PARENT FAQ
How do I communicate with my student while they are at FBES?
Good old snail mail is the way to go! Address your mail to:

Your Child’s Name
c/o Your Child’s School
Ferry Beach Ecology School
8 Morris Ave., Building One
Saco, ME 04072

We request that you please do not email students -- we cannot handle the volume. Our phone policy is that students are to have access to phones only in the event of an emergency. (You can imagine how hectic it would be to have 100 students wanting to use the phone!).

Why can’t my child bring his/her cell phone?
We have found that cell phones do not have a place at FBES. We have witnessed too many cases of cell phones being misused and causing unnecessary trouble. Please be sure your student DOES NOT bring a cell phone. How do I get in touch with the classroom teachers or the FBES directors in the event of an emergency? If you have an emergency, or need to contact someone at our school, call the school anytime at (207) 283-9951.

Packing:
What do we pack? Check out the FBES Packing List for suggestions on what to bring during your visit.

What is contraband?
Contraband is the things we ask you not to send with your child because over the years we have found that they do not have a place at FBES. This list includes cell phones, food, gum, candy, flashlights, electronics (video games, tvs, radios etc), valuable/expensive items, and money.

How do I ensure my child doesn’t lose anything?
We highly recommend labeling everything you are sending with your child’s name. Packing together with your child will make sure you both know what they are bringing. And, because kids will be kids, we highly discourage bringing anything valuable/expensive.

Food:
What’s the menu?
Check out a sample week’s menu on our campus page. Snacks are also available: In addition to providing healthy meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, fruit (usually apples, oranges, bananas and kiwis) is available to the students during their free time.

What do I do if my child has food allergies?
Our nurse works closely with our food service to accommodate as many food concerns as we can. As each child and allergy are unique, we deal with them on a case by case basis. We will work with you and your child to ensure that their dietary needs are met. Please contact us about your child’s specific needs.

Safety:
Do you have background checks done on your staff?
Yes, all staff receive background checks and extensive training in the art and method of teaching children in the out-of-doors. Our staff includes individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, including the natural sciences, humanities and education. Our naturalists are hired for their enthusiasm, energy, and past success working with children as well as those who return to FBES to teach multiple terms.

Do you lock the dorms at night?
Yes. One adult in each building is assigned the task of locking the doors at night once everyone is safe and accounted for.

What’s the adult/student ratio?
On average, there is 1 adult to every five students.

Do you have lessons when it rains?
Yes. We try to conduct all of our lessons outside which sometimes means being out in the rain! Having said that, in the event of really inclement weather, alternate plans are made — but lessons are still taught!
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Medical:
Where is the nearest hospital?
Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford is about 10 miles from our site.

How do I send my child’s medications?
All medications should be sent with the classroom teachers. Please do not pack the medications with the students! Medications must be in their original containers, clearly labeled by a pharmacy with correct dosages and time for administration clearly marked. Is your site handicap accessible? Yes. Two of our dorms are fully wheelchair accessible and the first floor of our main building, which has access to the dining hall, bathrooms, and the nurse’s and directors office is similarly accessible. FBES also has access to a beach wheelchair that can be made available upon request. Every effort is made to include handicap students to the fullest extent possible in everything that happens at FBES. How are dorm assignments, study groups and dining tables assigned? Classroom teachers are responsible for assigning students to their various groups. My child needs to leave early/midweek - what do I do? If your child needs to leave FBES for special circumstances, please make these arrangements with your child’s classroom teacher. When you come to pick up your child, we will have you sign a dismissal form.

Do you have lessons when it rains?
Yes. We try to conduct all of our lessons outside which sometimes means being out in the rain! Having said that, in the event of really inclement weather, alternate plans are made — but lessons are still taught!
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I still have questions. What should I do?
We have a Powerpoint presentation, which we will often coordinate with our client schools to show at parent information nights. Please click here for the Powerpoint.