CHESAPEAKE
The Great Bridge High School marching band can travel to Florida to perform in the Orlando Citrus Parade and in Disney World's parade down Main Street, but students won't be allowed on the rides, school officials say.
The Great Bridge band has played in both parades over winter break every four years, for the past 16 years. Their performance in the Citrus Parade is broadcast on national television.
But parents say when they applied earlier this year for a field-trip permit for the students, it was denied. Band members and their parents said they were told again last week that the trip was off.
The rejection had been based on a school division rule put in place in 2006 that bans trips to amusement parks and water parks, school spokesman Tom Cupitt said.
The rule was in response to incidents that happened elsewhere in which students were injured on park rides, he said.
Cupitt said school division officials have now decided to allow the band members to travel and perform, provided they don't go on any of the park's rides.
"They can do it, as long as once they're done with the performance, they get back on the bus and go to the hotel," Cupitt said.
He said the school division is concerned that there may not be enough supervision for the 159 students signed up for the trip. Between 35 and 40 people have volunteered to go as chaperones, trip organizers said.
Band parent Robin Berens said Wednesday that no one involved with the band had been informed of the latest change.
Whether just being allowed to make the trip is enough for students and their parents remains to be seen. Some plan to take their concerns to the School Board at its Aug. 25 meeting.
For seniors in the band, four years of work, including daily after-school practices in the fall and daylong sessions of band camp during the summer, build up to the Disney World trip, said senior Geoff Smith, who plays the trumpet.
Students, and even some parents, have worked part-time jobs to help pay for the trip, he said.
"It was my light at the end of the tunnel, my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow," he said. "You're going to take a bunch of high school students during Christmas and New Year's Eve to Disney World, and tell them they can't go on any rides?"
"It would still be fun," he said. "But it wouldn't be the same."
Alicia Wittmeyer, (757) 222-5216, alicia.wittmeyer@pilotonline.com
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Why Not?
I don't understand why it's OK to let the wrestling team go to Las Vegas and "really have a good time" and the marching band can't ride a roller coaster? Go investigate that trip and you will be surprised at what all went on!
I do think it's time for all officials on the school board to either step down or stop sitting on opportunities that open the door to our community.
The band was invited last year to Beijing, China as part of the Olympics opening ceremony, but the school board said NO! What IDIOTS! The band was one of only 6 bands from the United States to be invited! Imagine the publicity they could have brought to our little town!
I'm DONE!
Marching Wildcats
As the parent of a recently graduated Great Bridge Marching Wildcat, I am saddened by the recent decision of the Chesapeake School Adminstration to allow the students to march in two parades in Orlando, but to prevent them from enjoying the rides while there. The repeated invitation for Great Bridge to participate in these parades is an honor and highlights the consistency and quality of the band program at the school. Marching band members practice with a dedication that rivals that of any sports team, but in addition, they and their parents work tirelessly to raise funds to support the program and its ancillary activities such as the purchase of musical instruments, guest performers and trips. Thus, the funding for the trip to the parade is completely financed by the students and parents. I can understand the administration's desire to provide a safe environment for all students, bu
Give it up!
I spoke to a school board member who quoted the school board's attorney as saying "releases are not worth the paper they're printed on!" This trip is a huge, unnecessary liability issue. Reagardless of how many people show up to the next board meeting and complain, the bottom line is that the board will go into a closed session to be briefed on all possible legal ramifications. Afterward, the decision to deny the trip will be upheld. They are not going to budge, not because they do not care about the kids or parents, but because they can not assume the liability. Save your breath and don't waste your time. It is a done deal! A multi-million dollar lawsuit would cripple the already underfunded school budget. The board's decision, although unpopular, is prudent.
Wow
I graduated from Great Bridge High in 2004, and I was in the Marching Wildcats the whole time I was there. Mr. Carroll is an awesome director and because of his experience, I am sure that allowing the band to continue the tradition that we have upheld for so long would not cause any problems for Chesapeake Public Schools. I don't understand how you can compare a trip to Disney to other amusement parks. Let's look at how many people come to Disney each year and how many are actually hurt? It is not fair to assume that there aren't enough adults to watch these kids. They are in High School now it's not like they are too young to handle themselves. There are plenty of wonderful band parents, just like there have always been, to watch over the already hard working, mature bad students at an amusement park. This is Disney, not some carnival ride. I'd be more afraid to go to the Chesapeake Jubilee and I bet half
What a concept!
