Petition to Reinstate 5th Grade Overnight Science Camp at Parkmont Elementary School

To: The Administration of Parkmont Elementary School, Fremont Unified School District (FUSD)

We, the undersigned parents, students, and community members, urge Parkmont Elementary School to reinstate the 5th grade overnight science camp starting in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Why This Matters

Overnight science camps have been a cherished tradition in elementary education, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that foster curiosity, teamwork, and independence. Before COVID-19, Parkmont Elementary participated in these camps, just like many other schools in Fremont Unified. However, the program was discontinued after the pandemic and has not been reinstated.

Currently,  at least 14 of the 28 schools in FUSD continue to send their students to science camp. Parkmont students deserve the same enriching experience. Due to the impact of the pandemic, the upcoming 5th graders have already missed out on key childhood experiences, including field trips for most of their elementary school years. Science camp is a core memory for students, offering immersive learning outside the classroom and an opportunity to bond with peers.

Addressing Teacher Concerns and Parents’ Support

We understand that a couple of teachers have expressed concerns about the time commitment involved in an overnight camp. We respect and appreciate their dedication to our students and want to work together to find a solution that benefits both students and teachers.

To help accommodate this, parents are willing to raise funds to provide a stipend to compensate teachers for their time and effort. We believe this approach can help address concerns while ensuring that our children do not miss out on this invaluable experience. Parents are also fully willing to volunteer, coordinate, chaperone, and fund the camp to make it possible without burdening the teachers. Additionally, the PTA is supportive of this initiative.

Time-Sensitive Action Needed

Since science camps require booking at least a year in advance, we urge the school administration to take steps now to ensure that our 2025-2026 5th graders can participate.

Our Request:

• A clear and open discussion with parents and staff on reinstating science camp.
• A collaborative approach to address any logistical or staffing concerns, including offering stipends to teachers.
• Immediate steps to secure a booking for the 2025-2026 school year.

We believe that, by working together, we can find a solution that allows our students to benefit from this incredible learning experience. Please sign this petition to show your support for bringing back 5th grade science camp to Parkmont Elementary!