Field Trips

This month I'd like to say a few words about field trips and transportation requests.

Seymour Community School Corporation has a form that must be filled out and turned in two weeks prior to a field trip.  The form will require you to provide information on the location, time of departure, supervisors, applicable standards, purpose of the trip, number going, time of return, and distance.  The form also requires your building principal's signature.

It is very important for staff to plan ahead.  The requirement to have the form turned in two weeks prior is necessary to make all of the arrangements for the trip.  (There are no restrictions on how early you can turn in a form.)  Once your principal signs the form it is sent to me.  I verify and forward it on to Mr. Fosbrink, Director of Transportation for Seymour Community Schools.  I scan the forms and provide a copy to all those listed on the form once I have approved it.

If you have a trip that is out of state, this trip must be submitted to the school board for approval.  This means in addition to the two week window, you would need to plan to meet the requirements for board submission.  Our school board of trustees meet the second Tuesday of each month.  If you are thinking about a trip out of state, please speak with your building principal for guidance.

Our transportation department requires teachers to present the driver with a list of students and contact numbers before the bus will leave the parking lot.  This is for safety so plan to have this ready for your trip.

Field trips usually involve volunteers to help supervise.  Keep in mind that volunteers need to have a clear background check before they are permitted to participate.  Some of our schools have developed guidelines for field trip volunteers.  These guidelines would cover souvenir protocols, supervision expectations, lunch meeting places, dress, and other such information.  These are wonderful communication tools that help you clarify expectations and share specific information to make each field trip a successful and safe event.  If your school does not have such a document, I suggest you develop one for use on your trips.  If you are creating one, share it with your building principal for tips and ideas to enhance communication.

Being prepared helps any event run smoothly.  Most field trips involve lunch and drink organization, permission slips,  and notices to parents.   When I took students on trips I made sure to carry various items that would help me meet the needs of students.  Items such as a few first aide items, latex gloves for cleaning up scraped knees, and a clip board with information on the pairings of volunteers with students.  I also kept a copy of the contact information with me.

Usually, you take a trip with other classes.   Take advantage of the opportunity to collaborate with others.

I will leave you with just a few additional tips:

*Be mindful of your time.  The buses you are on for your trip will be required for regular routes.  It is important to leave and arrive back at school on time.
*Be sure to cover restroom protocols with volunteers.  It is important to keep track of students at all times.
*Confidentiality applies to field trips.  Be mindful of picture taking and recording of the event.  Be mindful of potential facebook or other internet posts that could occur.  It is a good idea to set expectations up front.
*Be aware and prepared for medical needs or medications that will require administration during a field trip.

If you have questions or would like additional information, you can contact any administrator for assistance.