Overnight program�School Orientation
REV 8.2024
Welcome back!
Provide an overview of how to plan and prepare for the smoothest outdoor ed experience ever!
WEBSITE
Foothill Campus–Photos of all buildings, google earth Campus tour
Outdoor Ed:
Emailed to your administrator
Paper packets coming at your school!
School Reservation forms
Don’t have your paper packet or email, find your school Reservation form here
STEP BY STEP PLANNING
A Parent Shadow/designee/School staff member is required for students with | An aide or Parent Shadow/ designee may be required for students with | |
MEDICAL/ PHYSICAL
| BEHAVIOR CONCERNS
|
Students who need academic support at school, will not need academic support at Foothill. The hands on learning environment and use of realia are intrinsically engaging and meet the needs of most learners. |
If the school provides support at school, the school must provide the same support at Foothill Horizons
OPTIONS FOR SUPPORT Below are some options for supporting students with special needs.
· Parent Shadow or designee attends. A Parent Shadow can sleep in a separate area from the dorms in a room call the Nest. We only have 1 Nest. When we have more than 1 Parent Shadow, they may be sleeping in the dorms with students. See Parent Shadow information on website on Forms and Resources page
· Paraprofessional attends, sleeps in the dorms with the child or in the Teacher Retreat. A para may not sleep in the Nest alone with a student. See Para information on the website on Forms and Resources page
· Paraprofessional supports during normal school hours. Parent shadow supports at night (often done if parent cannot attend during day and provides extra care at night).
· Student attends with para or Parent Shadow for just 1 day, usually middle day—often done for students who may be overwhelmed by staying overnight or will be at risk for hurting themselves or others or eloping.
· For more than 1 special education student or a student at risk of hurting themselves or others, we strongly recommend that the special education teacher or other certificated staff member attend to assist with determining when a child is unable to safely participate.
STUDENTS WHO ARE DEEMED UNSAFE OR UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE BY FOOTHILL HORIZONS STAFF, CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND PARAPROFESSIONALS WILL BE SENT HOME.
Due the length of the program, increased risks of being outside in nature, and the needs of other students, students who pose a harm to themselves or others
will be sent home. This action may or may not be disciplinary. Paraprofessionals, parent shadows and teachers are intended to be preventative. All students are subject to the disciplinary guidelines of Foothill Horizons, especially those related to student safety.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A PARENT SHADOW or DESIGNEE see Parent Shadow information on website on Forms and Resources page
1. Be a parent/guardian, parent designee or school district designee, including finger printing services with the district
2. Qualify as a volunteer or staff at the school
3. Be thoroughly familiar with the student’s specific medical condition and administration of required medications
4. Be trained in the provision for any specialized medical care or emergency care
5. Be physically able and willing to accompany the student on all hikes and activities from 7 am to 9:30 pm
6. Supervise student on campus when the student cannot participate in activities
7. Be on campus for 24 hours a day in the event a student has a medical need. This may involve sleeping in a dormitory with other students or in separate quarters
8. Monitor and adjust food intake as needed. Bring food to supplement the menu if a special diet is required.
9. Follow all campus rules of behavior. For example, no smoking, no cell phone calls, etc…
10. Work with the Foothill Horizons Outdoor School staff to ensure a safe and educational experience for the student
We will work with each school to provide alternate sleeping, showering or changing options
For full policy see Forms and Resources page, policies
STEP BY STEP PLANNING
If someone has a communicable disease
More links:
“Every kids needs a week of fun and not knowing that they are learning”
-Jana Lee-sixth grade teacher
Monthly zooms with spanish language option for families
Next one Feb 10 6 pm –
https://www.foothillhorizons.com/
What is new for ‘24-’25
•We will no longer be prorating invoices for students who attend only part of the time.
•Finalize your school roster the day before attending. We will invoice schools for the number of students on the School Roster on the business day prior to attending.
•Register your school's Outdoor Education Coordinator, teachers and more! We want everyone's contact to start the year off. https://forms.gle/hAR4pFCyFSbQFcBN9
Reminders from prior years
•Showers are optional. Students can wear bathing suits too!
•Med forms due 3 weeks in advance with other forms.
•Pre-trip Zooms! Teachers and school staff will meet with Foothill staff via zoom three weeks prior
Transportation
Transportation times will be confirmed 2-weeks prior to your departure.
Showers
Student showers will be optional. Showers will be scheduled for each dorm and supervised by Teachers or Foothill staff. Students will be encouraged to change in their dorm rooms between bunks, under their blankets and to bring robes/ large towels.
Students can wear bathing suits!
SEE Outdoor School Information
More information about Teachers Roles and Responsibilities on our website Teacher and Nurses page
Questions?