Grand Canyon Adventure

CTA--Freedom

4th Grade

Ms. Ahearn, Mr. Cederstrom,

Mrs. Marxman, Mrs. Minnick, Ms. Cook

May 3, 2013

The Purpose of the Visit

The fourth grade Social Studies curriculum is based on the history, geography, and culture of our state, Arizona. As teachers, we strive to find ways for our students to connect what they are learning in the classroom to the real world. This year we are pleased to announce a field trip to Grand Canyon National Park. While at the Canyon, students will be participating in a ranger-led program titled Grand Canyon Rocks. We will be hiking along the rim with National Park Rangers, and through hands-on activities we will discover the geologic process that formed Grand Canyon. Through this adventure, we will be meeting the following fourth grade objectives:

Science

Understand the processes acting on the Earth and their interaction with the Earth systems. (erosion, deposition, weather, atmospheric conditions, and evidence of change)

Social Studies

Analyze locations, regions, and spatial connections, recognizing the natural and cultural process that impact the way in which people and societies live and interact with each other and their environment.

Dates and Times

Date / Class
Friday, May 3, 2013 / All 4th grade classes

Departing from and arriving back at Freedom

All students must be at school by 4:00 a.m. for a 4:30 departure. Yes, this is EARLY, however, we have a long drive ahead of us. The students will arrive back at Freedom at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Note:Parents are required to stay at Freedom until the bus departs and be here promptly to pick up your child upon our return from the Canyon.

Schedule

All classes will observe the following schedule:

Time / Activity
4:00 AM
4:30 departure / Students arrive at Freedom and begin loading buses
9:00 AM / Arrive at the Canyon- 1st group begins Grand Canyon Rocks Program, 2nd Group explores the Canyon as a class
11:30 AM / Lunch
1:00 PM / 2nd Group begins Grand Canyon Rocks Program, 1st Group explores the Canyon as a class
3:30 PM / Leave the Canyon
5:00 PM / Stop in Flagstaff for dinner
8:30 PM / Arrive back at Freedom

What to Bring

The following items are not optional according to the Grand Canyon rangers. These items are requiredfor student safety. If you have difficulty finding any item below, please contact your child’s teacher. It was stated that the number one oversight by visitors from the Valley is lack of proper clothing for the ever-changing weather conditions!

-Warm jacket, preferably one that is water resistant

-Comfortable walking shoes and socks absolutely no sandals or opened-toed shoes are allowed

-Dress in layers (The average high in May is 60o.)

-Jean or pants--No shorts

-Simple sack lunch (with a bag that can be tossed)--No glass containers or tupperware

-At least 1 liter of water ~ disposable container (water bottles can be refilled at water stations)

-Backpack (no wheels)

-Notebook and pencil will be provided

The following items are optional, but recommended:

-Money to purchase something at the gift store (no more than $10)

-Pillow for the long bus ride

-Camera with name on it (disposable recommended)

-Hat, gloves, poncho/plastic bag

-Wear school t-shirt as one layer (over a long sleeved shirt)

Food

Breakfast-

Due to guidelines on tax credits and school funding, we are unable to purchase items for breakfast. We are asking for donations of snack items for the trip up to the Canyon. A donation letter will be sent in the middle of April.

Lunch-

Each child will need to bring a sack lunch. Please make sure that the food is packed in easily recycled containers. The Grand Canyon does not allow glass containers. Please pack food that does not need to be kept cool, as we will not be taking ice chests. Due to our early departure time, school sack lunches are unavailable. Pack your child’s lunch in a labeled paper or plastic bag that will remain in their backpack until lunch time.

Dinner-

We are asking for each child to bring $7.00 for dinner. This money needs to be given to your child’s teacher with the permission slip. We will be stopping at McDonalds in Flagstaff, and students will be allowed to purchase their dinner. We ask for the money to be given to the teacher so that the students aren’t tempted to spend it at the Grand Canyon. If you would prefer to send a dinner with your child, please be sure to pack it in a separate bag and label it dinner and include your child’s name.

Emergency Contacts

School Contact
**After Hours / During the school day : Susan Moresco 480-224-2607
(7:30am – 4:30)
Tony Smith 480-224-2619 4:30am-7:30am / 4:30pm-midnight
Grand Canyon / 1-928-638-7662

On the attached permission slip, parents must provide an emergency contact number that can/will be answered at any time during the duration of the field trip. A child without an emergency contact number will not be allowed on the trip.

Transportation

We will be taking district-approved charter buses to the Grand Canyon. While on the buses, students can sleep, read a book, work on a grade-level provided puzzle packet, or watch a movie that we will provide. Students may not bring I-Pods, cell phones, or video games. etc. The following G-rated movies may be shown on the bus:

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Herbie Fully Loaded, The Fox and the Hound, Cars, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo

Forms to Fill Out

At the end of this packet are the forms that need to be filled out for your child to attend. Please return all forms to your child’s teacher by Friday, April 5, 2013.

Field Trip Permission form, including contact numbers and medical info/CUSD

Students Opting Out

If a child decides not to join Freedom on this trip, it is expected that s/he will still attend school on the day of their class field trip. Arrangements will be made for your child to join another class and participate in the daily routine and assignments. It is important to let your classroom teacher know if your child is opting not to go on the trip.

*Please be sure to include $7.00 for dinner with the permission slip form.*