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At the Philadelphia Zoo, we're in the midst of tracking our mid-year
numbers now. In addition to field trips, we have a grant program that
provides free fieldtrips & classes for 80,000 area kids.
Three weeks after our August publication drop, we had 359 reservations
for free groups (from 135 schools) compared to last year 330
reservations (from 89 schools). We had 207 reservations for paid trips
(from 175 schools) compared to last year 125 reservations (from 95
schools).
After September's hurricanes, we saw a gradual decline in reservations
and some cancellations (which we haven't quantified). Now we are
projecting attendance for both free and paid programs at less than or
equal to last year. I think such projections might be an important
indicator of the aftermath of September because they include both paid
and free trips, and they fell so soon after that initial spike.
I heard an interview on local public radio with local school officials.
Schools are facing more that just a high cost of transportation. If
school boards' contracts locked into last year's fuel prices, they will
get through this year and attend enrichment programs. If they did not,
they are pulling whatever resources they can (field trips being the
first to cut) to heat their buildings and transport their kids to
school. Those that were lucky enough - or planned well enough - to lock
into prices this year will face the dilemma next year.
So, if we faced even a slight decline this year, we need to pay close
attention to this situation and how we allocate our resources because
the decline may be drastic next year. (Those who know me know I'm
usually a very positive person and certainly hope this is not true, but
we need to be realistic and prepared if it is.)
Hope this helps...
Lynn
Lynn Parrucci
Director of School Programs
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Avenue
Philadlephia, PA 19104
215-243-5243
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-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rita Bell
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2005 8:07 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: school program numbers
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****
Hello all,
We've been noticing a drop off in our school reservation numbers this
year and were wondering if anyone else is having a similar experience.
Most teachers are blaming the high cost of transportation, which is
understandable. Any insights? or suggestions?
Thanks,
Rita
Rita Bell
Education Programs Manager
Monterey Bay Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
831-648-4845
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The Philadelphia Zoo
3400 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104-1196
Telephone: (215) 243-1100
For information about the Philadelphia Zoo please visit our website at www.philadelphiazoo.org
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