Guilty Ride for Taking Kids Out of School

[PandaBear & Boo]

I'm a little ticked right now and frustrated! We have a planned trip the end of this month actually in less than 2 weeks. :banana: The reason I'm ticked is because one of my DS's came home from high school today with an extended absence form that says quote "Student will speak to Vice Principal for approval and signature." Since when do I need to get approval from a Vice Principal. This is the time that my husband has holidays. It is very frustrating to me that this school is trying to make me feel guilty about having a family vacation. My son said that the secretary told him that the board disagrees with high school students taking vacations during the school year. If that is the case than why do they have this extended absence form. This form is to be used for reasons other than illness or family emergencies. Am I wrong in getting upset over this? I pay my taxes which in turn pays these Board of Education People. It just really ticks me off and I am fuming. :furious: I have taken my kids out of school before when they were all in elementary school this is the first time I have taken my kids out of high school. Has anyone taken their kids out of high school before? If so can you please tell me how it went with the school and if you were given the guily ride. Thanks for letting me vent.

[Bonnie40]

I don't blame you for feeling frustrated. How many days are you taking your kids out for? I've never understood the way people worry and discuss the issue. I've pulled my kids out in highschool (4 days max) for family vacations and just assumed they will catch up when they return. I guess if you're pulling them for a couple of weeks I can understand why they may be concerned, but with proper communication with teachers, etc., I don't see the problem...

[F4disneyfan]

I'm a little ticked right now and frustrated! We have a planned trip the end of this month actually in less than 2 weeks. :banana: The reason I'm ticked is because one of my DS's came home from high school today with an extended absence form that says quote "Student will speak to Vice Principal for approval and signature." Since when do I need to get approval from a Vice Principal. This is the time that my husband has holidays. It is very frustrating to me that this school is trying to make me feel guilty about having a family vacation. My son said that the secretary told him that the board disagrees with high school students taking vacations during the school year. If that is the case than why do they have this extended absence form. This form is to be used for reasons other than illness or family emergencies. Am I wrong in getting upset over this? I pay my taxes which in turn pays these Board of Education People. It just really ticks me off and I am fuming. :furious: I have taken my kids out of school before when they were all in elementary school this is the first time I have taken my kids out of high school. Has anyone taken their kids out of high school before? If so can you please tell me how it went with the school and if you were given the guily ride. Thanks for letting me vent.

You are not wrong at all and if teh board is trying to tell you how to go on holidays maybe you should write them a letter and tell them how to teach your children I am sure they would just love that one. I agree with you and our family holiday is far more iomportant than a few missed weeks of school. I would take the form UNSIGNED and go talk to the VP and tell him or her straight up not to stick his/her nose in your family business and you won't stick your nose into his work business.

We take our kids away the first couple weeks of Dec every year but last year mind you LOL and never once have we had an issue.

[DisFan2]

The reason I'm ticked is because one of my DS's came home from high school today with an extended absence form that says quote "Student will speak to Vice Principal for approval and signature." Since when do I need to get approval from a Vice Principal. This is the time that my husband has holidays.

Did you get to speak to the Vice Principal or union rep. before they went out on strike? Did they ask for your "approval and signature"? Didn't think so.

It is very frustrating to me that this school is trying to make me feel guilty about having a family vacation. My son said that the secretary told him that the board disagrees with high school students taking vacations during the school year.

Tell them you disagree with teachers strikes during the academic year. You'll agree to restrict your vacations to summer holidays if they'll make the same agreement with respect to their job "actions".

Get outta here! Have a guilt free vacation in WDW. I'll meet with the freakin' VP!!!!

[koobs]

Our kids are in the Ottawa Public School system and so far we haven't had a problem yet. In 2005 we pulled our son out of grade 6 and our daughter out of grade 9 with out any problem. We did avert one problem by speaking to one grade 9 teacher who was a bit reluctant to re-schedule a test. It worked out though.

We never did speak to the principal or vice-principal but we did let all of our kids' teachers know about the upcoming trip weeks in advance so that we could make arrangements for working ahead. Actually, our daughter got too far ahead in math and actually had to let the rest of the class catch up to her.

We'll be pulling the kids out again this November-December. Classes only just started but the kids have already spoken to most of their teachers about the trip. Most teachers are very supportive.

[Miandrea]

In highschool, students need to attend class for a minimum number of days. If your child has a good attendance record and strong marks - they should't have a problem. If your child struggles, his/her credit maybe at risk.

It is very hard taking time out of highschool compared to elementary school. If you don't mind, can you tell us which board this is? I've worked in 5 boards now and it is amazing the differences betwee them!

Just call the VP and send the request in writing!

[disyady]

I'm very interested in this thread as we started going to Disney in August instead of May,Oct or Nov the summer before my oldest went into high school so I have never had to find out what is involved in pulling her out. 2003,4,5&6 have all been Aug trips because she is in HS whereas up until then we went once/yr and pulled all three girls out for 6 or 7 school days. If I had my pick I wouldn't choose the heat and rain of Aug (although crowds are normally light after the 15th or so) but I just didn't feel right about her missing school anymore. It does bother me, though, that several other kids miss weeks (and in 3 or 4 cases - months) of school (primary and high school) to visit extended family around the world. How well-educated can they be when they miss THAT much school? In those cases I think the school board should have a minimum # of attendance days, below which the child should have to repeat the grade (or class in high school). I am interested now, though, because we are considering a late April/early May trip next year (for many reasons) but I am really hesitant because my daughter is in Gr12 now and will be applying to college next year. I don't want to do anything to mess that up, so I am really torn. I also wouldn't appreciate having to get "permission" from the school to pull my daughter out for a week - that will annoy me for reasons other posters have already mentioned. Keep those opinions coming - I'd love to plan an April trip for a change!!!

[briarberry]

I am almost afraid to post on this thread. I am one of those awful people - a teacher!!!!!! I teach elementary school and when parents tell me they are going on a family holiday, I say have fun and the child gets caught up when they get back. High school is an entirely different story. If you feel confident your child can get caught up go ahead and go. It sounds to me as though you are feeling guilty about it. Schools have rules for a reason. If your child misses some important material while on holiday and fails a test or exam, who will you blame? Bear in mind high school teachers teach many students in one day and don't have the time to chase your child around to make sure he is caught up. By the time kids reach high school, they are responsible for their work, not the teacher.
Schools have plenty of holidays throughout the year. We go in the summer, sure it's hot, sure it's a bit crowded but I can't go at any other time so we go when school is out.
I am sure some more teachers haters will rant on this thread about how unfair the school system is etc. Please remember, 99% of us are really nice people who really care about your kids and it's pretty darn hard to teach them when they aren't present.
Go, have fun but don't blame the school when your child falls behind.
:tinker:

[sammi]

About 12 years ago we took our DS (then in Gr 9) to WDW for 1 week and I had a heck of a time trying to get the ok to go. DS had to take this form around and get it signed by each of his teachers and only 1 gave him his Math assignments to do BEFORE he went to Florida and the other teachers said it was an "unjustified absence". :furious:

In all fairness to the teachers he did have a heck of a time getting caught back up in all of his missed work......I hope things work out for you and your family. :thumbsup2

[declansdad]

I'm a little ticked right now and frustrated! We have a planned trip the end of this month actually in less than 2 weeks. :banana: The reason I'm ticked is because one of my DS's came home from high school today with an extended absence form that says quote "Student will speak to Vice Principal for approval and signature." Since when do I need to get approval from a Vice Principal. This is the time that my husband has holidays. It is very frustrating to me that this school is trying to make me feel guilty about having a family vacation. My son said that the secretary told him that the board disagrees with high school students taking vacations during the school year. If that is the case than why do they have this extended absence form. This form is to be used for reasons other than illness or family emergencies. Am I wrong in getting upset over this? I pay my taxes which in turn pays these Board of Education People. It just really ticks me off and I am fuming. :furious: I have taken my kids out of school before when they were all in elementary school this is the first time I have taken my kids out of high school. Has anyone taken their kids out of high school before? If so can you please tell me how it went with the school and if you were given the guily ride. Thanks for letting me vent.


