Parent Information
Attending Camp OLYMPIA Dates Attending: Tuesday March 8 – Friday March 11
Dear Parent:
Your child has been invited to participate in a unique learning experience at HISD's Outdoor Learning Center (OEC) which is operated both at Camp Forest Glen and Camp Olympia on Lake Livingston, about 90 miles north of Houston near Trinity, Texas. Your child will be assigned to either Camp Olympia OR Camp Forest Glen for the three- or four-day, two- or three-night visit. Your school will inform you of your child's assignment. Fifth-grade students from approximately four other HISD schools will also be participating.
Both Camp Olympia and Camp Forest Glen are full residential facilities with cabins, dining halls, and clinics. Each site has a nurse on duty. Your child will be supervised at all times by at least one adult staff member, including overnight supervision in the cabins.
The OEC, established as a Magnet Program in 1975, has a long history of providing safe and exciting programs. Your child will participate in hands-on activities designed to teach ecological concepts, foster a concern for the environment, and promote positive interactions among a diverse student body. Activities such as pond study, nature hikes, and model farm and conservation projects are combined with recreational activities such as canoeing, horseback riding, and cook-outs. The OEC program plays a significant part in our ultimate goal of preparing concerned and involved future citizens.
In order to facilitate your child's participation in the OEC program, you are requested to complete the attached Parental Permission and Health Information Form and return it to your child's school. Without this form, your child WILL NOT be permitted to attend the OEC. If your child takes any medication, a medical release form must be submitted with the Parent Permission Form.
We look forward to your child's participation in H.I.S.D.'s Outdoor Education Program and anticipate that it will be a rewarding experience both educationally and personally!
Sincerely,
The Staff of the Outdoor Education Center
It is the policy of the Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or political affiliation in its educational or employment programs and activities.
Parent Information
Visit To the Outdoor Education Center
Forest Glen – www.hisdoec.com Olympia – www.hisdoec.com
• How do the children get to the OEC?
HISD provides transportation by school bus to and from the OEC. On departure days, students leave from the school at approximately 8:30 a.m. accompanied by school chaperones. On the day of their return, students depart from the OEC after lunch, arriving back at the school prior to regular dismissal time.
• What should my child take to the Center? What is not permitted?
The OEC provides three meals a day, snacks, linens, towels, and all equipment/supplies needed for activities. Your child should bring the items listed below packed in a pillowcase placed inside a large plastic bag. Label the bag with your child's name and school. BE CERTAIN YOUR CHILD IS PREPARED FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER. Even though dress can be more casual, the same basic dress rules apply at the OEC as at your child’s school.
BRING:
Personal Items Essential Desirable
Toothbrush/paste 3 changes of clothes Rainwear Flashlight
Comb/brush 3 changes underwear/socks Long pants Pillow
Sleepwear Tennis shoes (NO sandals) Jacket Bug Repellant
Cap or hat Bar soap Towel Robe
DO NOT BRING:
Radios Food, candy, gum Money CD Players
Knives Toys, video games Jewelry or Items of value Cell Phones
• What about my child's safety?
Every effort is made to provide a safe and secure environment for the children. Students are assigned to adult leaders who chaperone the children 24 hours a day.
• What if my child becomes ill at the Center?
A nurse is on duty 24 hours each day. If your child has any medical conditions that the nurse should be aware of, please indicate such in the space provided on the Parental Permission and Health Information Form.
• Can I telephone my child at the OEC?
It is not possible for students to make or receive personal phone calls while at the OEC sites. In an emergency, you may call the OEC Coordinator at your child's assigned site.
Olympia Outdoor Education Center Forest Glen Outdoor Education Center
Tom Cosper - 1-800-729-6291 Carol King – 936-295-5548
• May parents visit the Centers?
Yes, but you must first obtain written approval from your principal. If you visit the Center, you should not expect to spend much time with your child who will be involved in many educational/recreational activities.
• What if my child needs to come back early?
Parents must make arrangements in advance with the school Principal and the OEC Coordinator.
The District does not provide transportation in such circumstances; therefore, the parent is responsible for transporting their children if they come back early.
HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OUTDOOR EDUCATIONAL CENTERSPARENTAL PERMISSION & HEALTH INFORMATION FORM
(To be completed by the parent or guardian and reviewed by the school nurse)
STUDENT INFORMATIONStudent’s Name: ______Birth Date: ______Sex: ______
Parent or Guardian: ______
School Name: ______School Phone: ______
Home Address: ______Zip: ______
Home Phone: ______Work Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______
Family Doctor: ______Phone: ______
(In an emergency, if unable to reach parent, contact)
Name: ______Relationship ______Phone: ______
Name: ______Relationship ______Phone: ______
MEDICAL HISTORYDoes your child have any history of problems with the following?
