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hbugal
Lesigh
Member since 2/07 15928 total posts
Name:
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Im annoyed WWYD UPDATE
Im going to try and make this as short as possible...
The twins school has plans to take the 5th grade class to the Bronx Zoo as their end of the year trip. First off I need to say that this is really lame compared to what other 5th grade classes have gotten in the past. Every 5th grader that I have spoken to, including my girls, feels kind of let down by the choice of trips...(Usually they either had a dance or went to a broadway play etc)
I get the permission slip and it's $54 for their transportation and admission to the zoo. The trip is none refundable and is on Rain or Shine. (So if its pouring that day apparently they are still going and dont get any money back) Ok...so for me that is x2 so it's $108.
I have a family pass to the Bronx Zoo so essentially the girls are already paid for. So I email the class parent and ask her what the price would be for the girls just for the bus...She tells me for both girls the transportation for the bus is $75....But incourages me to pay for the girls to go to the Zoo b/c it will make her life easier...
I talk to the girls and they say they dont want to take the bus and can I just take them. I have the pass, free parking, etc...so I agree to just take them and a couple of their friends with parents.
Apparently on Friday there was a school assembly and me taking my own children to the zoo is NOT an option. So I have to pay for them to go.
I have to tell you Im really kinda miffed over this. There is no rain date at all...If it rains the admission to the zoo is free any way...the monorail and camel rides will be closed. Im really feeling like this is a bum deal...Like Im paying for a ride on a Coach bus...
Now that Ive babbled what would you do?
UPDATE...ETA: I just found out that a PARENT must attend with their child. So the cost of the trip, for me, is triple. If a parent doesnt attend their child cannot go....
Message edited 4/17/2010 12:59:26 PM.
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Posted 4/17/10 10:03 AM  |
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MrsPowers
So blessed!
Member since 11/06 10348 total posts
Name:
Ivelysse
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Do they really want to go with the class? If not, I would do something else with them and take them to the zoo some other time. The class mother seems like she doesn't want to do the work. Did you check with the principal about why you can't drive them?
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:06 AM |
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hbugal
Lesigh
Member since 2/07 15928 total posts
Name:
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Posted by MrsPowers
Do they really want to go with the class? If not, I would do something else with them and take them to the zoo some other time. The class mother seems like she doesn't want to do the work. Did you check with the principal about why you can't drive them?
I havent had a chance too..
The money was suppose to be in on Friday. So Im assuming that a lot of parents didnt send in the money and the kids were just saying that their parents were going to take them. They want the parents to go on the bus. But I cant b/c of DS....
The BS part of the whole thing is that, in the past, we, the parents, have had to drive to field trips. But Im guessing that b/c they are technically "in school" I cant drive...KWIM?
Im more annoyed b/c they never said this on the permission slip at all. I wouldnt have lost any sleep over my descision had I known this wasnt an option..
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:18 AM |
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babydreams
YUMMM
Member since 5/06 1687 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
I would discuss your concerns with the teacher or principal and explain why you would rather drive your children. $108 is A LOT of money to spend when you can essentially go for free!
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:28 AM |
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MrsPowers
So blessed!
Member since 11/06 10348 total posts
Name:
Ivelysse
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Posted by hbugal
Posted by MrsPowers
Do they really want to go with the class? If not, I would do something else with them and take them to the zoo some other time. The class mother seems like she doesn't want to do the work. Did you check with the principal about why you can't drive them?
I havent had a chance too..
The money was suppose to be in on Friday. So Im assuming that a lot of parents didnt send in the money and the kids were just saying that their parents were going to take them. They want the parents to go on the bus. But I cant b/c of DS....
The BS part of the whole thing is that, in the past, we, the parents, have had to drive to field trips. But Im guessing that b/c they are technically "in school" I cant drive...KWIM?
Im more annoyed b/c they never said this on the permission slip at all. I wouldnt have lost any sleep over my descision had I known this wasnt an option..
I totally understand what you are saying about them being "in school" so you can't drive. That was my first thought too. But like you said they should have put it on the permission slip.
I would speak to the principal on Monday. Good luck!
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:36 AM |
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nicrae
He's here!
Member since 12/06 9289 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Posted by babydreams
I would discuss your concerns with the teacher or principal and explain why you would rather drive your children. $108 is A LOT of money to spend when you can essentially go for free!
I agree!
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:36 AM |
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DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9534 total posts
Name:
The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Definitely discuss with the principal. Seriously, on any other day you could be that parent who keeps her kids out of school just because and takes them to the zoo FOR FREE, so why should this day be any different.
I absolutely would not pay $108 when the girls are perfectly happy with you driving them and a couple of friends AND it is a rain or shine thing.
