Procedure: 2150P

Section: 2000 - Instruction

Title: Ski/Snowboard Program

Status: Active

Adopted: October 31, 1986

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 Procedure - Ski/Snowboard Program

Ferndale School District offers an eight-week ski transportation program for interested high school and middle school students. The program includes transportation, lessons (optional), and equipment rental (optional). Classes are held on eight (8) consecutive Saturdays following winter vacation, weather permitting.

Each student provides skis, boots, poles, clothing and a lunch, except those students in lessons.

I. Beginners

All abilities of skiers or snowboarders are welcome. Ability six and above must pass a proficiency test the first Saturday if not registered for lessons.

II. Student Eligibility

When first entering the ski school program, students, regardless of grade level, are expected to sign-up for lessons or be able to ski as well as students who have had one season of lessons. To exempt a student from lessons, a parent can write a note stating the student has previously had a season of instruction or has ski skills equivalent to a student who has had one season of instruction. Advanced lessons are not a requirement of the program.

III. Transportation

School buses for both middle school and high school ski students load at 6:30 a.m. at Ferndale High School and depart for the ski area at 6:45 a.m. Students are required to return to the bus at 3:30 p.m. Buses leave the ski area at 3:45 p.m. and arrive at the high school at about 6:00 p.m. Students will be assigned to a bus by the ski program directors. Bus seats are not transferable from one student to another.

IV. Accident Insurance

Each student is required to have accident insurance coverage. For those without family coverage, a student plan is available through the school office.

V. Postponements 

Postponements can occur, particularly due to inclement weather. These will be announced as early as possible -- in most cases at school by Friday afternoon. Last minute changes are announced on Bellingham radio stations KPUG and KGMI. Cancellations will be made up at the end of the program.

VI. General Conduct

Any misconduct or failure to return to the bus at the proper loading time will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program without refund.

VII. Procedures in Case of Emergency 

In case of injury, the student will be cared for at the Ski Patrol First Aid Station. A physician, a registered nurse and Ski Patrol first aiders are on duty every Saturday.

A. Serious Injury Should a serious injury occur, an ambulance will be called by radiotelephone to pick up the injured skier. An adult chaperone will accompany the injured skier in the ambulance and remain with the student until the parent arrives at the hospital.

B. Semi-Serious Injury If a student injury requires medical attention but the student is still able to ride the bus off the mountain, the parents will be called and arrangements made for them to meet the bus at the K-Mart parking lot or other agreed location. The student would then be transferred to the parents' vehicle with the recommendation that the student receive medical attention recommended by the physician on the mountain.

C. Minor Injuries Students with minor injuries will be brought back to the high school and released to parents for appropriate attention.

VIII. Program Requirements and Behavior

A. Participants must attend Vista Middle School or Ferndale High School.

B. The use of tobacco, liquor, dangerous or illegal drugs, and/or gambling is prohibited. 

C. All equipment and personal belongings must be clearly marked with the student's name.

D. Each student will be assigned to a bus and must ride that bus. The only time a student will be permitted to return from the ski area in a private car is with the parent. Permission to leave must be given by the chaperone. Students responsibility is to ride both ways on the ski bus.

E. The student must have skis loaded on the bus and be ready to depart from the mountain at the designated departure time. F. An enrollment form must be completed for the student to be registered in the ski program.

G. There will be no refunds on tickets, except for the following:

1. A written statement from a physician indicates a student is unable to continue to ski; or

2. A written statement from the parent confirms the family is moving from the Ferndale School District.

H. Program costs are contained in the annual program brochure and are likely to change each year

Adopted: 10/31/1986

Revised: 11/22/1995