Letter to School about Vacation

[mrsscooter]

Ok, need some help or advise on writing "The Vacation Note" to the school, for our October trip to The Fort, which frowns upon vacations during the school year. Anyone have any advise, on how to word it. I always get nervous doing this and dont know why. Last time we went in 2006 I sent a note into the teachers (forgot what I had wrote) and they were fine with the kids going on vacation, but when we got back, there was a letter from the principal stating that they were truant, and if it had happened again during the year they would call Family Services, etc. So, any help would be great.......as well as "building my case" to pull my kids out for vaca.......I know, I probably sound paronoid, cant help it...LOL

[ftwildernessguy]

I always wrote requesting time off for an educational family trip to Florida. Who can argue with that - educational and promotes family values? Like I said in chat last week, only once did I have to have a little chat with the principal, who quietly backed down and hid in the corner when I pointed out the amount of time being given off to students for pep rallies, going to playoff games, cheerleaders in Florida (sounds like a cheap movie), teacher in services, etc. I told her if attendance is really all that important, then I would be more than happy to cancel my trip, but only if all these activities were cancelled too. I had more threats in my back pocket, but never had to use them.

By the way, the cheerleader trip to Florida included not only several days at Disney world, but side trips to that surf shop everybody wears shirts from and Daytona Beach, not to mention several of them got drunk. Now THAT'S what I call educational!

[DaveInTN]

...when we got back, there was a letter from the principal stating that they were truant, and if it had happened again during the year they would call Family Services, etc...
These things really ruffle my feathers. YOU are the parent. Their upbringing and education are YOUR responsibility, despite what this nutcase of a principal and others in the establishment might believe. The principal doesn't want these absences for two reasons. 1) not being there for morning attendance impacts the school's federal and possibly state aid, and 2) missing that week may impact your childs standardized test scores, which again will impact the school's federal aid. So really, in my opinion at least, the principal's objections have nothing to do with your children's educational interests and have everything to do with MONEY. Threatening to involve Family Services simply because you pulled your kids from school for a week to take a family vacation is bullying and you shouldn't stand for it. These attitudes within the educational system are but one reason so many families are educating their kids in alternative settings, including homeschooling.

I don't mean to climb up on a big ole soapbox, and the education of your children is very important, but you need to remember that you are their parents. If you feel that they can miss that school time without major negative impacts on their schooling, then I would do this:

1. Contact each teacher with the dates they will miss, and request work be sent home to help your kids to not fall behind.
2. Send a note to the school office stating that your children will not be in school between xx/xx/09-xx/xx/09, and that their teachers are aware and are making the necessary accomodations.

They are only children once. The time spent with family will have a larger positive impact on their lives then a week in the classroom moving through curriculum that they can catch up on over the course of a couple hours at home. JMHO.

[ftwildernessguy]

Yeah, Dave! You tell em!

[Whipperwhirl]

Its got to be a Connecticut thing Mrs Scooter - They are crazy about attendance. Im sending my letter in on Friday - If they don't like it they can pound sand. There is noting in CT law that says you can not take your children on Vacation - its the school system getting too big for their britches.

Im playing by their rules - Im sending in a letter to request excused absense. My sister is a lawyer who home schools and I will threaten legal action if they don't comply. Then finally unregister her "to give home schooling a try" if they continue to throw a stink. Contrary to poular belief the school system in CT has no right to tell you what can or can't do with your own children. They don't even have the right to come see what you are home schooling - but they will threaten all night and all day just because they think they can.

Once I get them to agree - and I will get them to agree - Im going to confirm with the principal and the teachers before we leave that we are all on the same page. Ill keep my fingers crossed for you - Whip

[mrsscooter]

Thanks guys for the suggestions and support!!!! I could never home school, but I can see why many families do, especially with Connecticut dictating the way we raise and educate our children. I will start drafting up my letter this week, so that the teachers have plenty of time to prepare work. My husband is finally retired from the navy, but works for a government company which already dictates when he can take leave, so we really have to work around his schedule, not the schools. I can understand that these rules are in place for a reason, but I dont think the children who are in the GIFTED programs (like my daughter) and that have maybe missed one day of school should be punished for the parents who are too lazy to get up to take their kids to school because they dont feel like it, or dont make them do their homework because they dont feel like it. I like the arguement about the extra activities and trips and teacher in service days....the cheerleader arguement is a great one, and very true. I am sure I will post my letter for your opinion. Whip.........I think I will use the legal action card also, should it come to that. Wish me luck everyone!!!

[ftwildernessguy]

As an aside, we took our kids out of school every year for a Disney trip and they both graduated with honors.

