|
||
|
Aquarium visitors of all ages get a chance to meet some of our sharks!
HOW TO REGISTERCall 858-534-7336 to reserve all programs and self-guided visits. Registration for school programs opens August 18, 2008. Registration hours are 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays and 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are required two weeks in advance and are on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend that you register as soon as possible to ensure a visit on the date of your choice. Fall is a great time to visit—fewer crowds, great weather, and lower program fees! Please keep in mind that program fees change February 1, 2009 to reflect peak season rates. Please have the following information ready when you call to register: 1. The specific program for which you wish to register. 2. A selection of your preferred dates and times. 3. Your school or personal mailing address, email, and phone number. PAYMENTPayment by cash, check, credit card, or purchase order must be received no later than two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. Please make your check or P.O. payable to UC Regents and mail to:BIRCH AQUARIUM AT SCRIPPSEducation DepartmentUniversity of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, Dept. 0207 La Jolla, CA 92093-0207 Please indicate the reference number for your program on all correspondence. Please call us at 858-534-7336 with payment questions. PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPSA limited number of scholarships are available to help defray program costs for schools with demonstrated financial need. When making a reservation, please inquire if scholarship funds are available for 2008–2009 and request an application. Scholarships are available for both on- and off-site programs. You must have an existing reservation in order to apply for a scholarship. Title I schools will be given priority. You may download scholarship forms from our website: aquarium.ucsd.edu/Education/For_Schools/Registration/Scholarships/or call 858-534-8401 for more information. PROGRAM CONFIRMATIONSWe will email the confirmation and pre-visit packet when you book your program. If no email is provided, we will mail your package within a few days. If you do not receive your confirmation within one week, please call 858-534-7336.HOW TO CANCEL A PROGRAMTo cancel a scheduled program, please complete the cancellation form in your pre-visit packet and submit it to the Education Office at least two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. Forms may be faxed to 858-534-5610, and must include your school name, reference number, date of program, and program title. Your school will be contacted to confirm that the cancellation notification was received. If you do not receive a phone call confirming your cancellation within one week of submitting your cancellation letter, please call the aquarium at 858-534-7336 to ensure that we have received it. The aquarium reserves the right to cancel programs due to animal health or safety concerns. If your program is cancelled, it will be rescheduled to the next available date and time. All prices and policies are subject to change.REFUND POLICIESFull refunds are given if cancellation is received two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. An 80% refund is given if the cancellation is received less than two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. No refunds are provided if you do not show for your program.The aquarium reserves the right to cancel or adjust your program if your school is more than half an hour late. You will be responsible for full payment. CHAPERONESPre-K ratio: one chaperone per two students (1:2)K-12 ratio: one chaperone per five students (1:5) Chaperones within the specified ratios will be admitted free for the purpose of supervising students. Additional chaperones are $11 each. Maximum 10 chaperones per classroom. Teachers, please:• Review aquarium guidelines with chaperones prior to your visit• Ensure that chaperones stay with students at ALL times during visit • Provide students with name badges If you arrive without enough chaperones, the aquarium reserves the right to have your group enter the facility with a group size appropriate for the number of chaperones that you have. Chaperones are expected to supervise their groups according to the chaperone guidelines provided in the confirmation packet. Groups who fail to comply with policies may be asked to leave the facility. No refunds will be given. Due to space and safety concerns, a maximum of 10 chaperones will be permitted in the classroom. Additional chaperones are welcome to explore the aquarium and meet up with the class when the program has ended. ARRIVAL PROCEDUREPlease plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled program to allow for parking, unloading, check-in, and orientation. Programs begin promptly at the time they are scheduled. Upon arrival, follow the signs for “Education Department.” The teacher/group leader will check in with the Education Scheduling Office. Please know the exact number of children and adults in your group. If you arrive late, but within the first half hour, your program will be adjusted according to the time remaining.PARKINGWe offer three hours of courtesy parking in the aquarium parking lot. If you plan to stay for longer than three hours, parking passes can be purchased for $6 per vehicle in the Education Office. These passes must be placed on the dashboard of your vehicle.LUNCH AND FOOD SERVICESFood and beverages are available from Splash Café located outside of the aquarium. Pre-ordered boxed meals, featuring a variety of gourmet sandwiches, snacks, and a beverage, also are available for $8.75 each by calling 858-534-2417. Boxed meals must be paid for separately and picked up at Splash Café.Picnic tables and storage cubbies are available for school groups but limited in number. Additional picnic tables also can be found at Kellogg Park, located one mile south of the aquarium on the beach. Parking is free at Kellogg Park. Please ask the reservation staff for a map and directions. No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the aquarium’s exhibit areas. SOUVENIR DISCOVERY BAGSThe Birch Aquarium Bookshop offers student souvenir discovery bags for pick-up during your visit. These bags must be pre-ordered and paid for separately. If you have any questions, please call the bookshop at 858-534-8753. |
||
