Reply #3: Standard form, I would guess.

[demmiblue]

The school system always has to cover themselves for liability reasons. I.e. you never know what can happen, even with the most vigilant over site. Most teachers are hyper aware in these situations, but things happen.

I remember when my child was little... I had the same misgivings! SCARY, to say the least. My advice would be to offer to be a chaperon on the field trip, if you are able. If you can't, is there another parent who is chaperoning that you can trust? If so, explain to the teacher your misgivings and ask for your child to be placed in her/his care while at the zoo.

However, if you are not comfortable with the situation at all, you should follow your own intuition. It may be momentarily hard for your child, but you can always offer to take him/her on a different day (with a group of friends would be even better!).

Best wishes... I know you are between a rock and a hard place!

:hug: