Field Trip Policy

The Diocese of Paterson recognizes the importance and value of trips for educational field study and approves of these trips to places of cultural, educational or religious significance to further enrich the lessons of the classroom. To ensure the desired outcome of such trips, teachers should prepare the students for the place that is to be visited and the things that are to be seen. A discussion with the students should be held regarding the purpose and goals of the trip. An advance trip by the teacher is suggested. The trips should be well planned.

Full information in writing should be given at least ten days in advance to parents/guardians. The parent/guardian permission slip should include the parent/guardian request that the school take the student on the field trip. This permission slip should include a place for the parent/guardian signature as well as the date. No student may participate unless a written parent/guardian signed permission slip for this specific event is on file with the principal. Such information should include the nature of the trip, its educational value, transportation arrangements, types of supervision, and cost per student. Each school will use the official diocesan field trip permission form (A.6033.2). Adequate supervision by prepared adults should be in place for field trips. The ratio of adult supervisors to students is determined by the age of the students and nature of the trip.

Overnight trips for students in grades K through 8 are not permitted. For students in grades 9 to 12, overnight trips should be carefully planned, well-organized, and possess a clear educational and/or religious purpose. It is always important to consider the educational benefits of planning a field trip, especially an overnight trip, against the risks involved in taking students off campus. In all cases, the benefits of any educational activity conducted by the school should be weighed against the potential risk involved. Non school-sponsored trips (such as an overseas trip led by a foreign language teacher) are not under school jurisdiction. Schools should not sponsor such trips and the school system will not assume liability.

Field trips are optional and a privilege. In the planning of all school-sponsored trips and activities, the law holds us to a high standard of care, which includes the enforcement of all diocesan policies pertaining to the professional staff and student conduct and deportment.

Schools are strongly urged to use commercial transportation for field trips, athletic contests, extracurricular activities, and any other event which is school-sponsored. Although this creates an increased cost factor, the commercial transportation provides professional drivers who carry liability coverage in the event of an accident. Use of volunteer drivers is strongly discouraged. The school should not allow any person under the age of 21 to ever transport students. Each student must be wearing a seat belt and under the control of the driver at all times. The school-owned and leased vans used for the transportation of students must comply with all requirements outlined by the state of NJ. Specific questions or concerns should be directed to our Risk Manager's office.

The principal always reserves the right to exclude a student from participation in a field trip because of unacceptable behavior patterns. The school will notify the parent/guardian of this possibility prior to the scheduled trip and will confirm attendance or non-attendance prior to the scheduled trip. If a situation arises where a student/parent/guardian chooses not to take part in a particular field trip, the school will discuss alternative plans for the day with the student/parent/guardian and school principal.

There remains a possibility that a travel ban could be imposed in the future, based on world events. If future travel restrictions should be imposed, the school should communicate to parents that the school will not assume liability for any non-refundable fees spent in advance.