Please keep in mind that it isn't the teachers ir in most cases the administrators who make these rules. They are just following the rules that they are given.


Did you get to speak to the Vice Principal or union rep. before they went out on strike? Did they ask for your "approval and signature"? Didn't think so.


I really hope that you are kidding here. What would the point of any union going on strike ot job action at a time when they are not working??????

[FayeW]

I think you are getting yourself worked up unnecessarily. Nobody is trying to make you feel guilty, it's just a standardized form that the School Board requires to have completed for non-medical extended absences. Don't take it personally. Calm down, and call the Vice Principal tomorrow. Explain that this is when you have to take your holiday because of your husband's work schedule.

[AngVen]

We've pulled our kids out for 1 week twice over the past 3 yrs for WDW trips, never a problem. We're leaving in 12 sleeps for 2 weeks ( :banana: ), and our DD is now in Gr10. Different story, but, still not a problem. Just a bit more complicated. I spoke with the Principal, provided her a written note explaining the absence, and spoke with each teacher asking for additional work in advance of the trip. So far, so good. Everyone has been fine. The only "penalty" if you can call it that is that my DD will not be eligible for exemption from exams at the end of the term because of the time she will have missed. Personally, I don't think that's such a bad thing as I think writing exams in High School will better prepare her for University.

[seashoreCM]

If the strike has resulted in makeup days being suddenly and unexpectedly scheduled on top of your previously scheduled vacation, you still need to go through the motions of getting approval but you may still take the kids on vacation if you did not succeed in getting approval.

In all instances the kids should get ahead of studies in at least some subjects prior to going on vacation. If they were unwilling or are incapable of doing that then they are really not in a position to go on vacation but rather need every bit of school time and study time they can get. Days lost to snow or strikes are perfect for keeping at one's studies and forging ahead.

Don't editorialize in the form of suggesting who puts his nose where when you submit the form with as many signatures you were able to get. OPtionally you may calmly say "see you on the 16'th" or whatever day you will get back.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

[drag n' fly]

We are pulling 2 of our kids in February for a WDW trip. One is in grade 7 and one is in grade 5. Why? Because I refuse to pay the ridiculous prices and fight the never ending crowds during the "appropriate time off" which is usually the most highest priced and crowded times of the year. I am a little nervous about pulling my older one. As soon as meet the teacher night comes up I am informing the teacher of their absence so they will have more than enough time to prepare a package to be completed by each kid. Now comes the problem with high school. I agree that time off can be extremely difficult to catch up. High school is student driven not classroom oriented. However with the appropriate advance notice and preparation, I believe older students can stay on top of everything if they are committed. Most teachers are extremely supportive of family vacations because the benefits of world travel and family time together definitely outweigh the time missed. I am not surprised at the resistance however because if you don't fit in the master plan that means the teacher must do extra preparation for the students absence. You would think they would have a definite plan of attack for the families who do travel during the school year. The student requiring to speak to the Vice Principal is only a formality. The student being in high school must recognize that they have a responsibility to accept whatever workload comes their way in exchange for travel time. It really is preparation for the real world. We all have to give notice at work to take time off and your high school student is expected to do the same. It is a way for the student to accept responsibility for time taken off.................as frustrating as it is for you as a parent it is a valuable lesson to learn about making choices and accepting responsibility for them...between you and me I am sure you feel like clobbering the VP...just smile and wave...smile and wave!;)

[koobs]

Go, have fun but don't blame the school when your child falls behind.
:tinker:

Maybe, this should say "Go, have fun but don't blame the school IF your child falls behind." If the parents and the child, with some co-operation from the teachers, plan ahead and do some advance work, there should not be a problem.

Hi Briarberry. Thank you for the point of view from a teacher's perspective. I agree with you that 99% of teachers are great.

[Scratch42]

About 12 years ago we took our DS (then in Gr 9) to WDW for 1 week and I had a heck of a time trying to get the ok to go. DS had to take this form around and get it signed by each of his teachers and only 1 gave him his Math assignments to do BEFORE he went to Florida and the other teachers said it was an "unjustified absence". :furious:

In all fairness to the teachers he did have a heck of a time getting caught back up in all of his missed work......I hope things work out for you and your family. :thumbsup2


"unjutified absence!"

I better not get this line! I'll tell them what an "UNjustified Absence" is! When they go on strike!

DD better get herself into that office to get that form! I phoned to request this form and they wouldn't give it to me! HELLO! Like the kid doesn't have enough to deal with...........New School, New Friends, New Everything!

:furious:

[pxlbarrel]

Most teachers are extremely supportive of family vacations because the benefits of world travel and family time together definitely outweigh the time missed. I am not surprised at the resistance however because if you don't fit in the master plan that means the teacher must do extra preparation for the students absence. You would think they would have a definite plan of attack for the families who do travel during the school year.

I'm not a parent nor a teacher...just an observer. My question, and don't kill me because this topic always seems to get heated, is...why should you expect a teacher to do EXTRA work so that your child can go on vacation to WDW? I'm sure a lot of them do extra work already for no extra pay.

Wouldn't it tick you off if you had to work overtime because a co-worker, somebody you don't particularly know very well, has been given permission to disappear for a week or two and enjoy themselves while you had to do their work?

Reading all these threads by supporters of pulling kids out of school (high school even), makes it sounds like it was a piece of cake for all the kids to make up the time, the work and the lessons. While I don't doubt the intelligence and comittment of these kids, it couldn't be easy for all of them to catch up 1 week of missed classes in high school. Bring homework with you on vacation? Oy, what kind of vacation is that?

I read with great interest about the one school who mentioned that it was ok to miss so many days but her child would not be exempt from the exams and that she was fine with this since exams prepared students for university. Ummmm...was this fine with the daughter? She may love the idea of getting out of school for a week but come exam time, probably not. What's better for preparing students for university? Exams or time spent in class.

Lots of people mention pulling their kids without any problems but most of these kids are still in elementary school. High school is such a different kettle of fish.

Like I said, don't kill me for having a differing opinion. A lot of times, this topic comes up and it seems like a support group for pulling kids out rather than one of differing opinions. I thought I'd throw in another view.

[disyady]

I am so glad to see all of these points of view on this subject. I always like to hear what other people have to say when I'm making a big decision so that I can be as well informed as possible when I make it. I'm glad this thread was started, and I think I'm going to tell my girls today that if we go again next year it will be August again. Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your views and to the OP - have a magical vacation!

[siobhan1997]

My DD is this year in Grade 7 which is still in the Elementary system in our area. She will be missing 14 days of school, we will actually be back for her to have the March break week off at home. That will give her the week to catch up on anything she missed.

Every year we have taken her out of school for winter holidays.

