Family 4/5 has planned several curricular field trips so far this year.  Below is a description of each trip.  No student is obligated to pay for his/her participation on the field trip, and if they are unable to donate, they cannot be individually withheld from the field trip as a result.

Pali Institute

Students will spend three days, two nights in the San Bernadino National Forest at Pali Camp.  The program will include teambuilding, science, and outdoor education.  Pali educators lead the programs and chaperone day and night groups.  (No parent chaperones needed.)  More information will follow at the Parent Information Meeting on Wednesday, September 10th, at 6:30 pm via Zoom.

• December 1 - December 3, 2025
• Departure from school by bus at 7:30am on Monday, December 1st, 2025
• Return to Westwood Charter by bus at 1:30pm on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
• Student cost for camp and transportation = $500 per student

California Science Center

At the Science Center, we will participate in their Big Lab hands-on exploration: Roller Coaster Engineering Lab. We will explore gravity and energy by engineering a roller coaster on the Big Lab’s Giant Wall. Through experimentation, students will find that keeping some varia2026bles constant while changing others will be the key to keeping their material from flying off the track! We will also see an IMAX movie and walk through the museum. 

• Rooms 7, 16  and 4 will take this trip on Wednesday, February 4, 2026
• Rooms 15, 8 and 16 will take this trip on Friday, February 6, 2026
• Parent drivers and chaperones will be needed for this trip.
• Departure is at 8:10 am (Big Labs at 9:30, 11:00, and 12:30) 
• Return at approximately 2:30 pm.
• There is a $20 charge for parking.
• Student cost = $18 per student. 

Gene Autry Museum

At the museum, students will learn about the history of hysteria that grew up around discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill and the resulting flood of immigration to California.  In addition, they will act as ‘49ers and learn mining techniques as well as visit a replica general store stocked with common supplies used for mining.

• Dates and times in Spring 2026 to be determined.
• Cost = $2.00 per person
• Transportation by bus

Shindig

    This evening takes place at Westwood Charter, and all 4/5 families are invited to attend!  The event starts with students singing songs from the Westward Movement Period, followed by a picnic dinner, and square dancing with a professional square dance caller!  

• Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

TOTAL COST = $520 per student

The total cost for all three field experiences is $520 per student.  These are paid for with money acquired through donations.  All parents who volunteer to chaperone must go through the district parent volunteer approval process All parents who volunteer to drive on field trips must also go through the district parent volunteer approval process and include proof of current license and insurance. (Will need to be updated based on expiration.)

Sincerely, 

The Family 4/5 Teachers