Yes No Yes No Yes No
______Asthma ______Sleep walking ______Allergy to Insect Stings
______Seizures ______Bed wetting ______Environmental Allergies
______Diabetes ______Heart Problem ______Strenuous Exercise
______Orthopedic ______Kidney Disorder ______Blood Disorder
______Hearing loss ______Vision loss ______Sickle Cell Disease
______Surgery/fractures ______Frequent Nosebleeds
Please explain if you checked yes for any of the above: ______
Is your child under medical care at this time? ____Yes ____No
Name of doctor or clinic: ______
Further comment: ______
Yes No
______Physical Restrictions (explain): ______
______Diet Restrictions (explain):______
______Allergies to medications or food (explain):______
______Approved Media Release Form on file at school.
MEDICATIONSIs your child on any kind of medication? ____Yes ____No
If so, what? ______
For what condition? ______
The OEC nurse cannot administer prescribed medication without your physician’s written approval.
(COMPLETE HISD’S PHYSICIAN’S AUTHORIZATION TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION FORM)
· Please inform the school nurse if your child takes overnight or non-school medication.
· All medication must be given to and held by the OEC nurse who will administer medications according to the written directions.
· All medications must be in original pharmacy containers.
· At the OEC, students are not permitted to have any medication in their possession.
· The OEC nurse has certain over-the-counter medications which can be administered if circumstances warrant. My child may NOT have the following medication (please check):
___ Tylenol ® ___ Cough Medicine ___ Antacid ___ Sudafed ® ___ Benadryl® ___ Ibuprofen
School Nurse Initials ______
My child has permission to attend the outdoor education center and to engage in all activities. In case of medical emergency, I understand I will be notified as soon as possible. I give my permission for HISD staff to transport my child to a hospital or medical office if necessary. Parents are responsible for all medical bills incurred as a result of personal illness or injury of a child. (WARNING: UNDER TEXAS LAW (CHAPTER 87, CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE), AN EQUINE PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM INHERENT RISK OF EQUINE ACTIVITIES.SIGNED: ______DATE: ______
HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER (OEC)
PHYSICIAN'S REQUEST FOR ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
AT THE OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER (OEC)
PARENTS:
IF YOUR CHILD TAKES ANY MEDICATION, YOUR PHYSICIAN MUST COMPLETE THIS FORM. THE OEC NURSE CAN NOT ADMINISTER THE MEDICATION TO YOUR CHILD WITHOUT THIS APPROVAL. PLEASE BE CERTAIN TO INCLUDE EMERGENCY AND DOCTOR’S PHONE NUMBERS ON THIS FORM. IF YOU CHECKED “YES” TO ANY OF THE MEDICAL PROBLEMS LISTED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS FORM, PLEASE INCLUDE SUFFICIENT EXPLANATION TO ASSIST THE OEC NURSE.
NAME OF STUDENT: ______
IT IS NECESSARY THAT THE FOLLOWING MEDICATION BE GIVEN DURING THE FOUR-DAY, THREE-NIGHT OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAM THAT THIS CHILD WILL BE ATTENDING IN TRINITY, TEXAS. THE PARENT KNOWS OF THIS REQUEST AND IS IN FULL AGREEMENT THAT THIS MEDICATION WILL BE SUPPLIED BY THE OEC NURSE AS DIRECTED.
IF A CHILD HAS EVEN MILD ASTHMA, THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT OF THE OEC COULD AGGRAVATE THAT CONDITION. CHILDREN SHOULD TAKE THEIR ASTHMA MEDICATION AND/OR INHALER WITH THEM AS PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN BELOW.
THE OEC NURSE MAY NOT DISPENSE VITAMINS TO A CHILD WITHOUT A PHYSICIAN’S PRESCRIPTION.
MEDICATION / DOSAGE / SCHEDULESHOULD THE STUDENT SHOW ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE MEDICATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARENT OR MY OFFICE.
SYMPTOMS:
IF AVAILABLE: HEALTH INSURANCE/MEDICAID INFORMATION
CARRIER:
POLICY #:
STUDENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY #:
PHYSICIAN'S SIGNATURE: ______DATE: ______
TELEPHONE: ______
PARENT SIGNATURE ______
Información para los padres
Campamento OLYMPIA Fechas en que se asiste 3/8/11
Estimados padres:
Su hijo ha sido invitado a participar a participar en una experiencia única en el Centro Educativo al Aire Libre (Outdoor Education Center), dirigido por HISD en los campamentos Forest Glen y Olimpia. Estos se encuentran a las orillas del Lago Livingston a 90 millas al norte de Houston, cerca de la Ciudad de Trinity. Su hijo estará en uno de estos dos centros por un período de tres o cuatro días y dos o tres noches. La escuela les informará a cuál campamento ha sido asignado su hijo. Participarán también en estos campamentos los estudiantes de quinto grado de otras cuatro escuelas de HISD.