Our church's academy took the seniors on a missions trip to France this summer. A few kids, regrettably, did not meet the academic and disciplinary standards they were given, up front, to meet and did not get to go. I love private schools--they don't have to rewrite the rules or make an exception every time someone falls short of the standards. Cheers, MGM, who knows a senior class can go abroad for a week and a half without incident!
GB Band
Here is the list of Chesapeake School Board Members. They are responsible for the rule-making for the Chesapeake Public School System. This decision and other decisions go beyond common sense. We have to start holding our public officials accountable through the election process. For me, I am voting against each and every one 2010/2012.
Dr. Sheila G. Hill-Russ - email: hillshg@cps.k12.va.us
Mr. Harry A. Murphy - email: murphhaa@cps.k12.va.us
Mr. C. Jeff Bunn - email: bunnchj@cps.k12.va.us
Mrs. Barbara Head - email: headbab@cps.k12.va.us
Mrs. Brenda J. Johnson - email: johnsbrj@cps.k12.va.us
Mr. Jay Leftwich - email: leftwja@cps.k12.va.us
Mr. Thomas L. Mercer - email: mercethm@cps.k12.va.us
Mrs. Christina F. Pullen - no email, 549-0268 (H)
Mr. Michael J. Woods - email: woodsmij@cps.k12.va.us
How about wrestling?
If we are worried about kids getting hurt...we MUST put an end to high school wrestling. Oh, but wait, if we terminate wrestling, Great Bridge High School would surely close! Come on school board...do you have the guts to also shut down wrestling, football, and basketball?
What a JOKE
When I read this article I just had to laugh. Another boneheaded move by the Chesapeake Public School System. I have friends in the Chesapeake School System and I always hear how incompetent the leadership there is. Just look at the Administrative positions (Superintendent, Asst. Superintendent, etc..). Everyone was born and bread in the city. Talking about the same old ideas over and over again. I can see however, being an administrator myself in a different school system, why the School Board is canceling these types of trips. My MOTTO is "Children First"; Think about the kids and the hard work they put into a parade like this. They deserve the joy of going on a ride at Disney world. I honestly don't have the words to describe further feelings about this because this case is so asinine.
The real problem
The real problem here is that a school regulation has been established and needs to be followed. For whatever reason, the administration made a determination of what they thought was best. I've been in school administration before, and many decisions are difficult to deal with, and when parents who don't always understand every detail they create problems. It is part of the learning environment to follow policies and procedures, as these students will always have policies in the work world they must abide by that they don't always understand. The parents should support the policies of the administration and teach their children to do the same. If they don't agree to policy then don't go on the trip, arrange your own trip, or find another school to send the children to. We have too many winey children and parents today that think the world revolves around them and their wants/rights. That
Lets put them all in a bubble at birth.
Granted I graduated from H.S. in 1965. I've played sports, played in the band and been on amusements and am still alive today without any lawsuits against anyone. I also work where we train police recruits. It amazes' me how many adult men that want to be police officers never played an organized sport, never been in the military, never been in a fight, never climbed a wall, fence or tree, etc.etc. Just what the heck are you parents/leaders of kids today trying to do by overly protecting them to where they can't even go on amusements at Disney world. Just what have these kids really learned the first 18 years of their life? This is sad, very sad.
not the park, its the kids
I think what they are trying to say and can't is that they don't trust the kids and don't want the liability. And in a sense, I can see their point. The boy who was decapitated at six flags this year was not following the ride guidelines. Unfortunately for those teens who abide all the rules have to suffer because of a handful of students that can not be trusted to abide all of those rules. And Lord knows the teachers are not allowed to make a few unruly ones have to stay home. I was in band in HS and went on one of those trips. The actions of a few ruined the trip for the majority because of the way they acted. It is very unfortunate! Organizations are just going to decide they don't need the liability.
As a parent of a GBMW
As an active parent of a GBMW, I would like to make one thing clear, it is not the school board that denied the Disney trip, but the administration. As a matter of fact when I spoke to a board member,he said he was not aware of the problem. On Tue., 8/5 at the mandatory parent meeting it was announced by the band director, that the Disney trip was not approved,because it did not adhere to the field trip guidelines-no theme parks. I,myself have chaperoned these fine young adults on many occasions. I have received many compliments from other organizations and even the bus drivers on what a great group of kids they are. I feel proud and privileged when I am escorting these children to events. Let's give these students some positive reinforcement, reward them for their had work and wonderful behavior There are 157 band students at Great Bridge that would be wonderful ambassadors for our city, Chesape
At least let the kids...
