Pre-Program Info for Teachers & Chaperones

Help us provide the best possible experience for every member of your group. Refer to the following guidelines as you prepare for your visit and share it with any adults who will be attending the program at the museum or will be present in the classroom during an Outreach Program.

In Museum Program

In Museum Program

Share this information with any adults that will be attending the program, including chaperones.
  • Museum educators will review behavior expectations with the class upon its arrival. Our most important rules are: 

Walk, and move your body carefully.
Use indoor voices.
Use your eyes, ears, and brains, but not your fingers.

  • Please provide name tags for your students.
  • If your group is larger than 25 students, we may require that it be broken up into 2 sections. If we have asked you to divide your group, please do so before arriving at the museum.
  • If your students will be visiting the Museum Store, plan extra time. Your chaperones should accompany students in the Store.
  • Allow additional time for bathroom breaks, lunch, etc. The times on your confirmation refer to the time spent participating in programs and do not include breaks unless otherwise noted.
  • Most programs take place in one or two areas in the Museum. If your group would like time to explore the entire Museum, plan extra time before or after your program.
  • Classroom teachers and chaperones are responsible for handling inappropriate or disruptive behavior. We can recommend quiet spaces in the Museum for students who need a break.
  • We encourage a ratio of 1 adult for every 5 students. This suggested number of adults will be admitted free. Additional chaperones will be charged $10.50 each.
  • We welcome adult involvement, however, we ask that chaperones model the behavior we wish to see in the students. Please stay with the group and refrain from conversation during the program.
  • Photography without a flash is allowed throughout the Museum unless otherwise noted.
  • In good weather, the Hadwen Pavilion, a covered outdoor picnic area, is available for students to eat bag lunches. If requested in advance, arrangements can be made for indoor “picnic style” eating space. 
  • Bus drivers can park in the dirt area closest to the woods or in the next parking lot down Main Street. 

Outreach Guidelines

Please help us provide the best possible experience for every member of your group. Refer to the following guidelines as you prepare for our visit.

  • Make this information available to all appropriate teachers and staff.
  • To ensure that each student has the opportunity to participate fully, outreach programs have a maximum group size of 25 students. Larger groups must be divided into separate presentation.
  • Outreach fees are on a per presentation basis. Schools outside the Southwestern Vermont Supervisory Union are required to pay a mileage fee based on the federal rate. See more about program fees here.
  • Please provide name tags.
  • Your program will begin and end as close as possible to the times listed on your confirmation. The Museum Educator may require some extra time for set up and clean up before and after the program.
  • Classroom teachers or other appropriate staff are required to be in the room at all times during the presentation. Your museum educator cannot assume responsibility for the safety and supervision of your students. If you must leave the room, you must arrange for another staff person to supervise the class.
  • Inappropriate or disruptive behavior must be dealt with by the classroom teacher or other appropriate school staff.
  • We welcome adult involvement, however, we ask that chaperones model the behavior we wish to see in the students. Please stay with the group and refrain from conversation during the program.

If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Public Programs at (802) 447-1571 or education@benningtonmuseum.org.  We look forward to your visit!