A Little Bit of History Started by a 5 th grade teacher at McKinley School many years ago He trained all 5 th grade teachers for many years on the Outdoor Science Camp program Camps took place at Eaton Canyon It was a day trip for 5 th graders – The program lasted 3 days – The students left at 8 a.m. and returned by 4 p.m.

A Little Bit of History Cont. The experience was an important part of outdoor science education and included – Hiking – Plant exploration – Study of rocks, landforms, etc. Transportation was paid for by the District

Then It Went Away Mr. Junkunc eventually retired The remaining 5 th grade teachers tried to sustain the program Eventually the program was eliminated

The Rebirth of Camp In Spring 1998, Wilson restored outdoor education camp with LACOE – Washington followed in spring 2006 Students attend a 5-day experience in Malibu This camp costs $314 (slightly less for 4-days) – Time of year varies depending on availability Camp counselors from GHS and DMHS assist the 5 th graders

The Rebirth of Camp Cont. In June 2005, Coolidge restored outdoor education with Astrocamp This was researched and established by Coolidge parents/PTA Most affordable of our current camp programs – $205 for three nights – Done in the fall of 5 th grade year – 5 th grade teachers and parents (with DOJ clearance) accompany students

The Rebirth of Camp Cont. Roosevelt and McKinley reintroduced science camp in 2006 Students attend a 4-day experience at Forest Falls through OCOE The camp is the most costly at $360/student – Usually done in the spring of 5 th grade year The schools utilize donations and fundraising to subsidize the cost

By The Numbers ( ) SchoolCamp# of 5 th Graders# AttendedPercentage CoolidgeAstrocamp645688% McKinleyOCOE % RooseveltOCOE652742% WashingtonLACOE877991% WilsonLACOE605998%

Why The Change? In September, 2010 the ACLU filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of two public schools arguing the denial of Free Appropriate Public Education What is FAPE? – Student fees for outdoor science school programs are allowed, so long as no pupil is denied the opportunity to participate because of non-payment of the fee (EC Sec 35335) Disparity in programs

The Concept of Fees ACLU Class Action suit was far-reaching – Violation of FAPE would result in a restitution of fees paid not only in current year but as far back as records will allow – What is considered a fee? A gray area at best. Talking to individual students/parents Names on board Monthly payments Cannot question parents on the affordability of camp

Some Solutions Moving it off the instructional calendar – Removes FAPE requirements – Can be during breaks, summer, or weekends Make it a general fund expenditure – At $400/student x 400 students, total is $160K Consider foundational support – They are in the room today

More Solutions Consider day trips where main cost will be bussing (and not lodging) Consider support from restricted funds – May be a gray area (supplant/supplement) – Must define the core/base program – School site council may not agree Form a district wide booster to fundraise specifically for outdoor education

Brainstorming Questions?