... stand in the unending lines to get a feel for the place.
Some parents
Would be the first to push their kids off a ride to be injured, then the parents would be the first to sue. Not all parents, just the bad few who spoil it for everyone.
Band Use to Be Fun Thanks Chesapeake School Board!
I can not believe that those on our school board in the City of Chesapeake have forgotten what it is like to be a kid in School. To tell a child they can go to Walt Disney World (WDW), play in a parade on Main street, and not ride a single ride, is like telling them they can go to the theater and not watch the the movie.
I, a graduate of Western Branch High School in Chesapeake of 1978, as well as a 4 year Band Geek as many will say, and still am in heart, and who have had 3 kids go through that same school in the band cannot get over what I just read. When I was in school we went to WDW, other parks and many trips. All without incident as did many other schools. Band use to be fun!
What our School Board Members forget is that these kids start late in the summer (August) and practice almost every day, 8 hours a day for 3 - 4
weeks for upcoming football season as well as competitions that they go to throughout the marching seas
Lawsuits would be baseless
This is a non school sponsored event. How much does the school system pay for this trip? Same as the city, NOTHING, NADA, ZERO!!! Unless things have changed, in 2004 the WHOLE TRIP, CHARTER BUSES, MEALS AND ACCOMODATIONS WERE PAID BY DONATIONS AND THE BAND PARENTS! In 2004 The City of Chesapeake gave the school's marching band's money for sheet music and NOTHING ELSE! ALL UNIFORMS AND INSTRUMENTS THAT ARE PURCHASED ARE THE DIRECT RESULT OF DONATIONS!!!!
BE AT THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING ON AUGUST 25TH AND LET'S GET THIS CHANGED FOR OUR KIDS!!!!
CHESAPEAKE SCHOOLS
This is really of stupid. Have parents sign a waiver for the kids and let them go and have fun.
Lawsuits have gotten out of
Lawsuits have gotten out of hand. Chesapeake could have parents sign a waiver, but if their child were to be injured, some lawyer would take the case. Even if Chesapeake wins, it costs them tens of thousands of dollars to defend themselves against a suit.
Not all lawyers are bad. It is only 99% of them that give the rest a bad name.
What's next? Will someone sue an evangelist for elbowing them in the chest and causing hemroids? Nah, that would NEVER happen in America !!!
WHAT..
It's funny that the kids can go to the Orange Parade at Disney World but they cannot ride any of the rides. Now when I was in school parents had to sign a waiver for any field trips in or out of state. Why hasn't the school board thought of this. Your asking kids ages 15-18 going to Disney World that they cannot ride any rides!!!! I'm sure the kids are going to have loads of fun doing this. I have had two younger brothers go through the GBHSMB and both went to Florida for this event. Never was anything reported that any of the kids were hurt on rides or anything like that.. Maybe a little misbehavior but, nothing of that caliber that would cause any lawsuits. People need to get off their high horses come back down to earth where the rest of us live and let this stuff go.. Let them go down to Florida enjoy the parades and all of the other attractions maybe just get the parents to sign waivers or something of that nat
Disneyland unsafe?
It seems to me what the school board is saying is that Disneyland is unsafe. Maybe Disneyland should sue for defamation of character. If Chesapeak is afraid of lawsuits, the school board should ban cheerleading. The recent news is full of stories of how cheerleaders are getting hurt. If that isnt an invitation to a lawsuit, what is. Hey, they should also ban school busses. Everyday there is a school bus that wrecks somewhere and schools are sued. Lets not forget after school activities. Hasn't the school board seem the curent ad where the coach is a pervert. To protect themselves schools better ban all activities. Better yet, why not just close all the schools. Then there can be no law suits. Balance, the world needs balance.
Other options
Certainly there is some way that everybody can be happy here. What about having a lawyer draw up an agreement that parents & teens must sign to keep the school or parents chaperoning from being sued if an accident (on a ride) happens. Then if the parent/teen doesn't care to sign the "waiver" they can't blame the school.