We own a moving company and other family members work in the business and they all have children. In our business there is no such thing as summer holidays. This is our busiest season and days off do not exist as the military moves 95% of their members during the summer months. Therefore, our DD does not get a summer family holiday so we go in the winter.

I do not feel the least bit guilty about taking her out of school. We have been doing this since she started JK. Winter holidays are family time and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

All of her teachers have been supportive of her missing. Some have given her no assignments while others have given her many assignments. But each time she gets assignments to complete while we are on vacation, it really ticks me off that when she returns back to school after her vacation, with her completed assignments the teacher never even bothers to check them!!!

[PandaBear & Boo]

I can't believe all the responses I've gotten just from posting this yesterday. I was venting because I was ticked. I have yet to read all posts which I will do so when I'm done writing this. In answer to some questions. I live in Barrie, Ontario which is about 1hr north of Toronto. The Board of Education up here is Simcoe Board. I took my kids out of school 3 years ago and back then they were in grades 8, 6, and 3. Up here those grades are all in an elementary school (no middle school involved). The principal told me that he didn't like the fact that I was taking them out but there wasn't anything he could do about it because they are my children. Fast forward to yesterday. I was really ticked. I vented on this board and then phoned my sister who by the way teaches for the Toronto Board of Education. Which has totally different rules to our board. She basically told me that this whole form is BS. You do not have to justify to the school why you are taking them out. We are going the last week of September and the Friday of that week is a PD day for both the elementary schools and high schools. My kids will be missing a total of 4 days. She as a teacher told me to screw the form. Write a short note telling the VP of the high school and the the teacher of the elementary school that the kids will be absent from Sept 25 thru Sept 28 returning on the 1st of October. The schools do not need to know why you are taking them out. Sign it and give it to the proper people on the Friday before you leave. Even though my kids are good students whether they are able to make up the work or not the 4 absent days will not make or break their school year. She says if the school has a problem with it they will get in touch with you to discuss it but really what can they do? Nothing! It's not like your the first person to take kids out of school and your not going to be the last. So this morning I wrote a short note saying that my kids will be absent and when they will be returning. I did not tell them why. It is dated Sept 22 and it will be handed to them on that day. (Which by the way is the day we leave.) :rolleyes1 End of Story!

Cheers!

I just had to edit because I finished reading all the posts. I just want to add that I don't feel guilty taking my kids out of school. If you as a parent want to take your kids out you should be able to without people trying to make you feel guilty. If you prefer to keep your kids in school and take vacations in summer thats great too. If you are a good teacher and you love your job and as a teacher if you are a compassionate person you will be able to understand why us parents take our kids out of school to have family time. I just want to clarify that not all of us are able to take holidays the same time as the school has there holidays. We should be allowed to take the time off without any justification or guilt. Just because a school closes at Christmas, March Break, Summer Break doesn't mean that all professions are able to get that time off too!

[declansdad]

I can't believe all the responses I've gotten just from posting this yesterday. I was venting because I was ticked. I have yet to read all posts which I will do so when I'm done writing this. In answer to some questions. I live in Barrie, Ontario which is about 1hr north of Toronto. The Board of Education up here is Simcoe Board. I took my kids out of school 3 years ago and back then they were in grades 8, 6, and 3. Up here those grades are all in an elementary school (no middle school involved). The principal told me that he didn't like the fact that I was taking them out but there wasn't anything he could do about it because they are my children. Fast forward to yesterday. I was really ticked. I vented on this board and then phoned my sister who by the way teaches for the Toronto Board of Education. Which has totally different rules to our board. She basically told me that this whole form is BS. You do not have to justify to the school why you are taking them out. We are going the last week of September and the Friday of that week is a PD day for both the elementary schools and high schools. My kids will be missing a total of 4 days. She as a teacher told me to screw the form. Write a short note telling the VP of the high school and the the teacher of the elementary school that the kids will be absent from Sept 25 thru Sept 28 returning on the 1st of October. The schools do not need to know why you are taking them out. Sign it and give it to the proper people on the Friday before you leave. Even though my kids are good students whether they are able to make up the work or not the 4 absent days will not make or break their school year. She says if the school has a problem with it they will get in touch with you to discuss it but really what can they do? Nothing! It's not like your the first person to take kids out of school and your not going to be the last. So this morning I wrote a short note saying that my kids will be absent and when they will be returning. I did not tell them why. It is dated Sept 22 and it will be handed to them on that day. (Which by the way is the day we leave.) :rolleyes1 End of Story!

Cheers!

I just had to edit because I finished reading all the posts. I just want to add that I don't feel guilty taking my kids out of school. If you as a parent want to take your kids out you should be able to without people trying to make you feel guilty. If you prefer to keep your kids in school and take vacations in summer thats great too. If you are a good teacher and you love your job and as a teacher if you are a compassionate person you will be able to understand why us parents take our kids out of school to have family time. I just want to clarify that not all of us are able to take holidays the same time as the school has there holidays. We should be allowed to take the time off without any justification or guilt. Just because a school closes at Christmas, March Break, Summer Break doesn't mean that all professions are able to get that time off too!

You are correct in saying that no one should feel guilty about taking your children out of school if that is the only time available to you to travel as a family. I am curious though as to why you wouldn't just give them the note now? If you see no problem in your decision, why wait to tell the school?

Also, just because your sister is a teacher in Toronto doesn't mean she would understand the policies of another district. The reason for the form could simply be so that things are documented as to what was going on with your children. A school, just like any other institution, needs to be able to provide documentation as to what happened/didn't happen if there ever was a legal dispute. I'm not saying that is what would happen but unfortunately that is what our society is becoming.

[drag n' fly]

double post

[drag n' fly]

I'm not a parent nor a teacher...just an observer. My question, and don't kill me because this topic always seems to get heated, is...why should you expect a teacher to do EXTRA work so that your child can go on vacation to WDW? I'm sure a lot of them do extra work already for no extra pay.

Wouldn't it tick you off if you had to work overtime because a co-worker, somebody you don't particularly know very well, has been given permission to disappear for a week or two and enjoy themselves while you had to do their work?

Reading all these threads by supporters of pulling kids out of school (high school even), makes it sounds like it was a piece of cake for all the kids to make up the time, the work and the lessons. While I don't doubt the intelligence and comittment of these kids, it couldn't be easy for all of them to catch up 1 week of missed classes in high school. Bring homework with you on vacation? Oy, what kind of vacation is that?

I read with great interest about the one school who mentioned that it was ok to miss so many days but her child would not be exempt from the exams and that she was fine with this since exams prepared students for university. Ummmm...was this fine with the daughter? She may love the idea of getting out of school for a week but come exam time, probably not. What's better for preparing students for university? Exams or time spent in class.

Lots of people mention pulling their kids without any problems but most of these kids are still in elementary school. High school is such a different kettle of fish.

Like I said, don't kill me for having a differing opinion. A lot of times, this topic comes up and it seems like a support group for pulling kids out rather than one of differing opinions. I thought I'd throw in another view.

"Wouldn't it tick you off if you had to work overtime because a co-worker, somebody you don't particularly know very well, has been given permission to disappear for a week or two and enjoy themselves while you had to do their work?"




