I Need Your Opinions and Perspectives Quick!

Okay--Christine's orchestra has been planning a festival trip to northern California for months. It was presented to us parents, and we paid for, that we would be going on chartered, safe busses for the 8-10 hour trip. I am going as a chaperone. I got a call from her orchestra teacher last night during dinner that for a variety of reasons the students will now be going on school busses.

The only reason I got a call was because I am a chaperone. There has been no communication, email, letter, flyer, phone, etc. about this. These issues presented themselves 2 weeks ago. He told the students during their 6th period class yesterday and we are supposed to leave on Friday morning. Now, what 12 and 13 year old goes home and gives complete information to their parents like that?

There are no seat belts, no neck protection, not enough cargo space for luggage and instruments. The kids were told they would probably have to keep their duffle bag with them on the bus.

I think they should cancel the trip. Or I should drive? Hopefully nothing would happen, but you never know. I am frustrated and disappointed that the school and program has made no communication with the parents. The kids may be their students, but they are our CHILDREN!

What do you think?????