I don't blame the parents for their outrage. To ban parents when you're planning to take their kids across state lines is asking for a fight, IMHO. I can't figure out where the principal is going to get enough suitable chaperones without including parents.
Where does your school board and superintendant stand on this issue? This isn't just an ordinary field trip to the local museum or park, it is an overnighter -- different rules should apply here.
What caused the principal to ban parents from field trips in the first place? Maybe figuring out where he's coming from will be the key to changing his unusual rule.
You know if the principal will not discuss with the PTO then there is obviously no love lost. I would start by establishing a parent position, then get a petition going with signatures showing your desire and support to change the policy. Put together a plan...get a list of parents wanting to assist, discuss their lodging, the cost involved and any insurance issues. Send that to the principal letting him/her know that your next step is to take the issue to the BOE. and even consider boycotting the event (I know -- this may hurt the children). Then consider contacting the BOE and getting this added to the agenda for discussion (make sure you research the counties rules) and then be able to specifically site the rules of neighboring counties/schools and their policies.
If none of that flies--you can always go to the Board of Directors/Mayor and then get media coverage. No principal wants that type of publicity and if they know that is what is coming, they may "see" how wonderful it would be to have parent participation. Be ready however, for whatever fallout might occur...and oh...BTW...nothing stops citizens from going to the same location and getting rooms and attending the tour as well.... [img]smile.gif[/img]
I have never heard of anything so far fetched. What parent in their right mind would let their child out of state with out at least couple of parent chaperones. Unless all the teachers are going to all go in place of the parents and the princpal is the head chap. then there possibly could not be enough eyes to watch over these children.
Go to BOE they need to know what is going on. They need to have answers just as well. Also does your school insurance cover this kind of activity without so many chaperones? Is that the problem princpal not sure if school insurance will cover parents on field trips? I know for a fact that 80% of our teachers would love for parents to help.
I agree with the whole chaperone issue...Are there enough chaperones without some of the parents attending?
I would also like to know the reason behind this policy. Your best bet would be to get as many parents as possible to go to a BOE meeting and lodge your complaint. There is power in numbers so get as many people as you can.
Furthermore...regardless of the decision...the principal should never refuse to discuss any issue imoportant to the parents with them. That is another big issue I would take to the board. It is unacceptable for the principal to refuse to discuss and issue with the parents.
Who is going with the kids if not the parents? That makes no sense. You can't possibly have a few teachers keep track of 40, 50 or more kids. I guess if the principal didn't budge on this the 5th grade parents need to get together and boycott this field trip.
Thats to bad for the kids though. I wouldn't let my 5th grader out of state without me for a school field trip.
Just my 2 cents. . .
