Reference · Principals and district administrators
Principal overview
Meadowlark Farm's field trip programme, safety practices, and compliance position — for an administrator deciding whether to approve the destination.
Version 3.0 · Updated 3 September 2026
The programme
Meadowlark Farm runs structured, instructor-led field trips on agriculture, environmental science, and outdoor learning, on 80 acres of private farm property in Rose Hill, about twenty minutes east of Wichita. Programmes run two hours and take up to 70 school-age children at a time.
Visits are led by Sayako Schwing, a production specialist and former teacher, and are planned against the Kansas science standards for the visiting grade band. A separate standards alignment sheet lists the specific performance expectations.
Supervision and safety
- Farm instructors lead all activities and make the final safety determinations
- Teachers and chaperones provide active supervision of their assigned student groups
- Students remain with their assigned group at all times
- Younger siblings and non-participating children are restricted to designated areas and are not supervised by farm staff
- Activity areas are inspected in advance and hazards mitigated where possible
- Instructors carry a first-aid kit; the chaperone leader carries emergency contacts and any student medications
Preparedness requirements
Long sleeves, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes are required for participation. There is no drinking-quality running water on site, so every student needs a filled bottle. Sunscreen and insect protection are recommended.
Accessibility and special education
Parts of the farm are wheelchair accessible, and route and walking distance are adjusted to the group's ability and energy level.
Required one-to-one support staff for special education and IDD programmes are admitted free of charge when arranged in advance. This includes paraprofessionals, behavioural and medical aides, interpreters, and mobility assistants.
Insurance and liability
Meadowlark Farm, LLC carries commercial general liability insurance at $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, meeting or exceeding applicable municipal requirements. A certificate naming your district as additional insured is issued on request.
The farm is an active agricultural environment with inherent risks including uneven terrain, animals, tools, and outdoor conditions. Visiting schools are responsible for student supervision, behaviour management, and maintaining appropriate adult-to-student ratios.
Fees and administration
The two-hour programme is $14.00 per child, with a $200.00 minimum per group.
| Students | Group fee | Per student |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | $280.00 | $14.00 |
| 30 | $420.00 | $14.00 |
| 45 | $630.00 | $14.00 |
| 70 | $980.00 | $14.00 |
- One complimentary adult per 5 children; additional adults are charged the same $14.00 programme rate
- Invoiced against a purchase order — no card required
- Payment and the signed policy acknowledgment are due one week before the visit
- Tax-exempt certificates accepted; send with the booking
- The fee includes admission, all guided activities, and farm produce for each student
Photography and FERPA alignment
Photography and video may occur for educational and promotional purposes. Meadowlark Farm does not collect individual student photo permissions and relies on each school's existing FERPA and district photo/media consent procedures. Schools are responsible for ensuring appropriate permissions are in place before the visit, and for communicating any opt-outs on arrival.
Who to ask
Questions about a visit, a policy, or an accommodation go to either of us directly. Texting is the fastest way to reach the farm — we are usually outside.
- Tom Brown
- Owner — tom@themeadowlarkfarm.com
- Sayako Schwing
- Production Specialist — sayako.kanie@gmail.com
- Farm phone
- (316) 518-8907 — text or call
- Address
- 11249 SW 160th St, Rose Hill, KS 67133