In accordance with SB policy IMG: Animals on School Property, animals being brought on campus for observation purposes, agricultural sciences, presentations by third parties, and services related to ESE shall not be permitted onto District Property without written approval from the Risk Management department.

All approved animals being brought onto District property must be tied directly to the curriculum.

Per the Florida Department of Education, an example of animals being tied directly to curriculum, “fish used for or in a marine science lab have a direct connection to the content. Students will participate in the development and maintenance of the aquarium, and the content is enhanced by the placement of these tanks in the classroom. However, a hamster in a physical science class has no direct instructional relationship and is not appropriate for this classroom. A hamster in an elementary classroom is only appropriate if instruction is enhanced by its placement in the classroom. Students can learn a great deal about animal behavior, nourishment, life patterns and environmental considerations by observing animals”.

Personal Pets
Pets are NEVER to be brought into school for any reason. For example, if a teacher has a pet bird, the pet is NOT allowed to be in a classroom setting, “just because”. Pets are also not to be used as a “reward” for students. These are not controlled situations and may open students to dangerous animal interactions. These animals are not allowed in the school.

Animals used for Presentation/Educational Purposes owned by Third Party/Vendor

Prior written approval from Risk Management shall be obtained by the school for any vendor, volunteer, or third party that offers live animal exhibits, presentations, training, or other educational or public service information (science fairs, etc.) at OCPS schools or property. This shall include, but is not limited to, petting zoos, pony rides, wildlife rescues, domestic rescues, service animals and therapy animals.

 The following will be required for the animals(s) to be onsite:

• A current and sufficient Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) naming the School Board of Orange County as Certificate Holder and Additional Insured. The COI must also include Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability.
• Trainer/Handler's Certification(s)
• Animal's Certification(s)
• Animal's Vaccination Records

Service Animals
If a student requires an ADA compliant service dog, then this would be allowed only if following School Board policy IMG, however this process begins with the Office of Legal Services.

For events that include animals, you must register your event by completing the Special Event Request Form; or through the SAP Self-Service Portal under OCPS Apps.

• Best Practice Guidelines_Animals on Property, including Class Pets
  • Procedures on classroom pet and other animals on OCPS property.
• Best Practices for Petting Zoos and Exhibits
  • Included are the guidelines from the CDC about these events: Stay Healthy at Animal Exhibits
• Approved List for Classroom Pet and Agricultural Science 
  • This chart displays the animals allowed/not allowed on OCPS property.

ALL OCPS sponsored field trip events must be registered with Risk Management by completing the Field Trip Registration Form. 

Approved Field Trip Destination List
This chart provides a list of locations allowed for field trips. If not on the list, you must email RiskManagement@ocps.net for Risk Management approval.

Field Trip Handbook
This handbook is intended as a guide to assist our schools with planning and conducting educational field trips along with travel to school-oriented activities off campus.

• ADDitions Chaperone Roster (For Record Purposes)
• Authorization and Release for Transportation of Student in Privately Owned Vehicle Form
• Board Approved Charter Bus Vendor List
• Board Approved Tour Group Vendor List

Principal Leaders List

Please Note: The Principal Leaders may request all field trip information and/or additional information at any time.

Challenge Courses Best Practice Guidelines

Rules on student and employee use of challenge courses, ropes courses and zip lines. Also provides procedures on maintenance and use of OCPS owned challenge courses.

• Golf Cart/ Utility Cart Best Practice Guidelines
  • Procedures for proper use, operation and maintenance of golf carts/utility carts. Including the acknowledgement form for employees to complete.

• Spanish Golf Cart/Utility Cart Best Practice Guidelines
  • Procedimientos para el uso apropiado, operación y mantenimiento de los carritos de golf y utilería. Incluye el formulario que los empleados deben completar.

Guidelines/Requirements

• Upload a copy of a map for the parade route being taken during the Special Event registration process.
• Proper permits from the municipality where the event is being held is required. (If/when applicable) Upload a copy of the permits during the registration process.
• Follow the OCPS Safety and Emergency Management Parade Procedures
• REQUIRED: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT and RELEASE for ALL MINORS Participating in Offsite Voluntary Recreational Activity form for all student participants.
• SB policy EEAG applies (if applicable); Authorization and Release for Transportation of Student in Privately Owned Vehicle form will be required (when applicable).

Should you have any questions, email Risk Management at RiskManagement@ocps.net and reference your Row ID number in the subject line.

For consideration of an event that includes helicopter landings, the Risk Management requires the following information:

• The type of helicopter being requested to land. 
• Proposed Landing Zone. A copy of the area map where the landing will take place is preferred.
• Rotor Diameter.
• What Entity will be landing the Aircraft.

Refer to the Helicopter Landing Guidelines provided by the Office of Occupational Safety and Health.

Refer to the Interactive/Inflatable Rules & Guidelines which includes the grade restriction for interactives.

Please note that only Board Approved Interactive Vendors are allowed on District property.

A Special Event registration is required with Risk Management. Approval from the Office of Safety is also required. Include a signed document uploaded to the file with respects to information below:

A person acting under the prior written consent of the school principal, district school board, superintendent, or school governing board.

The amendment to Florida Statute 330.41 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, which went into effect on July 1st, 2024, introduced new provisions under section 5 titled "PROTECTION OF SCHOOLS." This subsection establishes restrictions on UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operations over educational institutions. Specifically, it prohibits individuals from:

1. Knowingly or willfully operating a drone over a public or private school serving students from voluntary prekindergarten through grade 12; or
2. Allowing a drone to make contact with a school, including any person or object on the premises of or within the school facility.

Persons found in violation of this act can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.

This subsection does not apply to actions identified in paragraph (a) which are committed by:

1. A person acting under the prior written consent of the school principal, district school board, superintendent, or school governing board.

• Drone DSN
• External Drone Approval Safety Guidance Final
• OCPS Owned Drone Safety Guidance Final

Florida Statutes 330.41 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act