Draft: May 18, 2011

POLICY
BALTIMORE CITY
OFFICEOF LEARNING TO WORK

GREAT KIDS FARM SCHOOL VISITS

I. Purpose
To ensure all students receive a positive experience at Great Kids Farm that enhances their academic
studies through hands-on exploration.

II. Definitions
Great Kids Farm- An outdoor learning laboratory that serves as an extension of the classroom
allowing Baltimore City Public Schools’ students to connect classroom curriculum to the world
around them through hands-on, real world experiences

Teacher – Person who is responsible for the safety and discipline of students while attending a visit to
Great Kids Farm

Chaperone – Person who is assisting the teacher in ensuring the safety and discipline of students
while attending a visit to Great Kids Farm

III. Guidelines
A. The organizing teacher is required to review this document and all materials associated with
visiting Great Kids Farm with school based staff including administration, teachers,
chaperones, parents and students prior to the scheduled visit.

B. Expectations

i. Students are expected to arrive at Great Kids Farm prepared and ready to engage in
activities that will strengthen their understanding of academic topics.

ii. Students will follow the rules of Great Kids Farm and the directions given by Great
Kids Farm staff to ensure a positive and safe learning environment for themselves
and their peers.

iii. Students will be supervised by school personnel at all times.

iv. Discipline of students will solely rest with the teachers and chaperones under the
supervision of the Great Kids Farm Educator

Great Kids Farm · Baltimore City Public Schools · 6601 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228
www.greatkidsfarm.org · 410-744-5381

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 Draft: May 18, 2011

C. Safe conduct of students at Great Kids Farm

i. Upon arrival to Great Kids Farm, Students, Teachers and Chaperones will be
provided with a review of the policies, behavior expectations and their consequences.

ii. If a student(s)is not abiding by said rules, teachers will be required to disciple the
student(s).

iii. In the event students are not responsive to where a safety hazard exits, students and
teachers will be directed to stop all activities, and Great Kids Farm Staff will conduct
an additional safety brief. After a set amount of time, activities may resume.
However, if the questionable behaviors continue, teachers will be directed to return
students to their schools.

iv. In the event of individual noncompliance to instructions and protocols, teachers will
be instructed to address the individual student with the expectation of correcting the
behavior. If the behavior persists, the student, accompanied by a teacher, will meet
with Great Kids Farm staff to review the policies and expectations of the farm. If
there is a third offense, the student will be dismissed from all farm activities.

D. Teacher Responsibilities

i. Teachers are expected to engage students in pre and post visit activities that will
strengthen comprehension of addressed topics.

ii. Teachers are required to complete the following paperwork and submit it to the Great
Kids Farm Educator upon arrival:

1. A complete roster of students in attendance

2. A signed copy of the Great Kids Farm permission slip for every student in
attendance

3. Medical conditions including allergies, physical limitations, and an

emergency contact name and number for every student in attendance

iii. All teachers are required to possess a copy of an emergency contact card that
designates a person to be contacted in the event of an emergency or asked to leave as
a consequence for behavior issues for every student they are supervising.

iv. During the visit at Great Kids Farm, teachers are required to supervise students at all
times and never leave them unaccompanied

E. Chaperone Responsibilities

Great Kids Farm · Baltimore City Public Schools · 6601 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228
www.greatkidsfarm.org · 410-744-5381

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 Draft: May 18, 2011

i. Great Kids Farm requires one actively engaged adult to accompany every five
students ages Pre K to third grade or every ten students grades four through
twelve.

ii. Chaperones are expected to be actively engaged in the content matter and supervise
and discipline students as needed

iii. Chaperones are not permitted to use cell phones, MP3 players, and other
electronics with the exception of cameras while they are accompanying students
at Great Kids Farm.

F. In the event of an emergency, the Great Kids Farm Staff will do the following:

i. Assess the situation and contact 911

ii. Clear an area for emergency personnel access

iii. Supervise all visitors throughout the emergency

iv. Document the incident

G. In the event of an emergency, Teachers and Chaperones will do the following:

i. Continue to supervise students

ii. Designate one person to remain with injured/misbehaving student at all times

iii. Contact school based administration

iv. Contact the parent of said student

v. Complete incident report

vi. If this is a behavioral incident, teachers will complete a referral for adjudication and
provide documentation to Great Kids Farm including final disposition

Great Kids Farm · Baltimore City Public Schools · 6601 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228
www.greatkidsfarm.org · 410-744-5381

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