Chaperones

Chaperones are an essential part of a successful Parks as Classrooms program. We require at least one chaperone for every ten students. Secure the right amount of chaperones as early as possible, and consider creating a back-up list in case of cancellations. Please review the following rules and suggestions with your chaperones, as well as the safety rules.

The primary responsibility is to ensure that the students are safe and have a meaningful educational experience. Chaperones should be involved actively in keeping the group together and quiet on the trails.

Be prepared to participate in all activities with the group.

Allow the students to learn through trying and asking.

Remember, providing information is not as important as stimulating thinking. If chaperones don't know something, that's okay.

No smoking.

Chaperones, as well as students, must wear long pants, shoes and socks. Please, no sandals, flip-flops or river (raft) shoes.

School Regulations

Follow your school district's requirements for field trips (principal, parental approval, making bus arrangements, etc.).

Pre-Visit Activities

Pre-visit activities prepare students for a more meaningful and rewarding visit to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Review the pre-visit activities and conduct those that your schedule allows. Also, review the list of terms included in this booklet with your students prior to their visit.

Clothing

Review what to bring and what to expect with students and chaperones. Some island trails used during this program may be muddy depending on recent weather patterns. Everyone should wear long pants and shoes that they don't mind getting muddy. Please, no dresses, shorts, heels, sandals, flip-flops, or river (raft) shoes.

Restrooms

Restrooms on Theodore Roosevelt Island are not convenient to the program area. Be sure to give students an opportunity to visit a restroom prior to their visit to the island.

Food and Drink

The memorial area provides a fine setting for lunch following the conclusion of the program. Lunches can be stored on the island during the program, but there is no refrigeration available. Water is available on the island.

Nametags

To enable the Ranger to make the trip more personal for each student, please have students wear nametags on their outermost layer of clothing.

Group Size

Class size is limited to 30 students. Please divide your class into two smaller groups before arriving at the island (they will be split into these groups following the introductory activity). Also, if you further divide these two groups into four equal groups (Discovery Groups), it will add to the efficient flow of the program.

Safety Considerations and Park Guidelines

In order to ensure a safe and rewarding experience, please be sure to review the following guidelines with students and chaperones prior to your visit:

Respect the plants and wildlife. Remember that all plants and animals are protected in national parks.

Respect each other and other trail users. As other visitors will be enjoying the island during our visit, we need to be as quiet and organized as possible. Yelling, running and interrupting or talking over others are examples of inappropriate behavior.

Follow the Ranger. Allow the Ranger to lead the group while hiking on the island. A teacher or chaperone should follow the end of the line.

Post-Visit Activities and Evaluation

The post-visit activities are designed to reinforce and build upon the knowledge gained in the park. Review these activities and conduct those which you feel would best benefit your class. We encourage you to complete and return the Program Evaluation Form. Your comments will assist us in expanding and improving this program.