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Science Camp Forum

Science Camp Forum. October 30, 2013. A Little Bit of History. Started by a 5 th grade teacher at McKinley School many years ago He trained all 5 th grade teachers for many years on the Outdoor Science Camp program Camps took place at Eaton Canyon It was a day trip for 5 th graders

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Science Camp Forum

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  1. Science Camp Forum October 30, 2013

  2. A Little Bit of History • Started by a 5th grade teacher at McKinley School many years ago • He trained all 5th grade teachers for many years on the Outdoor Science Camp program • Camps took place at Eaton Canyon • It was a day trip for 5th graders • The program lasted 3 days • The students left at 8 a.m. and returned by 4 p.m.

  3. A Little Bit of History Cont. • The experience was an important part of outdoor science education and included • Hiking • Plant exploration • Study of rocks, landforms, etc. • Transportation was paid for by the District

  4. Then It Went Away • Mr. Junkunc eventually retired • The remaining 5th grade teachers tried to sustain the program • Eventually the program was eliminated

  5. The Rebirth of Camp • In Spring 1998, Wilson restored outdoor education camp with LACOE • Washington followed in spring 2006 • Students attend a 5-day experience in Malibu • This camp costs $314 (slightly less for 4-days) • Time of year varies depending on availability • Camp counselors from GHS and DMHS assist the 5th graders

  6. The Rebirth of Camp Cont. • In June 2005, Coolidge restored outdoor education with Astrocamp • This was researched and established by Coolidge parents/PTA/Teachers • Most affordable of our current camp programs • $205 for three nights • Done in the fall of 5th grade year • 5th grade teachers and parents (with DOJ clearance) accompany students

  7. The Rebirth of Camp Cont. • Roosevelt and McKinley reintroduced science camp in 2006 • Students attend a 4-day experience at Forest Falls through OCOE • The camp is the most costly at $360/student • Usually done in the spring of 5th grade year • The schools utilize donations and fundraising to subsidize the cost

  8. By The Numbers (2012-13)

  9. Why The Change? • In September, 2010 the ACLU filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of two public schools arguing the denial of Free Appropriate Public Education • What is FAPE? • Student fees for outdoor science school programs are allowed, so long as no pupil is denied the opportunity to participate because of non-payment of the fee (EC Sec 35335) • Disparity in programs

  10. The Concept of Fees • ACLU Class Action suit was far-reaching • Violation of FAPE would result in a restitution of fees paid not only in current year but as far back as records will allow • What is considered a fee? A gray area at best. • Talking to individual students/parents • Names on board • Monthly payments • Cannot question parents on the affordability of camp

  11. Some Solutions • Moving it off the instructional calendar • Removes FAPE requirements • Can be during breaks, summer, or weekends • Make it a general fund expenditure • At $400/student x 400 students, total is $160K • Consider foundational support • They are in the room today

  12. More Solutions • Consider day trips where main cost will be bussing (and not lodging) • Consider support from restricted funds • May be a gray area (supplant/supplement) • Must define the core/base program • School site council may not agree • Form a district wide booster to fundraise specifically for outdoor education

  13. Brainstorming Questions?

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