[kmccain]

I had this same problem so i did some research on it. Our school did not have a policy in place. I check with the codes and the PA Dept of Ed allows for Family Educational Trips. So i wrote a letter to the school board and asked them if this was a possibility. They drafted a policy and i didn't have a problem after that. The principal that signed off thought Disney was educational. They only needed to go to their teachers and get their homework for the time while they would be gone and then he signed off. The Superintendant asked me why i always got our trips approved. I said hello you send me a letter telling me i could go to jail! I would suggest to stated why your trip was educational, that should help!

Hope this helps!

Good Luck!

[2goofycampers]

soryy again,..Frank

[Born 2 Fish]

lie.

[AuburnJen92]

Good luck in your quest for approval. It is responsible parents like you that makes teaching a worthwhile profession to be in. Just to let y'all know, the teacher inservices are mandated, the teachers have to take them.

[OK GRUMPY]

We use to take our son out for a trip to Disney every year until it got to difficult. We would always right a note and get his assignment and usually most of his work was done before we even got to Disney. Most of the time this would be the only time he would miss from school and the teacher were always for the family vacation. He was also an A B student. Go for it! There's nothing like family memories of vacation! Create them! I wish you luck!

[jriae2000]

I must have the most laid back school district in the world. On the first day of school I told the teachers about our trip in Oct. and that the boys would miss 7 days of classes. The principal overheard and stated he wished he could go too. Our district is one of the top disrticts in Illinois. As stated before, this will not stop our kids from becoming whatever they want in the future, and will make them better adjusted citizens. Oh yeah, your taxes pay their bills.

[auntie]

:surfweb:Long Island here..and our district is a PITA about attendance. 18 days is the limit. Also high school kids...not more than four consecutive days without returning with a dr.'s note, indicating the illness and need to be out for an entire week. It is soley because of the state and federal aide we loose when kids don't come to school. I have taken my kids out many times over the years and it really wasn't an issue until the last 5 or 6 years. Mind you I have an 11 year age difference between my youngest son (who is a senior in high school this year) and my older son. Back in the old days..the teachers wished us a happy trip :wave2: and asked us to bring them back a souvenier. One year my older son's teacher used his trip as a learning experience. With a trip to Sea World..he came back with plenty of pictures and they had a day where she discussed killer whales. Those days are GONE. My younger son has grown up in a very different school system. They teach for the test now. Especially in the younger grades. At least here in NY. It's all about the test scores. :mad: There is very little spontaneous discussion...it's getting the kids to get good scores on the tests so that the district comes out looking good. They publish these results for each district in the paper. We don't even have teachers who want to teach 3rd/4th or other grades where the kids are being tested because a bad performance is considered a reflection on their teaching. Long time teachers of these grades want out to other grades with less pressure. Who can blame them. :confused3 Add to this..we have a situation in the last five years in particular where our district/community has had to deal with a huge influx of illegal aliens. Educating children who reside here illegally has drained the budget. Providing English second language courses and the like. I swear a few years ago, my son went to the nurse to grab a couple of tissues..he had a cold. She told him he was limited to one and don't come back. They don't have enough money in the budget to give him another tissue. I told him he should have sneezed on the witch. So much for God bless you. Oh wait..they can't say that in school anymore.:rolleyes1
I have not found the problem to be with the teachers so much as the district policy. My brother is an attorney and did have a client whose son was not going to graduate because he didn't have the required credit for a needed course because he was absent from the class more than 18 times. He was a gifted student...straight A's. He did, however, have a chronic illness:sick: that put him over the 18 days alloted for absences. Turns out..the reason the district picks this 18 days alloted for absence is because after 18 days the district is required by law to provide to the student..at home...a teacher for a couple of hours a day. Since they don't want/ or have the money to spend on that, they are strictly enforcing this 18 days absence rule. Turns out when push came to shove..the district actually they owed this kid ..in the way of a teaching time. Needless to say..he did graduate.
As the kids got older and the district became more anal..albiet warranted or not..we became more creative in our ways to get around policy and still have a family vacation during the school year. One was to pick a week where the younger kids had a day off to begin with. This way..they were not missing more than four consecutive days..and we didn't have to bribe any doctors for notes so they could return to school. :laughing: I tell ya..I'll be glad to be done with it after this year.:sad2:


Edited to add:....
Umm...any dr.'s out there want to give me a note for my son missing school this May '10?...(I heard the district is taking back giving the kids off the Friday before Memorial Day..which we've found a great week to visit Disney. Damn...apparently they are smarter than I thought. I guess we weren't the only ones taking that week. :headache:

[keylime359]

I let the school know before hand and got the work upfront. I also took her to EPCOT and had her pick a country and write a brief report on it with pictures and a gift for the class from that country. If you come back with proof it was educational they can't say anything.
All that aside families are families and is important to build memories together. I think schools forget that.

