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Field Trip Chaperone Information

Chaperone Guidelines for Field Trips

Field trips at Union Academy are a cherished tradition and a key part of our educational approach, aimed at fostering the development of well-rounded students. These enriching experiences help students grow into well-informed, thoughtful young adults with enhanced critical thinking skills, historical awareness, cultural appreciation, and civic responsibility. The role of chaperones is crucial in making these trips successful.

Chaperoning Expectations

  1. Stay Informed:

    • Regularly review all communications from the Activities Office, teachers, classroom portals, and the UA Newsletter. Keep in mind that details such as locations, dates, and schedules may change based on the Activities Department’s discretion.
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  2. Expressing Interest:

    • Complete the Chaperone Interest Form for each field trip by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be considered. Chaperone spots are limited, and participants are chosen through a lottery system.
    • Note: Every parent wishing to chaperone must submit an Interest Form.
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  3. Selection Process:

    • After the lottery, you will receive an email from the Activities Office indicating whether you have been selected.
    • If chosen, chaperone fees must be paid promptly through MyPaymentsPlus.
    • Parents with unpaid Yearly Activity Dues or over $100 in outstanding fees on MyPaymentsPlus are ineligible to chaperone.

Core Principles for Chaperones

As a chaperone, you represent Union Academy and your child. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Respect the Selection Process: If you are not selected as a chaperone, please respect the decision. Uninvited parents who show up at the event will not be allowed to participate and will not receive volunteer hours. Violating this policy may disqualify you from chaperoning for the remainder of the school year.

For Selected Chaperones

  • Payment of Fees:

    • Chaperone fees must be paid via MyPaymentsPlus as directed in the selection email. Failure to pay on time will result in another parent being selected from the waitlist. Fees are non-refundable five days before the trip.
    • If you cannot attend, do not arrange for a replacement; the Activities Office will assign someone from the waitlist. Exceptions may be made for spouses.
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  • Volunteer Hours:

    • You will receive specific volunteer hours for each trip, which you must track on the Union Academy Mobile Serve app.
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  • Important Notes:

    • Siblings and other family members, including infants, are not allowed on field trips. Only pre-approved chaperones can attend.
    • Events are ticketed for registered UA students and assigned chaperones only.

Day of the Field Trip

  1. Check-In:

    • All chaperones must check in at the Front Office and wear a visitor's sticker. This is mandatory for student safety.
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  2. Chaperone Responsibilities:

    • As a chaperone, you are responsible not only for your child but also for a group of students. You are not a guest but a supervisor.
    • Wearing Union Academy-branded clothing is encouraged.
    • Bring your own lunch unless otherwise directed.
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  3. Logistics:

    • After check-in, assist in your child’s classroom with organizing lunches and loading bins onto the bus. You may be asked to help transport coolers.
    • Chaperones must proceed to the destination after students and lunch bins are loaded onto the buses.
    • Students are required to travel on the bus and may not ride with their parents.
    • Parents are not permitted to ride the UA buses.
    • Chaperones are responsible for their own travel expenses, which do not count towards volunteer hours.
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  4. Behavior and Safety:

    • Do not provide snacks or souvenirs to any child other than your own.
    • Ensure your group upholds Union Academy’s behavior standards.
    • Do not permit activities that contradict the instructions of teachers or administrators.
    • Avoid extended phone conversations while supervising students unless necessary for student safety.
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  5. After the Experience:

    • If you wish to take your child home after the event, sign them out with their teacher. Before leaving, ensure all students are accounted for and loaded on the bus.

This updated document provides clear and concise guidelines for chaperones, emphasizing the importance of preparation, responsibility, and adherence to school policies. The new title, "Chaperone Guidelines for Field Trips," better reflects the content and purpose of the document.