SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT NBS

We offer a variety of age-appropriate environmental education programs for early childhood, elementary, and middle and high school students. Choose from a full slate of innovative and engaging field-trip programs, outreach courses, afterschools, and other special programs! We also offer specialized education courses for homeschool groups.

SCHEDULING INFORMATION

For more information or to book an education program, please call NBS at (401) 846-2577 ext.33, or e-mail Rachel Holbert at: rholbert@normanbirdsanctuary.org. Please register early! Dates are filled on a first come, first served basis.

In order to help us best serve the needs of your group, please have the following information ready when you call or e-mail:

• Organization name, address, and phone number
• Contact name, phone number, and e-mail address
• Name(s) of programs and program type (field trip, in-school outreach, afterschool, or special program)
• Date(s) and time(s) desired, including 2 alternative dates
• Number of students and chaperones
• Grade level(s) of students
• Special physical and behavioral needs, allergies, or other medical conditions
• Any special goals and objectives for the trip, or other concepts to emphasize

Field Trip Scheduling Options: We offer a number of different scheduling options to fit your needs. Early education programs (PreK/K) are generally single visits of 1 hour, while older grades can take advantage of our double field trip option. Get the most out of your trip by selecting two 1.5 hour programs and stay for a picnic lunch in our apple orchard.

Outreach Scheduling Options: Outreach programs are generally 45 minutes for preschool and kindergarten and 1 hour for older students. Please note that each program is limited to 25 participants to ensure hands-on experiences.

Multiple Program Discounts: We offer discounted rates for schools booking multiple field trips throughout the year.  We also offer discounted rates for multiple sessions of the same program during an outreach visit to your school on a single day. Please review our pricing structures listed on each grade level's web page for more details.

Travel Fees: A travel fee of $35 will be charged for school outreach programs outside of Newport County.  In recognition of our participation in the Ocean State Environmental Education Collaborative (OSEEC), the travel fee will be waived for schools in the following cities: Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and West Warwick.

Financial Assistance: We strive to make quality environmental education experiences available for every child! Partial scholarships may be available based on need; please call for more information.

Program Confirmation: After booking a program, you will receive a confirmation packet via e-mail or postal mail. Please review your contract, pre-visit checklist, directions, and teacher/chaperone reminders. For field trips, you will also be provided with a permission form to send home to students.

Download your forms here:
Fieldtrip checklist
Outreach checklist
Fieldtrip Permission Form

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due no later than the date of the field trip. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). Please notify NBS at least two weeks in advance of any cancellation or change to your program; all groups cancelling less than two weeks before the date of the program will be billed 50% of the total program fee.


Inclement Weather: NBS holds programs rain or shine. However, in the case of severe weather, a backup class may be held indoors. If you are concerned about the weather on the morning of your trip, please call NBS at (401) 846-2577 as early as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

Feedback
It is our goal to be an exceptional community resource and the leading environmental education center in the region! Please help us meet your needs by completing the post-program evaluations that will be handed out after the program.