[auntie]

I let the school know before hand and got the work upfront. I also took her to EPCOT and had her pick a country and write a brief report on it with pictures and a gift for the class from that country. If you come back with proof it was educational they can't say anything.
All that aside families are families and is important to build memories together. I think schools forget that.

Wish they were this laid back where we live. Those days long gone here.

[keylime359]

Oh, they were not at all happy about it! I just used the report to prove that we were learning about other countries and cultures. The ironic part is that she took more away from EPCOT than any history book because she could SEE it

[mrsscooter]

I am glad to hear that we aren't the only state that is so anal about vacation. I have a letter written started and it simply states that due to my husbands government job, we are limited as to when we can take our vacation....etc. etc. also adding in the educational value, and we will definitely do a report on a country......that was a great idea guys! BUT, I am also starting to work on my "rebuttle" for when that infamous letter comes. But, in looking at the school calendar, the first week they will miss they have a "teach in service day" off, and the second week, they have half days due to parent teacher conferences.....so, I am hoping for the best and preparing for the worst...but thank you all again for all of your input and suggestions!!!

[DaveInTN]

We live in interesting times, when a parent has to worry about how they get permission to take their kids out of school. Exactly who is in charge here??

I am not making direct political commentary...this has been creeping up on us for a long time.

[Tri-circle-D]

We live in interesting times, when a parent has to worry about how they get permission to take their kids out of school. Exactly who is in charge here??

I am not making direct political commentary...this has been creeping up on us for a long time.

Preach it Brother Dave!

My oldest graduated H.S. in June, with honors, and did just fine on the S.A.T.
And, we took her out of school here and there for family activities.

Now that our oldest has left the nest, I wish that we had taken her out of school more.. You cannot get those days back, and it really is such a short time that we have to do things as a family.

If your kids are learning and earning good grades at school, take them out all you like. They are your kids.

TCD

[jugman]

We live in interesting times, when a parent has to worry about how they get permission to take their kids out of school. Exactly who is in charge here??

I am not making direct political commentary...this has been creeping up on us for a long time.

This is part of the reason we homeschool now. We are in charge of what we want to be taught, not the government. I have alot to say about the "educational system" but it's not allowed here and it might hurt somebodies feelings.

[mamaloya]

Try this...

http://www.themouseforless.com/downloads/kids/SE.shtml

or this...

http://www.themouseforless.com/downloads/kids/SchoolExcuse/SE1.shtml

This is what tha link leads to...

DATE:

TO: [school official]

FROM:

RE: [students name and vacation dates]

Please be advised that [student] will be out of school during the week of [date]. We ask that his absences be excused.

The reason for [student]'s absence is that our family will be out of the state during this week. While we are gone, we will be visiting Walt Disney World. We believe that [student] will be learning many things during this trip and that his education will continue in his absence from school.

Some things [student] will learn about:

* Different cultures of the world, including architecture, language, diet, and dress, by visiting the different countries in the Epcot World Showcase (Japan, China, Germany, Mexico, Norway, Canada, France, etc.) [student] will have the chance to explore the exhibits for each country and speak with natives from each country who work as cast members.

* American history by viewing the Hall of Presidents presentation in the Magic Kingdom and the American Adventure show in Epcot.

* Nature and conservation at Animal Kingdom.

* Science by exploring the Mission:Space ride in Epcot where he will have a chance to see and feel what it would be like to travel by rocket to Mars and by experiencing the Universe of Energy exhibit which teaches about fossil fuels, energy, and conservation.

* Economics by managing his own spending money and making budget decisions on how to spend his money.

[student] will also be learning about map reading by navigating in and to the different theme parks, as well as the resorts and water parks via the Disney bus system, sociological aspects of crowds including patterns and behavior, physics of the different rides, breakthroughs in technology at the Innoventions computer lab in Epcot, art and animation and the history of film, and mathematics.

We believe this will be a wonderful and educational experience for [student] and hope you agree not to charge him with unexcused absences as a result. If it is possible for [student] to take any assignments with him to be turned in when we return or to turn in before we leave any work that will be due while he is gone, please let us know as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this. If you have any questions or need any further information, please feel free to contact me.

[Parent's Signture]


And check this out...

http://www.themouseforless.com/downloads.shtml#kids

I have always homeschooled, until this year. Due to life's turbulence, I can no longer homeschool. I am now having to deal with this.

