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 class. Many schools send almost all of the fifth or sixth grade students at the school. A few districts send every fifth or sixth grader in their district.
How
does a school sign up?
The master calendar is coordinated by Mimi Small
at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. You can
contact her at (562) 922-6334 to reserve a week.
The sign up period for the following school year always begins in March. Returning schools can call Mimi 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, schools who wish to attend for the first time (and any who forgot to call during their week) can call to reserve a spot.
Even if you missed the spring sign up period, we still may be able to fit you into the schedule, especially if you have a small group and/or are flexible with dates and/or sites. You can contact Mimi or any of the site directors to find out about available space on the calendar.
What
must the school provide?
Cabin Leaders
Schools attending LACOSS need to provide their own cabin
supervision at a ratio of 1 to 10. For example, if you are
bringing 40 boys and 47 girls, you would also need to bring
at least four male and five female cabin leaders. Most
schools select students from the local high school to serve
as 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 you are sending 87 students, you would also 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. There is no charge for classroom teachers or health
care personnel who attend, unless you bring more than
needed.
Logistical Preparations
There are many elements that 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 attending needs to provide their own
transportation to the Outdoor Science School site. Remember
to add your transportation cost to the cost of
attendance.
Payment
For the 2007/2008 school year, the cost per student is
$245. This 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 $216.
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, 2007
Last Revised: September 24, 2007
Comments or Questions? webmaster@OutdoorScienceSchool.org