F. The approval process shall be completed no later than the second regular meeting of the Board of Education following the principal's recommendation.
NOTE: THIS SECTION APPLIES TO THE EMERGENCY ADMINISTRATION OF
EPINEPHRINE ON FIELD TRIPS.
Epinephrine shall be administered via epi-pen to pupils in emergencies on field trips by the school nurse, his/her designee(s), the student's parent/guardian or the student himself/herself, in accordance with policy 5141.21 Administering Medication.
First Reading: December 12, 2000
Adopted: December 19, 2000