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	We actually tried a price discount for groups who came early in the year. And it didn't seem to make much of a difference(except for our Wampanoag (New England Native tribe) program, because teachers want to do that before Thanksgiving). As I'm sure you know, teachers don't like to come in the fall--they're still getting to know the kids and the kids are still getting into the swing of things.
	We have been known to "re-orient" groups that are out of control (especially summer camps!), but I think this is just one of those problems that comes with the territory.

Maybe we should gather our worst stories and publish them as a free handout for teachers. Or, sell them in bookstores in the "humor" section and use the money to raise our salaries during these "hazardous duty" times.

AD
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Alissa Daniels, Science Program Manager
Boston Children's Museum
617-426-6500 x342
www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org
The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not "Eureka!" (I found it!) but "That's funny..."   --Isaac Asimov 
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-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jane Snell Copes
Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2006 3:25 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: school groups (and chaperones) behaving badly


ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

End-of-the-school-year are often the most difficult for our museum. 
Kids are tired of each other.  The weather is finally better (in the 
frozen north).  Many districts don't want to risk trips in snowy-ice 
weather.  School is almost out!  It's way more crowded because many 
schools don't have money raised for field trips until mid-year or 
later.  Some schools treat field trips as rewards for good classroom 
behavior.  Some of our out-state schools combine a museum trip with 
the zoo and State Capitol and stay over night.  We happen to have a 
very popular touring exhibit (Body Worlds) that opened in May, adding 
to the crowds.

It's much more mellow in October and November for the converse of all 
those reasons.  How about a price break for schools that come at 
off-peak times?

Best of rhubarb season, Jane

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