Well I would pay for my kids to go, because I'm sure they'd enjoy it, but I agree about the educational value. Frankly, I'd rather schools keep all the field trips to something either generally educational or related to something they're studying. For example, at my kids elem. they did a unit on animals (one of them did poison arrow dart frogs and the other did orangutans) and then afterwards they went to the zoo. Or they would read a book and then attend a play on the book. I just think they should at least have some tie-in or educational value. If I want my kids entertained or just to learn appropriate social behavior, I think that's my job, not the schools. JMO

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All of our field trips are free or at the most a couple of dollars. The school always packs a sack lunch for the kids too (which my kids, of course, will not eat!). I don't think that field trips in a public school should cost that much.

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~Happiness is a large family~

I think the price sounds great actually...

Our school does all kinds of field trips, some are educational and some are more like 'rewards' - like trips to a baseball game or amusement park for the older kids. I think they all have their place as field trips.

I just got a letter home for my middler schooler. They are going to the Reisance Fare. The cost is $34!!! They can buy lunch there or bring a packed lunch, and will have time on their "own" so to also send $$ for suveneirs!! It is in relation to their Social Studies class, but wow- what an expense. Unfortunatley, I can see most parents giving their kids an extra $30-50 for lunch and extras! in our area. DD will pack a lunch and we will think about spending $$.. My dryer just went, so that needs to be a priority, but I don't want her to miss the trip.
I feel for you. The expenses just get bigger and bigger the older they get

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I just went to teacher/parent conf last night to go over what our kids were going to do throughtout the year and such, I did see what plans they have for field trips. Lots of nice places, we can pay as they come or we can just pay $50 for all the field trips, which I dont see is too bad considering the places they are going. Parent drivers are needed to most likely keep costs down and 1 will be on a bus.

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Alex & the spider monkey

My DD is in 2nd grade. I think the most we've spent was maybe 4 or 5 dollars for a field trip -- so far. They have only done the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, dairy farm, and a nursery.

I would want to take my child to see this, I want to see the expression on her face as she witnesses that "Disney Magic". I don' t see how it is really educational. The price in relation to the show itself is not bad, but I can see where trips costing this much can become a burden.

We have had tae-kwon-do, basketball, soccer, cheerleading, swimming, girl scout, and 3 fundraisers come our way and school's been in session since Aug. 24th. We have not participated in all this, but I feel like every day something comes in costing money!

I agree with this!

Oh my gosh they are going to a renaissance faire? Has the teacher been to this particular one? As you can tell by my name I am so into the celtic/ renaissance genre. Yet, I have been to a few that I would not take my kids to. I hope this one is an educational one. The price does sound right for such an event. But, Trust me kids that age will do nothing but eat and shop. I know I have one lol! It sure will be fun though. Wish I was going.
What I don't understand is, Why can't the school give us parents another payday or two before asking for more money.
I am up to 800.00 to get my daughter into 8th grade. With supplies, clothes, cell phone ( her's died and there are no pay phones anywhere in this town ) choir dress and fund raisers. Now they want field trip money. Not to mention I have another child my ds who is fund raising and did need a few nice things for school too. I think the most I have paid for a field trip is 10.00. BUt that is why we do fund raisers.
I never HAVE to pay for my son because he is technically special ed ( he is on the autism spectrum )and that is totally funded by the state and federal government. I send the money anyway. They can put it in their class fund.
Oh yes at the end of the year for 8th grade graduation I will get to pay for a class trip to a resort and one to a six flags water park near Seattle. No wonder my hubby went and got that 2nd job.

I think that is cheap for disney on ice and it's an awesome show. It shouldn't be manditory though, it is very sad to me that alot of parents couldn't afford to pay that!?! When I was in school we went on expensive field trips, my choir trips cost $2-300 dollars each.

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I am only one, but I am one. I can not do everything, but I can do something. I must not fail to do the something that I can do. -Edward Hale