Field Trips
Fourth graders at McGrath Elementary take part in two big field trips each year, while fifth graders have one large trip at the end of the year.
Fourth Grade Field Trips
Our first trip comes in late fall as we travel to Lansing. Students visit our state Capitol building, taking a tour along the glass floor in the rotunda, visiting the governor’s office, and watching the House or Senate, if in session. In the past, we’ve seen the Senate vote on and approve a bill to limit the sale of sugary food in schools.
Students also take a tour of the Michigan Historical Museum, which is a good review of what they’ve learned about Michigan history in third grade.
McGrath has journeyed to the Straits of Mackinaw for the last several years. We visit Colonial Fort Michilimackinac, ferry over to Mackinac Island, tour and eat at the Grand Hotel, take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the island, visit Fort Mackinac, and shop in the city. Get more information about the trip by visiting the Mackinac Trip page, updated as trip planning progresses.
Due to a cost of approximately $100 per student, this trip requires a lot of fundraising or donations. You can prepare for this trip by setting aside $15 per month. By the time April comes around, you’ll have the trip funds already saved, without really noticing the missing $15 per month.
Fifth Grade Field Trips
Fifth Grade Camp is the large, year-end field trip for fifth grade. It is a two-day, overnight trip. The cost includes all meals and activities. Visit the Camp page for more details.
Other Trips
McGrath fourth graders also take a couple trips just for fun and team-building, including a roller skating trip to Roll Haven just before school ends for the summer. Fifth graders have also had smaller year-end trips, including team building activities from Base Camp.
Room 130 fourth and fifth graders also take one additional field trip in the spring to perform a Poetry Slam at Border’s Book Store on Miller Road in Flint Township. There, we read poetry we write in the spring to shoppers, friends and family members in the Borders Cafe.
Chaperones
We always need chaperones for field trips, usually about six adults for each trip. Chaperones are permitted to ride the buses, but must pay for any admissions.
Additionally, to ensure the safety of all students, Grand Blanc Schools asks for each chaperone or classroom volunteer fill out a Volunteer Information Profile (PDF). This form is used to complete a background check. You can download and print the Volunteer Information Profile (PDF). Please note that a copy of your driver’s license is needed to complete the form.
If you would like to chaperone for any of these field trips, contact me using the form below:
Resources:
This page last updated October 21, 2011 @ 4:21 pm.
