Littleton Public Schools Regulation

Policy Code    IJOA-R Policy Name Field Trips Adoption December 1, 1992 Revised August 3, 1993

Educational field trips shall be planned and conducted in accordance with the following guidelines:

     The teacher shall review the educational value of the field trip with the principal and receive the principal’s approval prior to making arrangements for the field trip.

     A parental permission slip is required for each student participating in the trip, including walking or bicycling excursions. Slips will be available in each school office.

     The teacher will provide the parents with information concerning the purpose and destination of the trip, transportation and eating arrangements, date and time of departure, estimated time of return, and a detailed itinerary when a field trip will extend beyond a school day.

     Participating students will pay a pro rata share of costs for special transportation, admission fees, etc. However, funds will be available through the principal for students needing assistance with such expenses.

     One or more adults in addition to the teacher will accompany each class on field trips unless otherwise approved by the principal. Teachers are responsible for informing accompanying adults of their duties and responsibilities.

     The teacher should review acceptable standards of conduct with the students in advance of the trip. The teacher has primary responsibility for the conduct of the students. Students who cannot be self-controlled or teacher-controlled may be excluded from field trips.

     The teacher planning the trip will be responsible for arranging an appropriate educational experience and supervision for students who do not participate in the field trip.

     Students’ safety will be a primary consideration, with first aid kits required on all field trips.

     The buddy system, or partners, is recommended to ensure constant awareness of each student’s whereabouts, needs, and participation.

     Should an emergency occur, the teacher is responsible for notifying the principal by telephone as soon as possible.

     School buses ordinarily will be used for transportation. Commercial carriers may be used for certain trips. If a commercial carrier is used, a certificate of insurance should be obtained from the carrier to ensure adequate insurance coverage.

     The use of private vehicles by staff members for transporting small groups of students may be authorized in certain instances, provided the driver is 21 years of age, possesses a valid driver’s license, and has comprehensive automobile insurance with limits of not less than $100,000/$300,000 for bodily injury, $50,000 property damage, and has Colorado no-fault and uninsured motorists coverage. The District will not assume any liability for transportation by students and parents.

     Requests for school bus transportation will be channeled through the principal to the director of transportation.

     Any requests for special commercial transportation will be submitted to the principal.

     Students will not be permitted to leave the field trip group during the trip unless they are released to parents.

     If students return to the school from a trip after school hours, the teachers and/or the principal will supervise until their departure home, taking into account the age of the students and the hour.