I need advice about these school costs!

[Planogirl]

I took my son to his fifth grade classroom this morning and met his teacher for the first time. She handed me some paperwork including a packet about a three-day trip (during school days) to a science ranch of some sort. I set it aside assuming it was something extra.

DS came home today very excited about a trip to this "ranch" and told me he "only" needed $145. I read through the packet and it mentions requiring payment by September 8 but doesn't include details about the cost, when the trip will be, who will be supervising and so on. I told my son that I didn't know about this but he told me that "all" of the kids get to go.

I posted about this on a city website and was told that the fifth graders go every year. But this is the first I've heard about this and I don't know much. Right now I just feel annoyed.

What would you do? I feel like I should do SOMETHING! I think that it was wrong to get the kids all excited without saying something to the parents. I realize that we're new here but tons of people are moving into our community and now they get hit with a big surprise.

My, but this school aggravated me quickly this year.

 

[janette]

Linda, most of the school districts around here do this. Our district calls it outdoor learning and my DD was gone for a week last year. I imagine they are going to Camp Clausen, it's used as a YMCA camp in the summer. There maybe another place but the kids I know of have all gone there.

Here the 5th grade teachers all go and several parents, I think there are 2 parents to a cabin of 8 girls. If you volunteer to go you wouldnt' get to stay with your son but you'd still see him.

The cost included transportation, food & lodging for the time they are there. Only a very few kids didn't go with my DD's class last year. They were able to charter nicer buses but I quess that is gone from the budget now so future classes will either travel in school busses or pay more.

Our school had a parents meeting before the trip and they will give you all the details. Our $$ was due in 2 parts but some schools go earlier in the school year. My DD went in March.

 

[Planogirl]

janette, our paperwork says that payment is due by September 8. The camp is called Sky Ranch and it's in Van, Texas. There is no mention of parents going along to help and even who is going except a large note that says: "ONLY EMERGENCY CALLS TO STUDENTS CAN BE ALLOWED." Also: "For the protection and security of all students, parent visitation during the camp stay is strictly prohibited." And there's the permission form that says: "...the trip will be appropriately supervised." And that's about all of the info I have.

I don't know about this.

 

[zurgswife]

I'm sure I'd ask for a lot more details....

We don't have trips like that for elem school kids....but I definately would want specifics...

 

[janette]

Linda, sent you a PM.

Found a link to the camp site. http://www.skyranch.org/

 

[Evil Princess]

My school does this in the fifth grade too, but to Camp Mariah, Mariah Carrey's camp in upstate New York. Seems like a pretty normal 5th grade activity.

However, with the lack of information, I'd definitely put a call in to the teacher. Besides the fact that the trip costs a good amount of money, you are sending your child away, and have every right to know the details. I'm surprised that the school didn't outline EVERY detail of the trip.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I feel your pain. Picked up DD#1's schedule today and found out the 6th graders go to camp in November this year, not in the spring--and I need $180 for that. Of course she can "offset part of the cost with fundraising", but I have 3 kids selling magazines to my small family, so I don't know how "offset" it will be!
November is also when the costume deposit is due for the 6 dance numbers in the June recital at $50 a pop--I hope Miss Rosalie will give me some slack!
Robin M.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

My dd's 5th grade class had a few days campout - the entire fifth grade went - the teachers went and seniors from the high school also went - they did have a meeting at school one night that all parents had to attend

 

[Beauty]

Honestly it sounds awesome to me! I would have loved for John-Cole to have done something like that...he would have loved it! I actually don't think the $150 is all that much for what they will be learning....getting kids excited about learning is so awesome!

I do see what you are saying about the note not providing enough details...I would definatly put in a call to the teacher or even go back to the school and talk to her one on one if you are uncomfortable!

I had to pay $50 this morning for 4-6 grade football.....but John-Cole is soooo excited about it!

 

[Planogirl]

Thanks, I'm simmered down now. I'll just go talk to them and see what this is all about. Some warning would have been nice but oh well.