Much to my son's delight, I was one of the few "privileged" parents selected to chaperone his recent field trip. (Having a teen daughter I fortunately know to treasure such fleeting affections.) What criteria they utilize to determine the appropriate number of chaperones for a public outing with one hundred and fifty fourth graders I don't know, but I assure you I was deeply grateful for every one of the handful of parents and teachers which accompanied me.