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:37 AM |
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browneyedgirl
family is all that matters
Member since 6/06 6513 total posts
Name:
browneyes
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
parents can't take their kids on their own and then join the class for a field trip. it's for safety reasons and legality (specifics i don't know). it's been that way in every district i've been in, and as a teacher, i support it. it's about the kids, not the parents. if the kids aren't in school, they can't be on a field trip, with the district responsible for them
with that being said, i feel badly that your girls are disappointed. who chose the trip? i know my district is not allowed into manhattan since 9/11 even though the 5th grade always went there in the past. is there a reason they chose the zoo?
why not just take the girls on your own trip that day, just the 3 of you?
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:37 AM |
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nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Honestly, I wouldn't pay. I would just bring them yourself, what could they possibly do? Your kids will get an absence for the day, but who cares. You'll save over $100 and they will still get the trip.
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:37 AM |
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LAMGAJ28
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Member since 10/05 6039 total posts
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Posted by browneyedgirl
Parents can't take their kids on their own and then join the class for a field trip. it's for safety reasons and legality (specifics i don't know). It's about the kids, not the parents. if the kids aren't in school, they can't be on a field trip, with the district responsible for them
With that being said, i feel badly that your girls are disappointed. who chose the trip?
Why not just take the girls on your own trip that day, just the 3 of you?
I agree !
I believe your school district is mostly concerned about safety than anything else especially since they are travelling into the city. This is most likely the reason why you can't drive them there and for them to be part of the field trip and the school being responsible for them.
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:44 AM |
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browneyedgirl
family is all that matters
Member since 6/06 6513 total posts
Name:
browneyes
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Posted by nferrandi
Honestly, I wouldn't pay. I would just bring them yourself, what could they possibly do? Your kids will get an absence for the day, but who cares. You'll save over $100 and they will still get the trip.
parents, please, please don't ever do this. your child's teacher could get in MAJOR trouble, and the kids won't be allowed to stay with the class anyway. you have no idea the hoops we have to go through with responsibility and chaperones when it comes to trips. please don't put the safety of the group in jeopardy. it's not about "who cares". it's about the kids, their safety and the responsibility of those in charge.
to the OP--i know i responded already, but thought of something else. if so many parents are upset about the choice of trip, can you all say something? it is a lot of money, especially when you have 2 kids. have you given other ideas of where the kids can go that's around the same price? it's terrible that kids are so disappointed when they've waited a long time for their big trip
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| Posted 4/17/10 10:50 AM |
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Bops
My 3 wishes
Member since 12/07 13625 total posts
Name:
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Well you and I already discussed this, but heres one for you.....
Brandons spring trip is to the Holtsville Ecology Center ( yeah, you know the free place ? )
Well its $12 per child and $12 per chaperone 
So, the free zoo I take him to probably 10 times during the year will cost me $24  !!!
The bus trip is big for these kids ( at that age its a novelty, and Brandon gets more excited about the bus then the trip itself  )
Message edited 4/17/2010 11:09:22 AM.
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| Posted 4/17/10 11:09 AM |
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MrsGmomof3
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Member since 6/08 3290 total posts
Name:
Irrelevant
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
We have a membership also, so my kid would not be going on the trip.
Thats a LOT for the zoo IMO especially without a rain date.
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| Posted 4/17/10 11:11 AM |
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InShock
life is good
Member since 10/06 9258 total posts
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
I think you should think about this a little differently. Think about it as a celebration of the end of year/end of elementary school with all your daughters' classmates. Think of it as a memory, an experience, that cannot be replaced by YOU taking them. Pretend it's not at the Bronx Zoo where you have a membership. Send them on the bus (the bus ride is sometimes as much fun FOR THE KIDS  as the actual trip is!). A family visiting the zoo is completely different than visiting with all your classmates as a last 'hoorah' of your days together!
Just something to think about. 
(And yes, with all the legalities and safety issues, I completely and totally understand why the school does not want you driving them)
(I am an educator, in case you couldn't tell )
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| Posted 4/17/10 11:40 AM |
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hbugal
Lesigh
Member since 2/07 15928 total posts
Name:
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Posted by InShock
I think you should think about this a little differently. Think about it as a celebration of the end of year/end of elementary school with all your daughters' classmates. Think of it as a memory, an experience, that cannot be replaced by YOU taking them. Pretend it's not at the Bronx Zoo where you have a membership. Send them on the bus (the bus ride is sometimes as much fun FOR THE KIDS as the actual trip is!). A family visiting the zoo is completely different than visiting with all your classmates as a last 'hoorah' of your days together!
Just something to think about.
(And yes, with all the legalities and safety issues, I completely and totally understand why the school does not want you driving them)
(I am an educator, in case you couldn't tell )
I do understand...that's why I wanted opinions on what other people would do...
I guess I should have also added that I understand about all the legalities. Im just annoyed that we were never told about this initially...
My DH is a teacher and a union rep so Im pretty well versed in the education system.
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| Posted 4/17/10 11:51 AM |
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hbugal
Lesigh
Member since 2/07 15928 total posts
Name:
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Posted by Bops
Well you and I already discussed this, but heres one for you.....