Your comparison that a coworker has to pick up the slack while someone takes time off does not even relate to what I said. Implying I have no respect for the teachers time is incorrect. A package given to the child to complete is not taking advantage of the teachers time. It is a simple request for something that is going to be taught anyways and most teachers are so well prepared they already know months ahead what they are teaching. I have never had a problem with any of my kids teachers and have been more than happy to oblige with any requests and in return we do the same. I just feel your view as an "observer" is a bit jaded and had my thread been completely quoted by you, you would have also noticed that I have my own opinion about kids leaving high school for any length of time. A relationship with a child's teacher is based on mutual respect and communication. Basically you get what you give. Even though I respect your opinion, you should try to relate to what the people with children are saying on this thread instead of insulting them for making what they feel is in the best interests of their children and their family.

[mommytodarlings]

I had to fill out the form and get principal's approval for dd who just started kindergarten. I was ticked at needing approval. I mean how much is she really going to miss anyway.

My parents always pulled me out of school for vacations. Whether it was for a fall extra long weekend of camping or Florida, they never had any problems.

I did have a few teachers make comments when I came back, things like I wouldn't know the lesson because I "was down south with my toes in the sand" I just brushed it off.

At least I had a nice vacation, :rotfl2:

[drag n' fly]

I had to fill out the form and get principal's approval for dd who just started kindergarten. I was ticked at needing approval. I mean how much is she really going to miss anyway.

My parents always pulled me out of school for vacations. Whether it was for a fall extra long weekend of camping or Florida, they never had any problems.

I did have a few teachers make comments when I came back, things like I wouldn't know the lesson because I "was down south with my toes in the sand" I just brushed it off.

At least I had a nice vacation, :rotfl2:



That was funny!:rotfl:

[F4disneyfan]

We have been very lucky our kids teachers have always wished teh kids well and asked them to do a journal and take lots of pictures so they could present it to the class when they got back. My oldest DD even missed a provincial testing day while we were on holidays one year. If the school ever gave me a problem about going away in Dec I would tell them to go pound salt my kids my decision end of discussion.

[DCA_MillionaireFreak]

That's odd, I explained to my teachers that I was going to go to DLR in May, my agenda mentioned a form but I never was required to have it, I made arrangements to make up work (one teacher just told me to have a good time), and I was good and my grades didn't suffer. It's weird that you would require approval, as a matter of fact my agenda even says "But the sole decision is on the parent and student".

[pxlbarrel]

Your comparison that a coworker has to pick up the slack while someone takes time off does not even relate to what I said. Implying I have no respect for the teachers time is incorrect. A package given to the child to complete is not taking advantage of the teachers time. It is a simple request for something that is going to be taught anyways and most teachers are so well prepared they already know months ahead what they are teaching. I have never had a problem with any of my kids teachers and have been more than happy to oblige with any requests and in return we do the same. I just feel your view as an "observer" is a bit jaded and had my thread been completely quoted by you, you would have also noticed that I have my own opinion about kids leaving high school for any length of time. A relationship with a child's teacher is based on mutual respect and communication. Basically you get what you give. Even though I respect your opinion, you should try to relate to what the people with children are saying on this thread instead of insulting them for making what they feel is in the best interests of their children and their family.

OK, I'm now quoting your entire post since you seem to think I had an ulterior motive in NOT quoting your entire post earlier (it was merely so people didn't have to re-read the entire thing). Please tell me where I insulted people for making what they feel is in the best interest of their children and their family? And where in my post do I even say I don't relate with what people are saying?

My feelings about these threads is that people make it sound so easy for their kids to get right back into the swing of things and catch up. There's ALWAYS at least one post where people are ticked off at their teachers/school board/principal because they're not really happy that the kids are taking so much time off of a school. "It's none of their business"...well, in a way...it is their business. Their job is to teach your children and it's hard if they're not in class. I suppose that if a teacher or principal wants to talk to you about it, it's not to bar you from doing so (well, they couldn't) but to make sure you have thought it through and know the consequences. And sure, that may be demeaning or insulting that they think you don't have the best interests of your kids in mind, but it's not you that they're thinking about....it's the kids.

I love family vacations as much as the next person. I'm just not sure the general statement that "taking a high schooler out for a week is not a problem" is such a good one to be spreading. (That's in quotes....not because I'm quoting anybody specifically...cause I'm not.)

And why is it that whenever somebody comes onto a thread with a different opinion, they ALWAYS have to say, "Don't kill me or don't flame me"?

[seashoreCM]

Could you rather than the teachers prepare a package (a list) of things your kids will have accomplished as of two weeks following their return? Some of the items should already have been accomplished prior to departure and you can set aside some study time at the resort for more of the things. The list just needs to look like it more or less follows the curriculum and need not match (is not itself a quiz whose correct answers match) exactly what the teacher would have prepared as a list. If the teacher prepares a list anyway, then discard your list.

A teacher reserves the right to give your kid upon return the same test the rest of the class got the previous week. So it is not an inherent burden on the teacher when your kid misses a test.

[drag n' fly]

OK, I'm now quoting your entire post since you seem to think I had an ulterior motive in NOT quoting your entire post earlier (it was merely so people didn't have to re-read the entire thing). Please tell me where I insulted people for making what they feel is in the best interest of their children and their family? And where in my post do I even say I don't relate with what people are saying?

My feelings about these threads is that people make it sound so easy for their kids to get right back into the swing of things and catch up. There's ALWAYS at least one post where people are ticked off at their teachers/school board/principal because they're not really happy that the kids are taking so much time off of a school. "It's none of their business"...well, in a way...it is their business. Their job is to teach your children and it's hard if they're not in class. I suppose that if a teacher or principal wants to talk to you about it, it's not to bar you from doing so (well, they couldn't) but to make sure you have thought it through and know the consequences. And sure, that may be demeaning or insulting that they think you don't have the best interests of your kids in mind, but it's not you that they're thinking about....it's the kids.

I love family vacations as much as the next person. I'm just not sure the general statement that "taking a high schooler out for a week is not a problem" is such a good one to be spreading. (That's in quotes....not because I'm quoting anybody specifically...cause I'm not.)

And why is it that whenever somebody comes onto a thread with a different opinion, they ALWAYS have to say, "Don't kill me or don't flame me"?


Gee mabey it may be due to the hostiliy and judgemental tone of your thread. I believe I stated many of the same things on my response as you have. I believe you are attempting to address everyone's point in this thread. I felt you were making irrelevant comparisons in regards to what this thread is about and then getting steamed at everyone because you at times do not make sense. My response specifically has nothing to do with disrespect for teachers and a poor attitude towards following school protocol. If you have concerns about those posts you need to quote and address them individually not glom them all together and wonder why I thought you were insulting people. As for ulterior motive..none whatsoever I am concerned that you are lashing out at everyone with your personal "observers" opinion and then wondering why someone just might say quit flaming?

[RainbowsMist]

I too work in an Elementary School and I must agree with a previous poster. I see kids come to class 10-15 minutes late all the time. Right there that's 10-15 minutes that the teacher has to stop and go over again and explain to the student that was late what was missed. Meanwhile they could be using that time more wisely and it's very disruptive to the entire class. Imagine if it was a student that had missed 5-10 entire school days? Sure there is homework and worksheets that can be done..BUT there will be LOTS of questions and explanations that need to be addressed to that particular individual student. That time is being taken away from the other students (those that did show up for the previous 5-10 days). It's amazing how much time can be lost.

That being said, I too am going to WDW in March 2007. We're going for 2 weeks however 1 of those 2 weeks is our March break. My children (4, 10,12) will be missing 5 school days rather than 10. My children will also be taking work with them therefore they won't be "lost" when they get back & hold the class up. I'm going to meet with their teachers before we leave to be sure we'll have all bases covered.

