15 September 2023

Dear Falls Lake Academy Board of Directors

My name is Don Kidwell, I am a parent and a PTA member for FLA.   I am writing to you regarding a policy on Field Trips.  After communicating with numerous parents in reference to the policy we come to you for a change in the policy.  I strongly believe in safety as well as fairness throughout all students, staff, and family members.

The current policy states: Trip chaperones are not permitted to bring any other children along, regardless of age. (Note: this provision applies to FLA “staff kids” as well.) (re: State insurance policy.) FLA asks that adult attendees follow FLA Dress Code policies. (Reference Falls Lake Student Parent Handbook 2023-2024).  We as parents are requesting some exemptions to the above policy.  Many students have a parent that stays home with younger siblings and simply cannot afford or have childcare for the sibling. Other parents such as I, have autistic children in which needs special attention, therefor we cannot just leave our other child(ren) with anyone.   Your school does not provide a bus for local field trips; therefore, they are relying on parents, teachers, and chaperones to provide transportation.   Students and parents should not be banned from going on future field trips over a sibling coming.  The school states it is a “State Insurance Policy issue” however you are allowing students to ride with other members of the staff and/or other parents that could have a more effect.

Furthermore, during Field trips, students are not required to stay with the class. Students are broken away with other parents and chaperones.  The only time the class is together is during lunch.  If there were more organization where classrooms stuck together then the policy would make more sense.  In that case I would expect the chaperones to stay with the class and children throughout the duration of the field trip. Parents with siblings would not be allowed to stay with the class until the field trip concluded.  Field Trips are also open to the public unless otherwise stated. If a parent is to pay for their own ticket and sibling ticket, the school has no right to deny them, nor is it justifiable to be punished from future field trips.  Many parents and students have been punished for this unfair policy and is unjustifiable.  As a parent I want to ensure that my child is safe during field trips.  Many parents feel the same and want to be present and create memorable moments with their child.  

In conclusion we as parents of FLA students are requesting a change in the Field Trip Policy.   We request a thorough risk assessment of a sibling being present during field trips, in which a chaperone is with their own child.  If the chaperone is only chaperoning his/her own child and not others than we as parents, see no reason for a sibling to not be present.  I believe implementing this change will increase the morale of the school.  This is one of many issues us parents face.   We hope that the board can see the challenges that occur with this policy.  The parents give so much to FLA, I believe the school can give something back for us in return.

Thank you,

Don Kidwell