INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES:
FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS
EFD-R (LOCAL)

GENERAL PROVISIONS	All school personnel planning field trips shall observe the following procedures: 1. Request the principal’s approval of the trip, presenting written plans for      the date of the trip, destination, educational objective and value. 2. Include all appropriate personnel in planning the trip. All staff and      chaperones involved in a field trip will review their respective      responsibilities and the emergency procedures required for all field trips. 3. Relate the trip to the curriculum, develop an interest in the subject of the      trip and follow up after the trip to reinforce learning. 4. Secure written parental permission for each student planning to attend,      including medical release form for each student. Only those students      returning the parental permission forms and medical release form shall      be allowed on the field trip.     All paperwork in the field trip packet should be completed and submitted      to the appropriate area superintendent for approval. 5. Determine the budget needed and identify the source of funding. 6. Arrange bus service with the Transportation Department at least two      weeks prior to the trip. Ensure that bus drivers have a copy of the      Emergency Transportation Plan. 7. Complete all paperwork required for covering the cost of trip insurance.      Send the completed forms to the Office of Risk Management. 8. Should an emergency occur while on the trip, the trip supervisor will put      the appropriate emergency procedures in effect and shall notify the      building principal by telephone as quickly as possible. 9. First aid kits and parent permission slips with emergency numbers shall      be required on all field trips. 10. No children shall be allowed on the field trip that are not students of the        sponsoring school or P.I.S.D. students specifically involved in the event        or activity.
ELEMENTARY PROVISIONS	1. Ensure that no admission fee will be paid by the students. 2. Provide a minimum of one adult chaperone for every five students.      Special circumstances may require additional chaperones for students     with special needs. 3. Plan trips that can be completed between 8:45 a.m., and 1 p.m., on      regular school days. 4. Staff and chaperone selection and training will be provided prior to the trip.
SECONDARY PROVISIONS	1. Secure approval of the appropriate area superintendent 15 days prior to      an overnight trip or trips in excess of a 100 mile radium. {See FMC      (Local)} 2. Provide a minimum of one adult chaperone for every 10 students. Special      circumstances may require additional chaperones for students with      special needs or special higher risk excursions.
TRAINING	Bus drivers will be trained in proper field trip procedures and will have a copy of the Emergency Transportation Plan available on every trip. All staff and chaperones will be briefed on their responsibilities and all applicable field trip policies and procedures before any such trip is taken. Chaperones are role models for the students. They shall be required to observe all district policies and procedures for behavior and dress.
TRANSPORTATION	School buses ordinarily will be used for transportation. Commercial carriers may be used for certain trips. The use of private vehicles by staff members or parents for transporting small groups of students may be authorized, provided the driver has a valid Texas license and the required liability insurance.