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1. What day is the field trip to Great America?
   The field trip to Great America will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, immediately following the Promotion Ceremony Rehearsal. 
    

2. Who pays for the admission ticket? What if my child has a season pass?
   Students who wish to attend will be responsible for purchasing their own admission tickets which is $40. Those with valid and current season passes may use them for entry so no admission fee will be required.. Payment for the trip will be accepted during One Stop Shop Night on Wednesday, March 19th between 5:30pm and 8:00pm, where 8th-grade families can also pick up promotion ceremony tickets, RSVP for the promotion celebration party, and submit signed Great America permission slips.
    

3. How will the students get to Great America and when will they return?
   The students will leave by bus from the San Mateo Performing Arts Center around 9:45am and return to Bowditch Middle School around 5pm. If the bus is running late, Planning Committee members will update parents via Parent Square and the Bowditch PTA Facebook group. 
    

4. What if my child(ren) does not want to attend the field trip? How do they return to school after the Promotion Ceremony rehearsal?
   The Great America field trip is optional. Students who are unable to attend or choose not to participate will return to Bowditch after rehearsal. Students returning to school will be transported by PTSA parents who have been fingerprinted with the school district.  Those students will be assigned to attend classes for the remainder of the school day with available teachers. No pickups at SMPAC are allowed.
    

5. As a parent, can I chaperone the field trip? Can I drop off or pick up my child from Great America?
   Since the trip takes place during the school day, Bowditch Middle School teachers serve as the chaperones for the day. Parent chaperones are not needed for this trip.  No siblings are allowed to attend.  Students must take the bus to and from the trip. No students can be dropped off/picked up directly to/from Great America. 
    

6. Is food included in the admission ticket? 
   Students must bring money to purchase their lunch or any snacks/beverages. No outside food, beverages or coolers are allowed to be brought into the amusement park. If your child has a specific dietary restrictions, feel free to visit Great America’s allergen information on their website at Special Dietary Needs | Dining | California's Great America. Great America is a cashless park. Students must use a credit card, debit card, or a smart device with Apple Pay or Google Pay.  Prepaid credit cards are also a good option.  Additionally, park guests can convert cash into prepaid debit cards at various kiosks throughout the park. 
    

7. How much money should I give my child to bring?
   The amount you want to give your child for the day is up to the family’s discretion. The suggested amount to give is $30 to cover lunch and possibly a small snack. However, it’s important to note that Great America is a cashless park. Students must use a credit card, debit card, or a smart device with Apple Pay or Google Pay.  Prepaid credit cards are also a good option.  Additionally, park guests can convert cash into prepaid debit cards at various kiosks throughout the park. Students will need money to purchase food, and if desired, for games and/or souvenirs.
    

8. What should my child pack for the day?
   Students are encouraged to wear t-shirts, shorts or pants, and comfortable walking shoes (athletic shoes are best; flip-flops and other slip-on sandals are discouraged). Depending on the weather, bringing a sweatshirt or light jacket is advised. Students will spend their day in the rides section of the park and will not access South Bay Shores, the water park area within Great America.
   
   Small backpacks, belt bags, and other types of bags are allowed, but students are responsible for keeping track of their personal belongings. Lockers are available for rent in various areas of the park for those who are interested. Reusable water bottles are also permitted. Please remember to have them apply sunscreen before enjoying their time in the park.
    

9. How will the kids be supervised at the park?

   Teachers will act as chaperones for the field trip. Students are encouraged to explore and enjoy the park while staying in groups of three or more. Designated meeting times and locations will be provided to all students.
   
   All students are expected to follow park policies, adhere to school behavior guidelines, and return to the designated meeting location on time at the end of the day to board the bus. Failure to comply with these rules may result in exclusion from other promotion-related activities.
    

10. Is there anything else that would be helpful to know about Great America?
    If your child has never visited Great America, we encourage you to explore the Great America website, including the Park Map and Guide, to become more familiar with the various rides, food options, and other amenities. Additionally, the Great America mobile app offers a digital map and provides real-time ride wait times, which can be helpful for students during their visit.