LOS
ANGELES
COUNTY
OUTDOOR
SCIENCE
SCHOOL
Attending LACOSS
- Who can come?
- How does a school sign up?
- What must the school provide?
- How do I find more information?
Who can
come?
The Outdoor Science School program is offered by
the Los Angeles County of Education to fifth or sixth grade
students from any public school or district within Los
Angeles County. Private schools and schools outside of Los
Angeles County may also attend.
Some teachers bring just the students from their own class. Many schools send almost all of the fifth or sixth grade students at the school. A few districts send almost every fifth or sixth grader in their district.
How
does a school sign up?
It's very likely we will be able to find a place
for you on our calendar, especially if you have a small
group or are flexible regarding dates and sites. The master
calendar is coordinated by Laura Castrellon at the Los
Angeles County Office of Education. To inquire about
available openings, you can contact Laura or any of the site
directors. To make a reservation, contact Laura at (562)
922-6330.
The sign up period for the following school year always begins in March. Returning schools can call during their assigned week based on seniority. For example, during the first week of March the Priority 1 schools can call to reserve a week. Priority 1 schools are those who have been attending LACOSS continuously for 14 years or more. The Priority 2 schools (9-13 years) can call to reserve a spot during the second week of March. Priority 3 schools (4-8 years) can call on the third week, and Priority 4 schools (1-3 years) on the fourth week. After the fourth week of March, the priority sign up period ends and any school can call at any time to reserve an opening.
What
must the school provide?
Cabin Leaders
Schools attending LACOSS provide their own cabin
supervision at a ratio of about 1 to 10. For example, if you
are bringing 40 boys and 47 girls, you also need to bring at
least four male and five female cabin leaders. Most schools
select students from the local high school to be cabin
leaders. Schools are not charged for cabin leaders unless
they bring more than are needed.
Classroom Teachers
Each school attending needs to provide credentialed
teachers at a ratio of about one per class size (30-35). For
example, if 87 students are attending, you would send at
least three classroom teachers. Our trained outdoor science
teachers provide all the science instruction, but the
classroom teachers have a role as well. One of their roles
is assisting with health care in the infirmary, though some
schools bring along a school nurse to coordinate health
care. We do not charge for classroom teachers or health care
personnel who attend, unless you bring more than needed.
Logistical Preparations
Many elements need to come together to make your week at
Outdoor Science School spectacular. Several of these involve
preparations prior to your arrival. There are tasks such as
informing parents about the trip, collecting permission
slips and health forms, organizing fundraising events,
making sure the students know what to bring, ordering
busses, and many other tasks to complete. Most schools
assemble a team of people (teachers, parents, principal,
secretary, etc.) to help with the pre-trip logistics.
Transportation
Each school provides their own transportation to the
Outdoor Science School site. Remember to add your
transportation cost to the cost of attendance.
Payment
For the 2008/2009 school year, the cost per student is
$265, and includes food, lodging, lesson materials, and all
instruction from Monday morning through Friday morning.
There are a few 4-day weeks scattered throughout the year
due to legal holidays. The cost per student for a 4-day week
is $232.
How do I
find more information?
If you have more questions, please don't hesitate
to contact us either at the
school sites or at the L.A. County Office of Education.
|
Attending |
© LACOSS, 2008
Last Revised: September 15, 2008
Comments or Questions? webmaster@OutdoorScienceSchool.org