Classroom Programs - FAQ
What is the cost for these programs?
The cost per session for schools in central Virginia is $75 (4 sessions/$300). For localities further from the VHS, the cost is $150 per session and the minimum number of sessions that can be scheduled is two. There are no additional fees or taxes.
What grade levels will get the most out of classroom programs?
These programs are designed especially for elementary and middle school students.
How many students can participate in a classroom visit?
Classroom programs work best with twenty to thirty students.
How long does a program last?
Programs last from 45 to 60 minutes.
Who conducts the program in the classroom?
Each program is presented by trained museum educators.
How do I make a reservation for a classroom program?
The most efficient method is to fill out the
online form, or contact the education office by email: outreach@vahistorical.org.
You may also call 804-340-2278, but you should expect a delayed response due to the fact that there are
many teachers requesting our programs and few convenient hours to reach them on school days.
Do I need to confirm my reservation with the VHS?
Once you and the coordinator have established a date for a classroom visit you will receive
a confirmation letter. If you have not received a confirmation in writing you DO NOT have a permanent reservation and the date discussed is subject to change or cancellation. The presenter will contact you a week or two in advance of the visit to establish a verbal confirmation and to clarify your expectations and needs regarding the program scheduled.
What equipment will I be expected to provide the presenter during his/her visit?
Typically, all that the presenter will need is a table or several desk tops at the front of the classroom
and some space on the chalk/white board. A classroom map of the state of Virginia or U.S. is helpful, but not necessary.
Is it necessary for the teacher to remain in the classroom during the program?
Yes. Teachers are encouraged to remain in the classroom and contribute to the presentation in order to establish a connection between the course studies and the outreach information. This is also important as the presenter is a guest and should not be expected to handle disciplinary or emergency situations should they occur.
Who arranges the schedule for the presenter's visit?
The schedule should be set up by you and your teachers/team. It is recommended to schedule in one hour blocks. The presenter is available as early as 8:00 in the morning and can do up to 5 classroom presentations in one day. The schedule should include times, the classroom numbers and teachers' names. The schedule should be made available to the presenter when he/she checks in at the office. It is not necessary to know the entire schedule when
you make a reservation, just an estimated start time for the first class, as our educators will be arriving 15-30 minutes early.
Do I send a payment to the VHS once I've made a reservation?
No. The school will be billed AFTER the presenter has been to your school. This is to provide for last minute changes
or cancellations. Alternate arrangements can be made should there be a need.
Is it possible to reschedule a visit to our school?
Typically, yes. We are usually completely booked for the school year by October with a waiting list for
possible school cancellations. The museum educators travel the entire state of Virginia and it is not always possible to fill a canceled spot. It is recommended to check your calendar with the school calendar to avoid internal scheduling conflicts. If there is inclement weather that results in the cancellation or delay of school openings, a week in March or April will be set aside for rescheduling. If your school has a weather hotline, it would be helpful to share that number with the coordinator if you are making a reservation during the winter months.
Who is my contact at the VHS should I have further questions or concerns?
You can reach the VHS education office at 804-342-9652. If you need to contact the coordinator at any point during the school year, it will be more to your advantage to contact us via email at: clegros@vahistorical.org.
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