Regardless, I hope you enjoy your trip with your family and get this situation resolved peacefully and quickly.

Good luck!

[pxlbarrel]

Gee mabey it may be due to the hostiliy and judgemental tone of your thread. I believe I stated many of the same things on my response as you have. I believe you are attempting to address everyone's point in this thread. I felt you were making irrelevant comparisons in regards to what this thread is about and then getting steamed at everyone because you at times do not make sense. My response specifically has nothing to do with disrespect for teachers and a poor attitude towards following school protocol. If you have concerns about those posts you need to quote and address them individually not glom them all together and wonder why I thought you were insulting people. As for ulterior motive..none whatsoever I am concerned that you are lashing out at everyone with your personal "observers" opinion and then wondering why someone just might say quit flaming?

This is ridiculous. There was no "hostility" in my original post nor in my subsequent until you tried to make it so. Just because I quoted your one line, does NOT mean the entire message was directed at YOU.

I'll stop quoting people now...it just seems to get me in trouble in this thread.

I'm not sure how I'm judgemental when I don't really care if you guys pull your kids or not. I do care that there seems to be such suspicion regarding the motives of various school boards, teachers, and principals. Perhaps I'm wrong but I would find it reassuring if a teacher was concerned about a child missing school. I would find it disturbing if they didn't care. I'll bow out of this thread now as it seems that I upset some people and in the whole scheme of things, I don't really care enough to continue this "hostility".

[PandaBear & Boo]

You are correct in saying that no one should feel guilty about taking your children out of school if that is the only time available to you to travel as a family. I am curious though as to why you wouldn't just give them the note now? If you see no problem in your decision, why wait to tell the school?

Also, just because your sister is a teacher in Toronto doesn't mean she would understand the policies of another district. The reason for the form could simply be so that things are documented as to what was going on with your children. A school, just like any other institution, needs to be able to provide documentation as to what happened/didn't happen if there ever was a legal dispute. I'm not saying that is what would happen but unfortunately that is what our society is becoming.

Why should I have to tell them in advance. So that my kids get bogged down with work to do. This is our vacation our family time. I am not going to worry about whether my kids are writing in their journals or doing whatever other work their teachers gave them. Last time when I pulled them out my daughter was given so much that it just got to be ridiculus. Not going through that again.

As for my sister, I never mentioned in my post that she understood the policies. She just said it was Bullsh**. She has been a teacher for almost 30 years and I think that she knows by now that all Boards of Education are different.

[Scratch42]

Correct me if I'm wrong..............

But isn't ALL SCHOOL BOARDS IN ONTARIO SUPPOSE to follow the same curriculum? :confused3 :confused3

Well DD forgot to go to the office once again!

Let's hope today she is successful!

j

[PandaBear & Boo]

Correct me if I'm wrong..............

But isn't ALL SCHOOL BOARDS IN ONTARIO SUPPOSE to follow the same curriculum? :confused3 :confused3

j


I think they have the same curriculum but it's the policies and procedures that are different.

[declansdad]

Why should I have to tell them in advance. So that my kids get bogged down with work to do. This is our vacation our family time. I am not going to worry about whether my kids are writing in their journals or doing whatever other work their teachers gave them. Last time when I pulled them out my daughter was given so much that it just got to be ridiculus. Not going through that again.

As for my sister, I never mentioned in my post that she understood the policies. She just said it was Bullsh**. She has been a teacher for almost 30 years and I think that she knows by now that all Boards of Education are different.


I think that you should tell them in advance for nothing more than common courtesy. Finding out at the last minute can cause headaches for teachers. If there was activities planned that included daughter, this would obviously change things in that class.

You also stated that it is your decision to take your child out of class (which I agreed with), so to me it know looks like your are waiting simply to avoid telling the school.

[jakoky]

hi there, we just pulled our kids out in may to go to DL....DD-gr 5, DS-gr 7, and DD-gr 9(high school AND on the semester system)...I let all her teachers know that would be away for 12 days, but they only missed 6 school days...bascially they all said they were jealous....she was given only a small amount of math to do and socials studies while away...she did it at the airport and 1 night on the trip....the funniest thing was, when we got back she had to do some catching up, but the only grade affected by her absences was her art grade...i think if any of my kids struggled in school i would not have pulled them out as long as i did, but they all get good grades and i knew that with just a little effort they could and would catch up...dont feel guilty, have fun...i wish we were going back right now :thumbsup2

[laura001]

I'm a little ticked right now and frustrated! We have a planned trip the end of this month actually in less than 2 weeks. :banana: The reason I'm ticked is because one of my DS's came home from high school today with an extended absence form that says quote "Student will speak to Vice Principal for approval and signature." Since when do I need to get approval from a Vice Principal. This is the time that my husband has holidays. It is very frustrating to me that this school is trying to make me feel guilty about having a family vacation. My son said that the secretary told him that the board disagrees with high school students taking vacations during the school year. If that is the case than why do they have this extended absence form. This form is to be used for reasons other than illness or family emergencies. Am I wrong in getting upset over this? I pay my taxes which in turn pays these Board of Education People. It just really ticks me off and I am fuming. :furious: I have taken my kids out of school before when they were all in elementary school this is the first time I have taken my kids out of high school. Has anyone taken their kids out of high school before? If so can you please tell me how it went with the school and if you were given the guily ride. Thanks for letting me vent.

You are not wrong at all....speak to the Vice Principal etc. and get the work from his teacher's. I don't understand why they get themselves in such a pickle over all of this.

It is ok for the kids to miss school because of a school trip to say....oh, Paris (not an educational trip)....it is ok to miss because they are in the musical at school, which works out to far more than a week.....it is ok to miss to go touring with the band for a week at different schools at Christmas time ...it is ok to miss a week of the classes they signed up for because the school has screwed up the students schedule (it takes 2 weeks sometimes to get them into the classes they were supposed to be in) and what do they say when that happens...."oh, they can catch up" :rotfl: Oh , please! :sad2:

Hope it all works out and you have a great vacation!!!

[Chester's Mum]

I had this situation in January when I took my daughter out of school (grade 12). She was off for the week between Semester ending at Science Centre School, and would miss 4 days of the second semester at her regular school. We cooperated (although I must admit I was a little miffed), and in addition to speaking to the vice principal (as a matter of fact, he helped her complete the form), I wrote a nice letter explaining my reasons for taking vacation at this time and thanking them for their patience. It was delivered to the school 2 days before we left.

They lost the letter, claimed that my daughter had never come in to the school to talk to anyone, and implied that we were not being entirely truthful, in addition to leaving some alarming messages on our answering machine about the whereabouts of our dd. When I returned, I phoned the school and explained everything, they appeared to be doubtful about my story, but I persisted, emphasizing my dd's impeccable attendance record, and outstanding academic record. They finally relented, apologized for the misunderstanding and all in all it was a tempest in a teapot.

Anyway, everyone makes mistakes, and I'm sure they are getting pressure from somewhere if they are getting into rows with parents about stuff like a 4 day absence. She could have the flu for longer. Nuff said. Don't worry about it, just fill in the form and send it in. Fact is you're going and what are they going to do about it?

You should read some of the posts from the U.S. about taking kids out of school, you think our school boards are bad? Boy are they mean.

[PandaBear & Boo]

After some deep thought and over thinking I finally decided that I wasn't going to fill out the form. Instead I wrote the following letter one to my boys vice principal and one to my daughters teacher.

