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When I was a kid way back in the 70's, we took field trips to the post office, a Native American museum, a Civil War battlefield, a cavern, and an art museum. I'm sure there were more, but I can't remember. If the school requested any money for the trip, it was probably less than $5, if that.
My dd just got a form requesting money for a field trip. They're going to see Disney on Ice. Unless the teacher uses some type of math or science to calculate jumps and spins, I'm not sure what my dd is going to learn from this. Anyway, the school is requesting $14.00 for this field trip. They have to take sack lunches, so lunch is not included in this cost. Does this sound a little high or is this right on target for what everyone else is paying? IMO, it seems kind of steep and I'm concerned about the low-income families who are barely able to keep food on the table. As it is, I'm going to wait to pay for this until the very last minute.
Thoughts?
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Actually, that is a pretty good price for Disney on Ice. We paid about $30 each for our tickets. I think the cheapest were $18. I do understand your point, though. Especially if there are issues with income for the area the school serves, I think the PTO and school should consider it, and help subsidize those children where needed. Our YMCA has a thing where you can ask for help quietly if you need it, as no one is to be turned away based on lack of ability to pay. Maybe you could bring it up? The schools have told me in the past that part of the idea of field trips is to give those whose families can't afford it, or have siblings, so the burden would be too much, the chance to do things like this. My son loved Disney on Ice - was completely entranced. I would take him again in a heartbeat. The souvenirs outside are pretty pricey!
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The income level is all over the place in our school district. In the last 10 years we've had a lot of wealthy people move in, but there are still a lot of middle class and lower income people who live in the district.
I just wish schools would make more of an effort to find activities that kids could learn from that wouldn't cost a fortune for the parents.
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I like field trips to be more geared toward education too. Our kids take a fall trip to an farm/orchard, spring to the zoo, they did one to the philharmonic. I have never had to pay a cent, the pta uses the money from their fundraisers for field trips.
I would think this type of trip would be more geared for a family event rather than a school event.JMO
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Does this sound a little high or is this right on target for what everyone else is paying?
I vote on the really high side. Our school district has a policy that no field trip will cost more than $5. Fortunately, my dd goes to a school that is 85% low income and so the school pays for the trips with the most I think I've ever payed for a field trip is $2. Now if parents want to tag along, they have to pay for themselves, but through our PTO we have a field trip fund set up for those who simply cannot afford the little money needed.
How neat that the kids have the opportunity to go see Disney on Ice, but what is the purpose? How is it related to their studies? I understand a school wanting to take the kids on something totally fun and not related to any studies but it seems to me that maybe such a trip should be offered as an extracurricular activity to take place outside of school hours, or else the school PTO should pay for the trip.
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I have to agree with all of you (including me)...giggle. I don't think this should be "required" (even if not mandatory, it might be, socially). Personally, in retrospect, I would want to be there with my child to see their face. As I mentioned, my son was entranced, and I wouldn't have wanted to miss that. It's not like they're getting a HUGE discount, anyway. But, unless you question it, in the intelligent way you have, they will continue to do things like that.
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thats on the cheap side for disney on ice. The prices of field trips here have floored me. In fact, the price of just starting school this last couple weeks has drained my checkup like you wouldnt believe. So far its cost us about $200 just to get the year started, but thats a whole other story.
Our field trips include the Bronx Zoo, Mystic Aquarium, Peqout Museum -- these have all been about $40 each!! They did not go to the bronx zoo because I felt it was too far without me or DH chaperoning. They did go on the other 2 trips because DH was able to chaperone. Mind you, with twins, thats $40 times 2 for everything!!! And usually they give less than 2 weeks notice for the money....which I spoke to the teacher about - some of us need more than 2 weeks notice. She said it was because as soon as they book the buses, the bus company wants the money asap. Anyway - every field trip no matter what it is costs a pretty penny around here. P.S. none of these included lunch, that was just the bus and entrance ticket.
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I don't think the cost is to bad I just can't for the life of me figure out why they would be going to Disney on Ice. What educational value could it possibly have? I wouldn't mind paying $15 for something educational, but for strictly entertainment value, that would stink. As for those who cannot afford it, our school has a policy where the PTCA (I believe) will pay for the kid to go if asked. Thankfully our field trips have been under $8 and have all been of an educational nature so I haven't run into this problem.
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I have two children who are gifted. Both have gone to several of these type of events to "expand their cultural world", I think is how they put it, during their "TAG" time (Talented and Gifted class). SO many kids would NEVER be exposed to something like this..and I think it is great that the schools can do it once in a while. Also, the price does seem reasonable to me. I have paid that for many field trips, and desertmom is right..we paid $24 a ticket...for seats up in the clouds!!
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That is a great price for Disney on Ice!!! We have never gone because it is too expensive. I vote with Blessed with six, it is something that most kids would never get to see due to the cost and it sounds like the school is getting an awesome deal. I would send my child because I want them to experience things. The things they will learn include how to sit through a show, how to enjoy a theatrical type performance, things like that. I see educational value in it.