To all who thanked us
You are very welcome. The policy is not to protect the kids, it is to protect the school from numerous lawsuits. As much as we would like the work, the school policy is correct. The same short-sighted parents who are screaming for the kids to ride the rides would be the people who, afterwards, are lining up at our office to retire from the settlement for their child's whiplash.
These kids work hard...
Band students are as dedicated in performing as any athlete, and work just as hard. The "spring trip" is one of the fund raising goals for all school marching bands. I was in a marching band in high school over 30 years ago, and we did it, and my daughter was in the band in junior high and high school in Virginia Beach in the nineties. In junior high school they played at the Kennedy Center, and in high school they went to Atlanta, Toronto and Orlando. Most of these trips included visits to amusement parks and museums. My husband and I went along on many of these trips, and we found the kids to be very well behaved, and no one EVER got seriously hurt. Let these KIDS have one last chance at being a KID. They will remember the trip forever, and hopefully not as the one where they stood beside the roller coaster and watched it go around and around the track. The Chesapeake School Board (and some parents) need to g
When I went on it
When I went on the trip mentioned, we were on nice chartered busses. And AFAIK the money didn't come from the school system, it came from fund raisers and what not. I think you will find school budgets can be pretty slim for this type of stuff.
SAD
The school is afraid of being sued, and you can only blame those greedy parents that run to an Attorneys office. The school should let the kids ride on the rides, but only the kids who parents signed a waiver. That way the school doesn’t get sued because of an "accident". I can not believe that it has gotten this bad, some folks should be ashamed of themselves!?!? Let kids be kids, and leave the Attorneys out of the fun!
Field Trip?
To address previous posts - nothing was mentioned in the article about budgets - so that is a moot point. Many posters allude to a school bus being used, that was also not mentioned. I have not known a field trip to Florida to take place on a school bus. My daughter enjoyed a field trip to Atlanta just last year on a beautiful chartered bus, all expenses paid by family, waivers signed and all had a great time. As for Chesapeake's issues with problems on prior field trips, another poster had a good point when suggesting that it is our sue-happy society that causes over-protective positions. I, too, believe that given the opportunity, the parent of little John or Jane, would run to the nearest lawyer to file a lawsuit, as the odds of monetary gain are high because of out of court settlements. Hypothetically, the kid twists his/her ankle getting off the bus and the parents come away with $50,000 becaus
The "System"
That's why they call it "The Government School System" Those in leadership again have shown their incompetence and utterly ridiculous decision making processes.
Chesapeake Opus
In the movie, Mr.Holland's Opus, Music Director Holland was forced to retire because the school officals were eliminating music and the arts to save money in the school budget. Are the school officials facing their "Opus" and so tight-fisted in budgeting for student activities? Have the Chesapeake school board become so narrow-minded that out-of-state events were deleted from the budget process to save money? I wonder how many school officials played in bands during their high school and college days. If so, they survived the trips to play in other parks, schools, and rode in the "Yellow" school bus. Let these Kids have their "Day-In-The Sun!" Chesapeake school officials should be proud to sponsor their students for a trip of a lifetime!!
Kill the *sports* programs
Football is a VERY dangerous sport. Head injuries, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken limbs ...
Cancel football season at Great Bridge High School! It's the only prudent thing to do, because someone might get hurt. AND ON SCHOOL GROUNDS, no less. Can't have that. Let's be proactive in protecting our young, and prevent any possible lawsuits from the parents of any injured players.
Yeah, I thought so. You're right. Canceling football would be outlandish, because after all, only the BAND MEMBERS ON A ROLLER COASTER might get hurt. School athletes are magically immune.
Somebody left their brains at home when they went to a School Board meeting.
And this is not all!
My daughters are in the Hickory High and Middle School Orchestras. We have seen similar bans on these trips. It is utterly and completely ridiculous. Parents would be glad to sign a release to allow this excellent opportunity to play and enjoy the parks at these festivals. The orchestra is not even going to Busch Gardesn to play in the orchestra festival. So, the Board in their infinite wisdom and illogical fear has over-reacted by cutting out these perfoming and competition opportunities for the kids. The Middle school used to go to Greenbier mall to play. They are not even allowed to do that anymore!!!! It appears the only place they can play anymore is the school auditorium. What fun!!!!