Dear So and So,

This is to notify you that my sons/daughter will be absent from school next week, Sept 25 thru to Sept 28, due to a family vacation. This vacation has been planned since the beginning of the year and I do apologize for the fact that it is during school time, but this is the only time that my husband is able to get his vacation time from work. My sons/daughter will be returning to school on Oct 2. Thanking you in Advance. Sincerely, Me!

So does that sound ok? Thanks to all your posts!

[seashoreCM]

Why should I have to tell them in advance. So that my kids get bogged down with work to do. This is our vacation our family time. I am not going to worry about whether my kids are writing in their journals or doing whatever other work their teachers gave them. Last time when I pulled them out my daughter was given so much that it just got to be ridiculus. .
"After six hours of school da da da da da today
"da da da radio dial and tune it up all the way [how do you tune a radio up?]
"da da da dance dance"
... as sung by The Beach Boys

Although, as I said earlier, I would have endeavored to have the kids get an early head start, I would not schedule six hours a day for studies down at Disney.

[Cass]

I'm in the Toronto area, I am taking DD12 to Disney for a birthday surprise in December - I won't even be telling the school until that morning!

We are at a private school and they take so many days and half days for this and that. Even the first day back was only a half day.. this week my DD is camping with her class in Northern Ontario - this after only 3 1/2 days back at school. They would have to be nuts to complain to me, but we'll see.

I say take your kids out and enjoy being a family, will all this really matter in 5, 10 , 15 20 years? only in a positive way with happy family memories.

[sammi]

Your letter sounds perfect! Good luck with everything and I hope you and your family have a wonderful vacation! :sunny:

[Scratch42]

Great Letter!

Short and Sweet and to the point!

Have Fun!

[Scratch42]

Oh, I was also thinkin'....................

They should go back to a full year of teaching since the majority of us no longer work on farms and don't need the children to work the fields!

This would alleviate this problem and also "what the heck to do with them in the summertime!"

[calena]

After some deep thought and over thinking I finally decided that I wasn't going to fill out the form. Instead I wrote the following letter one to my boys vice principal and one to my daughters teacher.

Dear So and So,

This is to notify you that my sons/daughter will be absent from school next week, Sept 25 thru to Sept 28, due to a family vacation. This vacation has been planned since the beginning of the year and I do apologize for the fact that it is during school time, but this is the only time that my husband is able to get his vacation time from work. My sons/daughter will be returning to school on Oct 2. Thanking you in Advance. Sincerely, Me!

So does that sound ok? Thanks to all your posts!

Very interesting post. I also live in Ontario and we have been taking the children out for a week or two each year for family trips since DD started school. DH has a lanscaping/greehouse business and that is the only time it really works for us. Plus my boss' wife is a teacher so they always take off March Break and I take over his position for a week at work. So...
I have never had a teacher say anything negative to me about taking the children out. They are all in elementary school though and do well in school. I do wonder as they get older though! We will see.
We are going away in late October. The children will miss 5 days of school then. I will talk to the teachers about this during the open house next week.

Anyway, for your letter, I would just write.

"Dear Mrs. Smith,
I just wanted to let you know Samantha will not be in school from September 25-September 29. We are going on a family vacation. Because of work responsibilities this is the only time we are able to get away as a family and we are very much looking forward to it. If you have any assignments for Samantha to complete we would be more than happy to work on them with her either during the trip or when we return, whatever you prefer. Thank you for your understanding. If you need to talk to me about this I can be reached at XXX- XXX-XXXX. Thank you for your understanding. Ms. Jones. "

I personally think saying you will not apologize puts you on the defensive.

Deb
P.S. I see in the US some boards really penalize the child for missing days of school and it even comes into not being able to pass the school year. At least Ontario is not like that! Yet!

[seashoreCM]

Oh, I was also thinkin'....................

They should go back to a full year of teaching since the majority of us no longer work on farms and don't need the children to work the fields!

This would alleviate this problem and also "what the heck to do with them in the summertime!"
The kids should go back to a full year of learning since the majority of us no longer work on farms and don't need our children to work our fields!

This would alleviate this problem and also "what the heck to do with the kids in the summertime!" :)

Just think, higher SAT scores? (Do Canadian kids all take the same tests U.S. kids take?)

[PandaBear & Boo]

Your letter sounds perfect! Good luck with everything and I hope you and your family have a wonderful vacation! :sunny:

Great Letter!

Short and Sweet and to the point!

Have Fun!


Thanks to both of you!

[Scratch42]

It's been so long since I've been in school, that I don't remember what the kids have to take! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

SAT's :confused3

j

[dsneygirl]

Just think, higher SAT scores? (Do Canadian kids all take the same tests U.S. kids take?)

No. It's a different system for University entrance.

[sandraB]

Last year we took our seventh grader out for a week extra over march break, to do Disney before/after a cruise.....I dont regret it at all....however...boy did he pay the price in his grades! (He also missed a week at Christmas due to sickness)

He missed a couple of tests.....and even with make up work....his grades that term were significantly lower. We worked hard the next term, and he ended his year well......

I am now on the other side.....I am doing my internship as a student teacher...and to be honest...we do cover ALOT in a week. It can be several curriculum outcomes....and the assessment of them. It is hard to provide the parents with extra work to make up for that.


Either way.......Make the decision that is best for you....and in the end you will work it out!

I wont have to worry about that again....because now I will only be able to go away on school holidays too!


Sandi

[Buzz & Woody]

I think that it's likely different for High School kids. They have lot's of homework, have lot's of different subjects and it might be harder for them to catch up while they are away...however, if the time that you take vacation can only be while they are in school, then I wouldn't hesitate. We've gone away 3 times in December, and DS missed about 9 days of school in December and we will do it again this year. We ask to bring work with us, but the teachers don;t bother as DS was in JK and SK when we went. I am sure we will get to a point when we won;t go during the school year anymore.

[tinkerbellroxsox]

Pandabear and Boo, I agree, that must be very frustrating;I think the school board has got to realize that families want to go on vacation during the year. However, I don't think it's up to them to chase the student down and hand them every missed assignment. So as long as your DS can catch up, I wouldn't worry at all!! :thumbsup2 Have a great time!

[canron]

we took our kidss out of school for 1 week at atime never did i hear of an approvale sheet.TELL THEM TO KISS YOUR *** AND GOOOOOOOOO IT YOUR VACATION TAKE IT AND GGGGGOOOOOOO

[declansdad]

we took our kidss out of school for 1 week at atime never did i hear of an approvale sheet.TELL THEM TO KISS YOUR *** AND GOOOOOOOOO IT YOUR VACATION TAKE IT AND GGGGGOOOOOOO

That is a very mature attitude. This is the type of thing that causes the problems in the first place. Yes, you make the decision about your family but you should at least respect the rules of your schools enough to be polite about it.

[Charleyann]

Teachers get two months vacation. Most of us 1-2 wks. To go south in the summer is crazy! I don't believe we should cater to the school system. They don't for us!

Charleyann

[declansdad]

Teachers get two months vacation. Most of us 1-2 wks. To go south in the summer is crazy! I don't believe we should cater to the school system. They don't for us!

Charleyann

This has nothing to do with teachers. They don't make the rules, the districts do. Plus there is always the Christmas Break and March Break here in NB.

There are some families that the traditional breaks will not work. So if that is you, you need to make the decisin that is best for your family. If the traditional breaks work, then that is what should be used, imo.

