Student Rights & Behavior

Behavioral Standards
The Outdoor Education program is a part of the public school system; hence, there are rules and regulations. Outdoor Education rules are based on the idea that we wish to respect and protect the participants and the environment. Each student has an opportunity to attend the program, but no student has the right to interfere with another's enjoyment of the program.
A more complete listing of the program rules is included with the material sent home with your child. Please review them with your child. Your cooperation and support of these rules will enhance everyone's opportunity for an enjoyable week at Outdoor Education.
Outdoor Education Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Each student has the right to feel safe and respected. Therefore, each student has the responsibility to be respectful towards everyone. No one should be made to feel uncomfortable or threatened.
- Each student has the right to enjoy the outdoors and the facilities at Outdoor Education. Therefore, each student has the responsibility to take care of the natural environment and to maintain the facilities.
- Each student has the right to learn and enjoy the activities. Therefore, each student has the responsibility to safely participate in activities, follow all directions, and allow others the opportunity to learn.
Specific Outdoor Education Rules
- Stay with an adult leader at all times.
- Cooperate with your leader and follow all directions.
- Respect all students and staff members. Avoid using put-downs, name calling, or hurting other people's feelings.
- Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Fighting will result in being sent home.
- Respect others' belongings. Avoid touching others' hats, clothing, sleeping bags, and personal belongings.
- Avoid using foul and inappropriate language and gestures.
- If you have a disagreement with someone, find a way to talk it out peacefully.
- Stay on the trails and behind your leader.
- Avoid running unless it is part of an activity.
- Participate only in safe and supervised activities. Avoid jumping on beds, pillow fighting, rough housing, or play fighting.
- Enter only the cabin to which you are assigned.
- Leave sticks, rocks, and other objects on the ground.
- Keep noise moderate, and respect cabin quiet hours.
- Leave all food items, money, knives, and electrical devices at home.
- Allow plants and animals to remain undisturbed by people.
Consequences
Fighting or cabin raiding will result in students being sent home. Prohibited items such as food, money, knives, or electronics will be collected at the beginning of the week. When students break any of the above rules, they will be referred to the principal's office. The following steps will be taken:
- A behavioral contract will be made, and recreation time will be missed.
- Another contract will be made. Teachers and parents will be notified. Recreation time and a major activity will be missed.
- Parents or guardians will be contacted to pick up their child.
Note: Major rule infractions such as pushing, fighting, and sexual harassment may result in the student receiving an immediate second or third referral.
© 2019 San Mateo Outdoor Education