Farm Trip FAQs

You should have received your farm trip family packet by now, and may have some questions. Please don't hesitate to email, send a note, or call. The students had many questions, and I'm sure there will be more. Here are a few frequently asked questions and their answers:

Why do we go?
The places we see, the people we meet, and the activities we experience are not something we see and do every day. Our time together is also a community building experience that we cannot do in school. Also, their are great gains in independence and self-regulation during this time.

When do we leave?
We leave at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, and arrive home Thursday, October 10, between 7-7:30. I will be emailing you, and the blog will be updated to reflect any changes should they occur.

What do we bring?
If you look in the family packet there is a list of items students need to bring. Fourth graders need to bring the smaller amount when an item lists a number, i.e. 1-2 pairs of pants. Fourth graders bring 1, fifth graders bring 2, because they are staying an extra night/day. Students may bring a stuffed animal.

Also, on the day of the field trip students are to bring two snacks and a disposable lunch. We eat a lot on the bus, and then when we arrive at camp, we have lunch and park time.

Students will need to bring a backpack to hold their water bottle, snacks, lunch, their farm trip book, and IR book.

What should we NOT bring?
No electronics are allowed on the trip. This includes phones, electronic travel games, iPods, and the like. Also tools like a swiss army knife, magnifying glasses, etc.

What do I do if my child doesn't have a sleeping bag?
There is no need to make a special purchase of a sleeping bag. Students often bring a blanket and pillow and sleep just fine.

Can I say goodbye to my child before he/she leaves?
Your fourth grader will label and drop off their things in the gym on Wednesday morning. Then you should say goodbye to your child, and they will make their way upstairs. If you like, you can wait and wave goodbye on the sidewalk when we exit to the bus and drive away.

What is my child doing on the farm trip?
In the family packet there is a schedule so you will know where we are at what time.

Your fourth grader is going to come home with great stories of searching for fruits and vegetables, planting things, how cows get milked, petting and feeding a goat, and playing in a HUGE gym. They are going to have stories of games played on the bus, flashlight show at night, and the silence of the camp. It's a great trip!

In the family packet are three forms that need to be filled out, and/or signed. Please return those by Monday, October 7. On the day of the trip, please make sure your child arrives on time to make sure they are prepared when it's time to board the bus.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.