To go south in the summer is not crazy. We did it in 2005 and will be doing it again in 2007. Was it hot and humid, yes. Did it stop us from having a great time, no. Was it crowded, yes. Did we wait for more than 20 minutes for anything, maybe twice in 10 days.

[BitsnBearsMom]

Had to jump in here as I just wrote the letter for my gr 7 for October - here's what I wrote:

This letter is to inform you that Tim in class 7-E and Mrs. F's LD class will be away from school from October 8th until October 21st on a family vacation.

We have provided Tim with a copy of this letter for each of his teachers and would appreciate if they could contact us at their convenience so we could make arrangements for Tim to get any work that will need to be completed ahead of time.

Dianna is home during the day and can be contacted at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or by email at xxx.

I will not justify a 2 week vacation - the school is just going to have to accept that we are doing it. They are MY kids and I worked hard to get them here and will take em out whenever I darn well please (insert foot stomp here!!) :rotfl2: ;)

On a side we did ask in person that they give us an approximate list of what they will be covering so we can make sure ds is caught up and at open house they all agreed to give it to us a week before we go - other then a daily journal and books to read I don't do homework on vacation - my ds is also in a special Ed class though for Math and English and doesn't get much homework to begin with and is behind by 1 to 2 yrs in most subjects so really.... what's 2 weeks!?!?

Hope you enjoy your vacation - we will :thumbsup2

ETA forgot to mention that I also have a ds in gr 1 and he is way ahead anyway - he'll do a journal and reading also and the teacher has some math she wants him to complete - he'll be pleased with that - weird kid loves math and is good at it too!

[maryliz]

I've made my DD9 do a journal the last few times I took her out. I spoke to the teacher ahead of time, and we discussed the journal, and having her present highlights of it when she returns. I figured a good way to get her more comfortable with public speaking. Teachers agreed, and DD told them she had it upon return, but nothing was ever done with it. :rotfl:

Since I'm still trying to keep our Dec trip a secret from the kids, I will go either call or go in and discuss it with the teachers. I figure reading (on the trip), spelling words and some math sheets to do upon our return should be sufficient. I certainly don't expect them to have work for us ahead of time. I don't think it's their responsibility to figure out their lesson plans that far ahead just to give my kids the work. kids are only back one week before the Christmas break so I figure they can do extra cathing up during that time. Oh, and my kids are only grades 1 and 4, so I think it makes a huge difference the older they get.

I do believe it is courteous to notify the teachers ahead of time. JMHO as I have never been the recipient of "grief" for taking my kids out of school. ;)


MaryLiz

[coastgirl]

I'll be taking my son, in grade 1, out for two weeks in Feb. Ok, it's only gr 1. The school has already circulated its policy, which is it does not give out work packages beforehand, but will keep the worksheets, etc., to give kids on their return.

Not perfect, but as a former teacher, I can live with it. Choices and consequences, as we tell ds all the time! ;-)

My son's teacher has TWENTY EIGHT kids. No aide, no nuthin'. For me to ask her for that work before hand would be presumptuous. Yep, she's an experienced teacher, a really wonderful teacher, but it's her first year at our school, maybe her first year in gr 1, and I know the work often ISN'T fine-tuned a couple of weeks ahead. I don't want her to have to dig out the worksheets from last year or whatever.

The usual school faculty will have a lot of experienced teachers who may well have everything ready to go, but there will be some in the mix who are young and less experienced, some who have taken on a new course or grade for a professional challenge, and others who just revise every time they teach something--which is a blessing for the students, rather than getting an assignment that's been used verbatim for years.

I taught high school and I know you can cover a LOT in a week or more, especially in Ontario where classes are semestered. (I.e., you have course X for 70 mins a day every day but are finished it in one semester.) But our school did support family vacations and wouldn't say no. I think you just have to understand that thing about choices and consequences--and of course make sure older children understand too.

For younger ones, I think parents can do a lot to support the learning, make the vacation relevant. (Last May my son did a journal, as others have mentioned--great for someone learning to read and write!) Older ones too--not just the obvious stuff like, oh I don't know, a little zoology at the Animal Kingdom--but the extracurricular intangibles like being comfortable in another country and culture (they speak English, I know, but it's not Barrie!!), or even the sophistication to negotiate a busy airport, or get through Customs. However, I have to admit, with sinking heart, once the kids are in high school, I won't take them out for more than a few days for a family trip. (Some days I miss teaching, but not when I look at the cost of travel during July and August!)

It's unfortunate when schools or boards are less than diplomatic in communicating policies, as was the OP's school apparently. I would guess their INTENT was to make sure everyone had thought about the consequences of the planned absence, rather than putting any individual family through the wringer.

All that said, I don't think 4 days would be a huge deal, as long as it's not during exams or something.

[mamax2]

Get outta here! Have a guilt free vacation in WDW. I'll meet with the freakin' VP!!!!

LOL! You're awesome! I remember having one teacher freak out at me when I got back from Fla. one year, when I was in grade 12, because I missed one day. I had the fourth highest GPA in a college level course. i think she over reacted just a bit, eh?

[Disney Ontario]

Hi :wave2: I have never felt quilty until now, when we are starting to plan next years trip. DD14 is now in grade nine and DD17 -18 (then), and has not asked yet for time off and just got her three month probation for at work.

[Calgary DISHeads]

Just joining at the end of this the thread - so totally fed up with attitude of some current teachers - DS12, is in grade 7 this year - did not really figure in the importance of this year in OUR plans for the vacation. So WE screwed up - punish us, not him - all we asked for was for prework - not a chance. We are told that 40 - 50 children take vacations outside of regular time each year and they refuse to cater to this. - SO WHAT - deal with it. Sorry if I sound grumpy, very grumpy just a sore spot right now - Calgary, Alberta.

[drag n' fly]

Just joining at the end of this the thread - so totally fed up with attitude of some current teachers - DS12, is in grade 7 this year - did not really figure in the importance of this year in OUR plans for the vacation. So WE screwed up - punish us, not him - all we asked for was for prework - not a chance. We are told that 40 - 50 children take vacations outside of regular time each year and they refuse to cater to this. - SO WHAT - deal with it. Sorry if I sound grumpy, very grumpy just a sore spot right now - Calgary, Alberta.

Which area of the city do they go to school? When we notified our teachers with a letter they were very gracious and accomodating so I am surprised you got this reaction as one would assume their is a consistent way to deal with this at the CBE.

[Debbie]

When we notified our teachers with a letter they were very gracious and accomodating so I am surprised you got this reaction as one would assume their is a consistent way to deal with this at the CBE.

Perhaps it is a difference in the way that the school/teacher was approached. :confused3 Human beings tend to react in the way that they are treated. :goodvibes It sounds like you, drag-n-fly (love the name, btw) approached the situation with care, and concern,---and were treated thusly in turn. In my experience, that is often how things work. :) Enjoy the trip! :banana:

[Calgary DISHeads]

Perhaps it is a difference in the way that the school/teacher was approached. :confused3 Human beings tend to react in the way that they are treated. :goodvibes It sounds like you, drag-n-fly (love the name, btw) approached the situation with care, and concern,---and were treated thusly in turn. In my experience, that is often how things work. :) Enjoy the trip! :banana:

I approached it with a note in both of the children's agendas explaining the dates of the vacation and how much we would appreciate it if the teachers could provide any work in advance so they would not be so far behind when they returned. I provided both work numbers and home phone numbers and said that we would be willing to do whatever was necessary to make this easier on the teachers as I realized we were asking them to do extra work. I followed up with meetings with both of the teachers in parent teacher interviews. DD9 was very gracious and accomodating. Not so with the other teacher, and she said she was speaking on behalf of all DS teachers. So in this case we "approached the situation with care, and concern,---and were NOT treated thusly in turn." We live in the SE, and are in the separate board not CBE.