Los campamentos Olympia y Forest Glen son instalaciones residenciales completas, con cabañas, comedores y clínicas. Cada instalación tiene una enfermera de guardia. Además, su hijo será supervisado constantemente por un adulto del personal. Dicha supervisión incluye las horas de la noche.
El Centro Educativo al Aire Libre ha sido parte del programa Magnet desde 1975. Tiene una larga historia de programas seguros y excitantes. Los alumnos participarán en varias actividades prácticas que les permitirán aprender conceptos ecológicos que promueven la preocupación por el medioambiente y la interacción positiva entre un diverso grupo de estudiantes. Varias actividades, como estudios de estanques, caminatas en la naturaleza y proyectos de conservación son combinadas con otras actividades de recreo, tales como paseos en canoas, equitación y cocina al aire libre. Este programa tiene un papel importante en nuestra principal meta de preparar a futuros ciudadanos que participen activamente en su comunidad.
Para facilitar la participación de su hijo en este programa es necesario completar el formulario de autorización a participación y de información médica que les enviamos adjunto. Por favor, envíenlo de regreso a la escuela de su hijo. Si no completan y envían este documento, su hijo no podrá participar en este programa. Si el alumno toma cualquier tipo de medicamento, deberán entregar junto a la autorización, un formulario con instrucciones médicas para la administración del medicamento.
Esperamos que su hijo participe en el Programa de Educación al Aire Libre, ya que sabemos que será una experiencia muy provechosa y estimulante, tanto en el ámbito personal como en el educativo.
Cordialmente,
Personal del Centro Educativo al Aire Libre
Es norma del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Houston no discriminar en sus programas y actividades educativos y de empleo debido a la edad, color, minusvalidez o discapacidad, ascendencia, nacionalidad, estado civil, raza, religión, sexo, ser veterano de guerra o por su afiliación política.
Visitas al Centro Educativo al Aire Libre
Forest Glen – www.hisdoec.com Olympia – www.hisdoec.com
• ¿Cómo llegan los niños hasta al Centro Educativo al Aire Libre?
HISD provee transporte en autobús. Los estudiantes salen desde su escuela aproximadamente a las 8:30 a.m., acompañados por personal adulto de dicho colegio. El día de regreso, los estudiantes salen del Centro Educativo al Aire Libre (Outdoor Education Center – OEC) después del almuerzo y llegan a la escuela antes del final del día escolar.
• ¿Qué necesitan llevar los niños? ¿Qué está prohibido llevar?
OEC provee tres comidas diarias, meriendas, lencería, toallas y otros artículos necesarios para las actividades. Su hijo debe traer los artículos indicados abajo. Debe ponerlos dentro de una funda de almohada y esta a su vez, dentro de una bolsa de plástico con una etiqueta indicando el nombre del estudiante y la escuela. ASEGÚRENSE DE INCLUIR ROPA APROPIADA PARA TODO TIPO DE CLIMA.
TRAER:
Efectos personales
Artículos esenciales Artículos recomendados
Cepillo y pasta de dientes 3 cambios de ropa Ropa para lluvia Linterna
Peine y cepillo 3 cambios de ropa interior y calcetines Pantalones largos Almohada
Pijamas Zapatos deportivos (NO sandalias) Abrigo Repelente de insectos
Sombrero o gorra 1 barra de jabón Toalla Bata
NO SE PERMITE TRAER:
Radio Comida, dulces, golosinas o chicles Dinero Equipo de música CD
Cuchillos o navajas Juguetes, juegos de videos Joyas o artículos de valor Teléfono celular
• Seguridad
Se hace todo esfuerzo posible para proveer un ambiente seguro para los niños. Cada estudiante es asignado a un supervisor adulto (chaperón) que lo acompañará las 24 horas diarias.
• ¿Qué sucede si mi niño se enferma en el centro?
Tenemos a una enfermera de guardia las 24 horas por día. Si su hijo sufre alguna afección médica que requiera que la en la enfermera esté al tanto, indíquelo en el espacio apropiado del formulario de autorización.
• ¿Puedo comunicarme con mi hijo por teléfono cuando esté en OEC?
No es posible para los estudiantes hacer o recibir llamadas en OEC. En situaciones de emergencia, se debe contactar al coordinador OEC del centro asignado a su hijo.
Centro de Educación al Aire Libre Olympia Centro de Educación al Aire Libre Forest Glen
Tom Cosper - 1-800-729-6291 Carol King -936-295-5548
• ¿Pueden los padres visitar los centros?
Sí. Los padres pueden visitar el centro con el consentimiento del director de la escuela pero no pueden pretender visitar al alumno por un tiempo prolongado ya que estará ocupado en varias actividades recreativas y educativas.