Brandons spring trip is to the Holtsville Ecology Center ( yeah, you know the free place ? )
Well its $12 per child and $12 per chaperone
So, the free zoo I take him to probably 10 times during the year will cost me $24 !!!
The bus trip is big for these kids ( at that age its a novelty, and Brandon gets more excited about the bus then the trip itself )
By the time they are in 5th grade the bus is no longer a novelty. They hate taking the bus.... ...which was why the girls wanted me to go and take them instead of driving. I was originally going to only pay for them to take the bus..but they talked me into driving with Caden...
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| Posted 4/17/10 11:53 AM |
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maybesoon
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 5981 total posts
Name:
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
I think I would keep them home that day and do something special with them. It would kill me to spend 100 bucks when you could go for free
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| Posted 4/17/10 12:12 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Posted by nferrandi
Honestly, I wouldn't pay. I would just bring them yourself, what could they possibly do? Your kids will get an absence for the day, but who cares. You'll save over $100 and they will still get the trip.
ITA...
This is absurd! You already have a pass there AND you are willing to bring them yourselves and meet up. i would go anyway and hook up. Sounds like this lady wants everything easy for HERSELF without listening to logic. This makes no sense whatsoever. Like I said, go and meet up OR heck, take your girls with the other girls to a broadway show. I agree that a zoo is a little lame for a 5th grader as "The big trip".
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| Posted 4/17/10 12:17 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD
Posted by Bops
Well you and I already discussed this, but heres one for you.....
Brandons spring trip is to the Holtsville Ecology Center ( yeah, you know the free place ? )
Well its $12 per child and $12 per chaperone
So, the free zoo I take him to probably 10 times during the year will cost me $24 !!!
The bus trip is big for these kids ( at that age its a novelty, and Brandon gets more excited about the bus then the trip itself )
Oh , now thats ridiculous! Its free...tell them you will meet them there.
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| Posted 4/17/10 12:18 PM |
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BigB
C & J are 10!
Member since 6/05 5914 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD UPDATE
That is just stupid....sorry....I wouldn't send in th money! And why is the bus so expensive? I rented coach buses a few weeks ago for 9 hours and it was 400.00
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| Posted 4/17/10 1:29 PM |
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My4GirlsMyLife
My 4 girlies
Member since 2/08 9702 total posts
Name:
Valerie
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD UPDATE
My school decided not to do a 5th grade trip this yr , so the parents threw one together on a friday where there is no school ,and a parent must also go , so now she can't go
I am planning on doing a trip to the Bronx Zoo as a family instead and propably bring one of her friends ! Is this an option for you? If you can save alot of $$$ I would go on your own .
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| Posted 4/17/10 1:34 PM |
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hbugal
Lesigh
Member since 2/07 15928 total posts
Name:
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD UPDATE
Posted by My3girlsMylife
My school decided not to do a 5th grade trip this yr , so the parents threw one together on a friday where there is no school ,and a parent must also go , so now she can't go
I am planning on doing a trip to the Bronx Zoo as a family instead and propably bring one of her friends ! Is this an option for you? If you can save alot of $$$ I would go on your own .
Im planning a trip to Great Wolf for my girls. They have off a Monday in May for conferences so the rates are pretty cheap. Im thinking of maybe trying to get some of the parents together for that..
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| Posted 4/17/10 1:45 PM |
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My4GirlsMyLife
My 4 girlies
Member since 2/08 9702 total posts
Name:
Valerie
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD UPDATE
Posted by hbugal
Posted by My3girlsMylife
My school decided not to do a 5th grade trip this yr , so the parents threw one together on a friday where there is no school ,and a parent must also go , so now she can't go
I am planning on doing a trip to the Bronx Zoo as a family instead and propably bring one of her friends ! Is this an option for you? If you can save alot of $$$ I would go on your own .
Im planning a trip to Great Wolf for my girls. They have off a Monday in May for conferences so the rates are pretty cheap. Im thinking of maybe trying to get some of the parents together for that..
That would be fun !! I just don't see the sense in you having to shell out so much freakin money when you could save alot by taking the girls yourself ! Besides when you go to the Bronx Zoo on a school trip, I think it less enjoyable since it is all rushed IMO ! Last yr DD went there with the school and missed a ton !
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| Posted 4/17/10 1:49 PM |
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nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD UPDATE
I definitely would NOT go on the trip, but that's just me.
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| Posted 4/17/10 2:03 PM |
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oneday
<3
Member since 5/05 4319 total posts
Name:
Pam
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Re: Im annoyed WWYD UPDATE
I don't understand - the zoo isn't closed to other people that day, right? So, you could just HAPPEN to have decided to take the girls out of school and to the zoo that day and HAPPEN to run into the rest of the class, can't you? I mean if you have to go anyway, so what the heck is the difference?
Good luck, that is annoying!
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| Posted 4/17/10 2:49 PM |
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