oala: blog 
oala's blog
whose responsibility is it?
Published Nov. 17, 2008If a parent signs a permission slip so that a child can go on a field trip, but doesn't send in the money (even after being reminded), should that child participate in the activity at the epense of the school?
I recently found out that in the county where I live they have a policy (though they have yet to offer proof of it's existence- more on that in a second) that prohibits keeping children from attending field trips due to the fact that parents don't send in money. It comes from the school fund, and then the school in turn asks for the PTO to reimburse it (atleast in our case). When I asked why we were paying for these kids to go instead of the parents, I was told that the county didn't allow the school to keep the kids from going. Well today I called the BOE and was transferred 4 different times, each time to someone who didn't have any idea what I was talking about. Finally a woman said that the person I needed to speak with was out of the office (at lunch and would call me back, asked for my name, the school my child attends, and number- and foolishly I gave it to her) Well I got a voicemail from the principal of my childs school, wanting to know about the questions I had for the BOE.
I never got my answer and I suspect that it doesn't exist... but what do you think? Who should pay for a student to go on fieldtrips? If we pay for one because they don't (have enough money, didn't get it in on time, etc), then what happens when the majority of parents stop paying? Why should they if w are going to allow free rides to some? What are they teaching the kids (by "not wanting to hurt their feelings") and why are we enforcing negative behavior in the parents??
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GOLO member since April 25, 2008
November 17, 2008 10:37 p.m.
November 17, 2008 10:23 p.m.
GOLO member since December 7, 2007
November 17, 2008 10:17 p.m.
I have one child who can't afford a $10 yearly subscription for a news magazine, but he is the first to complain if he gets an issue with a wrinkled or torn cover.
GOLO member since April 25, 2008
November 17, 2008 10:16 p.m.
When I organize field trips, I can count on 10% not to pay. I have some parents who always send in extra $ to cover another child. I usually chip in, too. Our students can work off the trips, but few ever do.
I don't begrudge the child for parents not paying even though I often ended up buying their lunches or snacks, too. What does irk me is when the child comes with money every day to buy ice cream or chips in the cafeteria. If they have money for extras, why not use that for trips?
GOLO member since April 25, 2008
November 17, 2008 10:00 p.m.
Sometimes...just sometimes...lets remember that these are kids. little kids- not high schoolers who can work a job. they are totally dependent on what their parents do, or don't do for them. And if mom or dad forgets, or truly doesn't have the money for a trip (hello- we are in a recession)- is it right for that child to suffer?
We have been redistrcited to a school with a pretty high 'low socio economic' population. Yes, I see parents using and abusing the system. BUt I also see kids who folks are trying, and just can't get it together.
We are by no means rich. Typical, middle class. probably lower middle class. We have more than lots of people, but still live pretty much paycheck to paycheck. But I would happily send $2 or $3 extra dollars for each trip and know that every kid would get to go, then to know one got left behind for the day.
GOLO member since September 7, 2007
November 17, 2008 9:42 p.m.
GOLO member since January 2, 2009
November 17, 2008 9:05 p.m.
GOLO member since July 28, 2007
November 17, 2008 8:37 p.m.
GOLO member since July 5, 2007
November 17, 2008 7:54 p.m.
November 17, 2008 7:50 p.m.
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