Bullis-Purissima Elementary School Foundation

What has changed?

In prior years, funds for field trips were collected by the Bullis Boosters Club on a class by class basis. Going forward, field trips that occur during the normal course of a BCS school day (sometimes referred to as “programmatic field trips”) will be supported by the BCS Foundation as part of our annual contribution to Bullis Charter School. This includes any local, during-the-school-day-only trips, as well as overnight trips to Gold Country for 4th grade and Camp Campbell for 5th grade. It does not include other overnight travel trips that may be offered as an additional experience to BCS learners. Additional travel trips will continue to be managed separately.

 

What is the benefit of the change?

By rolling field trips into the Foundation's financial contribution to Bullis Charter School, the school can produce a more even experience of field trips across all grade levels.  Teachers can plan their trips earlier, make reservations & secure buses knowing that the funding is guaranteed by the BCS Foundation.

 

How many field trips are there and where will my learner go?

Field trips are designed to compliment BCS grade-level curriculum and learning, and while there are some trips that we love to revisit each year, BCS staff is always looking for new and engaging experiences for our learners! Click here to see highlights from the 2023-24 grade-level field trip offerings. Of course, availability of tickets and transportation may affect our ability to offer planned field trips. Ideally BCS TK-5th grade classes will go on least 2 field trips per year, and BCS Middle School students will experience at least 1 field trip each year. Any additional field trips will be low- or no-cost trips such as walking to local parks or businesses. 

 

Is a donation required for my child to participate in field trips?

No. The BCS Foundation is a separate 501c3 not-for-profit organization that provides financial support to Bullis Charter School. All contributions to the Foundation are completely voluntary and any family’s ability or choice to contribute, or not, will in no way affect their child's experience at Bullis Charter School.

 

Will all BCS parents be invited to donate?

Yes! We hope that all BCS parents find value in supporting field trips for BCS learners. Field trip fundraising will occur at our back-to-school grade level socials and in some early classroom communications. 4th & 5th grade families may be asked to make additional contributions to offset the cost of the overnight trips to gold country and outdoor school as those trips approach.

 

Why is there a higher suggested contribution only for 4th & 5th grade learners?
In addition to a local field trip, our 4th and 5th grade classes go on overnight field trips to Gold Country and Camp Campbell, respectively. These experiences are an important part of our learners’ educational journey at BCS! However, it costs approximately $50,000-$60,000 for each grade-level overnight field trip - this combined expense is more than half of the school’s entire annual field trip budget!  So, we suggest a special contribution of $525 per 4th grade learner & $500 per 5th grade learner which is approximately the cost of one child’s participation in these overnight trips.

 

Is my contribution supporting this year's field trips?

Yes. Like with the annual campaign, the BCS Foundation raises funds for programs and operations within the current school year. Essentially, your donation will help offset the expenses already incurred by the school for this year's trips. 

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Have parents always been asked to contribute to field trips?

Yes, with the exception of a few COVID-19 years, BCS parents have always generously donated to offset the cost of field trips. While the requested amounts have varied year to year, they are typically tied to the expected expense. 

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Why are some grade-level suggested contributions higher or lower than last year?

The grade-level suggested contribution amounts have varied year to year and are typically tied to the expected expense. In the 2023-34 school year, and going forward, all field trips will require bussed transportation which does significantly increase the cost of any single trip. Inflation and program-specific increases in admission or participation fees have also affected our projections. 

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Still have questions?​

For answers to questions about fundraising and how to contribute contact: Elizabeth Gardner, BCS Foundation Executive Director (elizabeth@bcsfoundation.com)

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If you have questions about your BCS Learner's field trips contact your classroom teacher or campus principal.​

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