[drag n' fly]

Sorry to hear you had a rough time. I am not aware of what the independant board policies are. The teachers have the right to disagree, however if she is speaking on behalf of all of your ds teacher's, I suggest you get that in writing and then make an appointment to speak to your principal so you can determine if this is a school policy or a disgruntled teacher. Effective communication definitely works both ways and sometimes independant boards follow the "house rules" policy. I know some families in Calgary have gotten so fed up with the situation they have resorted to year round schooling. A lot of people work in the oil and gas industry in Calgary and some times of the year are busier than others and therefore we tend to take holidays at not so convenient times for the teachers. The conventional teaching calendar does not always reflect busy families schedules and lifestyles and all school boards should re-examine their policies for absences and try and work with the parents and the parents work with the teachers to come up with an amicable solution.

[maryliz]

I am not a teacher ... but I have never been upset by teachers not providing me with work ahead of time. I don't disagree with a teacher not wanting to do this. It's extra work, and they might totally change their lesson plans for a given week based on how things went the previous week. I figure that I'm the one taking my kids out, so I will be the one to help them get caught up after the fact if necessary. And hey, if the teacher could say, "we are probably going to be working on chapter 12 in Math", I'd be good with that and have my child work away at some of the questions. My kids are only 9&6 so it hasn't really been an issue. Although I think I did grump a little last October when my DS5 came home with 13 pages of seatwork to get caught up on, and he only missed 4 days of SK when we were gone for 2 weeks. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I don't think the teachers are trying to punish the student ... I think they're just trying to keep their sanity by not planning too much in advance. Go, have a good time, and deal with it after you return. Hopefully it won't be that bad. :)

MaryLiz

[coastgirl]

and they might totally change their lesson plans for a given week based on how things went the previous week. I figure that I'm the one taking my kids out, so I will be the one to help them get caught up after the fact if necessary.


Well said.

[pkitty]

Just a quick comment. I have been taking our daughter out of school for vacation since her JK year...she is now in grade 8. We have always provided advance notice of our intentions to the school. I have always requested work to be completed during her abscence and most teachers have been accomodating. I will note however that she has never had one assignment acknowleged, checked or corrected in all that time. What's the motivation for her to complete this stuff? last year she came back from vacation (2 weeks plus March Break = 3 weeks in total...daring huh) she handed in her assignments and reliased that she was 2 weeks ahead in assignments. She sat in class for the next two weeks with nothing to do. As for her marks dipping, if you where to ask her she will throw it all into perspective by saying "Will college or university care if I missed two weeks of school in grade 8 to go on vacation, not likely"....she has a very logical point. Life experience is invaluable. School is school...a snapshot in your life. As adults we certainly don't walk around talking about how we had all straight A's in grade 9 but we will talk about that special time you had when your parents yanked you out of school to go to the Dominican and what a great time you had and the people you met. I don't mean to undermine the seriousness of education but I will never allow it to interfere with life experiences and making memories. Life is short so make the most of it. :hourglass

Cheers and happy holidays to all!!!!

pkitty

[drag n' fly]

Just a quick comment. I have been taking our daughter out of school for vacation since her JK year...she is now in grade 8. We have always provided advance notice of our intentions to the school. I have always requested work to be completed during her abscence and most teachers have been accomodating. I will note however that she has never had one assignment acknowleged, checked or corrected in all that time. What's the motivation for her to complete this stuff? last year she came back from vacation (2 weeks plus March Break = 3 weeks in total...daring huh) she handed in her assignments and reliased that she was 2 weeks ahead in assignments. She sat in class for the next two weeks with nothing to do. As for her marks dipping, if you where to ask her she will throw it all into perspective by saying "Will college or university care if I missed two weeks of school in grade 8 to go on vacation, not likely"....she has a very logical point. Life experience is invaluable. School is school...a snapshot in your life. As adults we certainly don't walk around talking about how we had all straight A's in grade 9 but we will talk about that special time you had when your parents yanked you out of school to go to the Dominican and what a great time you had and the people you met. I don't mean to undermine the seriousness of education but I will never allow it to interfere with life experiences and making memories. Life is short so make the most of it. :hourglass

Cheers and happy holidays to all!!!!

pkitty

I believe this is the best post on this thread yet! Very well said!:cool1:

[canron]

Take The Kids And Go You Have Been Worrieing About This For Aa Long Time Donnt Let It Ruin Your Hoilday.just Take Them Out And Go We Did It 10 Times No Trouble At All

[Calgary DISHeads]

School schmool - we're off to Disney - YEE HAW!!!!! :badpc: :badpc: :banana: :banana:

[willise]

We just wrote notes to our kids teachers (DD 6 & 9) about our upcoming trip next week. The kids will miss a total of 5 days plus Thanksgiving holiday. One teacher refused to give homework - which I can understand. Although I must admit, I am not sure if they do not give work so the child can enjoy the holiday, or to punish them when they get back :goodvibes

Either way, we usually go to WDW twice a year and have never been given any indication by the school that they disapprove of this action (one trip is during the summer).

The education system in NB is so backward and behind anyway that it wouldn't matter :guilty:

[declansdad]

We just wrote notes to our kids teachers (DD 6 & 9) about our upcoming trip next week. The kids will miss a total of 5 days plus Thanksgiving holiday. One teacher refused to give homework - which I can understand. Although I must admit, I am not sure if they do not give work so the child can enjoy the holiday, or to punish them when they get back :goodvibes

Either way, we usually go to WDW twice a year and have never been given any indication by the school that they disapprove of this action (one trip is during the summer).

The education system in NB is so backward and behind anyway that it wouldn't matter :guilty:

While I agree with you that our system does need work, I think that you just disparaged a large number of teachers here in NB.

[willise]

Actually, quite the contrary, I think teachers do a very good job within the system they have to work in

It has been my experience, along with countless others, that the system (not necessarily teachers - as I know many personally that disagree with the system) is backwards. There is much more emphasis placed on educating a child toward provincial exams than the actual curriculum. Provincial exams = funding.

I have personally known children who have missed up to three months of school and were still promoted to the next grade. Is there any wonder why NB children constantly rank in the lowest positions in education nationally?

Anyway, I apologize if I offended you or anyone as this is not a thread about teachers or education methods. I don't know where in NB you reside, so maybe you are one of the truly lucky few that see your child growing and expanding their horizons with the current system.

All the best! :love:

[declansdad]

Actually, quite the contrary, I think teachers do a very good job within the system they have to work in

It has been my experience, along with countless others, that the system (not necessarily teachers - as I know many personally that disagree with the system) is backwards. There is much more emphasis placed on educating a child toward provincial exams than the actual curriculum. Provincial exams = funding.

I have personally known children who have missed up to three months of school and were still promoted to the next grade. Is there any wonder why NB children constantly rank in the lowest positions in education nationally?

Anyway, I apologize if I offended you or anyone as this is not a thread about teachers or education methods. I don't know where in NB you reside, so maybe you are one of the truly lucky few that see your child growing and expanding their horizons with the current system.

All the best! :love:

I was hoping that was what you meant. :thumbsup2