Field Trips

Field trips are periodically used to enrich the curriculum. However, they also present unique risks requiring preventative safety measures to avoid potential issues. Please keep the following safety tips in mind as your charter school prepares for a field trip:

  • Only students with a signed permission slip may attend these trips. Students must give their permission slips and trip money to the teacher in charge of the trip prior to the trip’s date. Students are to wear their school uniforms on all field trips as a measure of safety and security.
  • Chaperones must comply with school policies, follow directions by coordinating staff members, work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers, and model appropriate student behaviors.
  • All chaperones must be at least 25 years old.
  • Chaperones may not:
    • Use, sell, provide, possess, or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • May not use tobacco in the presence of, or within the sight of, students
    • May not possess any weapon
    • May not administer any medications, prescription or nonprescription, to students
  • Students must be supervised at all times while on field trips. As a chaperone, you will manage a small group of students, helping them learn and behave appropriately. Students must stay with you, their chaperone, at all times. Account for all participants regularly and before changing activities. Be sure you know when and where to meet the rest of your group at the end of the visit. Chaperones must be readily available, be mindful of safety concerns, and respond to student’s needs.
  • Student behavior is your responsibility. School rules related to student behavior apply. Go over rules and standards of behavior, safety rules, and any site-specific rules with students. Ensure that students do not get involved in any extra activities not pre-approved by teachers and administrators.
  • Eating and drinking are not permitted outside of designated areas and predetermined times.
  • To protect both the student and the chaperone, chaperones should not be alone with students.
  • Children and/or family members or friends of a chaperone may not participate in a field trip or event. Additional small children can distract a chaperone from their duties, and they are not allowed.
  • Chaperones may not provide transportation in their vehicles.
  • Chaperones are expected to supervise students to and from the field trip and must always remain on the bus.