:teacher:

[auntie]

That is a rather lengthy letter. I seriously doubt our district would bother to read past the "we're going to Disney World".
I'm not disputing what's in the letter..but frankly..the district just doesn't give a rat's behind where the child is going or whether it's a great learning experience or not. At least with us it strictly comes down to the numbers. If your child is under the limit of 18 absences..then you have no problem. If you're over it..you're gonna get grief. Also...in our district..it's not the teachers call. Most don't have an issue with a child missing class as long as the child is doing well. Attendance records are not just kept by the teacher..it's the district, whose fed. and state aide depend on the number of bodies in the seats. You're choice is as many have stated...take them out of public school...and either home school, parochial, or private school, where you as a parent will have more say. Honestly, while it's a PITA, you can plan around the school calander. It may mean getting a little creative and choosing dates where the kids are already off that week. Granted, it's getting tougher, and I'm glad this is the last year I'll be dealing with it. I'm not sure about every public school district, but there are an alloted amount of days that your child should be able to be absent for illness. At least this is the case in our district. If we are going for a week..and we pick a week where they had one day off for a holiday, then they're only missing four days of school. Who is to know whether the child was sick or went to Disney. District doesn't care..again..bodies in the seats. They're not making the kids take a lie detector test when they return after a few days off.
You're gonna run into more of a problem if a child is having a difficult time in school where a week off is going to put them further behind.

[TheFlame]

Ok, need some help or advise on writing "The Vacation Note" to the school, for our October trip to The Fort, which frowns upon vacations during the school year. Anyone have any advise, on how to word it. I always get nervous doing this and dont know why. Last time we went in 2006 I sent a note into the teachers (forgot what I had wrote) and they were fine with the kids going on vacation, but when we got back, there was a letter from the principal stating that they were truant, and if it had happened again during the year they would call Family Services, etc. So, any help would be great.......as well as "building my case" to pull my kids out for vaca.......I know, I probably sound paronoid, cant help it...LOL

I remember feeling that way. Sad isn't it? We forget that these are our children and not the governments(yet.) Government indoctrination starts early these days!?!:sad2:

This is just another reason that I am thankful daily that I am able to homeschool!:yay:

Sorry, no advice here except maybe to give homeschooling a try, lol!
Good luck!:)

[mrsscooter]

I would love to homeschool.....I have thought about it often, but right now, financially we just cant afford it. I have a few friens that do and the kids are doing great, just the same as those in public schools. THanks again to everyone, you are all great........I still cant wait to meet many of you in October!!!

[PolynesianPixie]

The school district my kids are in is fairly laid back....Thank God! Otherwise I'd be bugging Jim in October to give my kids a doctor's note!!!! :laughing: I don't know Jim...maybe you can charge a beer a note ;) j/k.....nobody bombared, Jim, ok?

I whole heartedly agree that they are YOUR kids. I mean think about it....your own childhood. What sticks out the most? Sitting at a desk and learning about the periodic table or spending TIME with your family in an exciting place? If that time can be educational then just think how much better it will be remembered!!!

I know it gets much harder as the kids get older. My oldest is in 8th, but is taking high school credit classes. The work load is quite heavy. As long as hubby and I are dedicated to her education and can recall the Algebra and French and History enough to help her then I don't see why learning it in a car headed down I 95 is any worse than learning it in a 20 x 15 classroom with a monotone teacher. I've heard plenty of arguments about teaching my kids a good work ethic, blah, blah...now I'm not saying not to DO the work. I'm just saying that learning can happen anywhere.

When all is said and done, I don't want to look back on my life wishing I'd done more with my kids. Life experiences.

[Gatordad]

In our letter, I just put that we are showing the children the effects that alcohol has on the brain, and what happens when you consume too much of it. Usually it works.

[auntie]

As long as you do it in less than 18 days, our district would be good with it! :thumbsup2

:lmao:

[disney4dan]

I find this so interesting. We've had some issues in the past with some teachers due to vacation absences, mostly in the middle school with our oldest. However, the teachers and staff are really good about it for the most part and were (with one or two exceptions) EXTREMELY supportive when our oldest became ill. He was immediately given a 504 plan, provided assistance with catching up, and lots of support from most teachers. His grades did drop, because he did not have the energy to apply himself and he did not earn the grades despite the help, but they did give him time and help.

With regard to the school notifying family services, I had to laugh. Does anyone really think that anyone from a government agency as overworked and underpaid as Family Services is going to rush right out to reprimand a family that is taking their kids on vacation?? Sure, right after they get through finding a home for the kid who's parents just got busted for selling meth, in between visits to the kid who's been physically or emotionally abused. Sad to say, but there are many more pressing demands on those agencies.

And Dave, I agree. We are not lemmings, we are in charge. We can be polite and respectful, but taking a kid on vacation is our choice.

[mrsscooter]

Our school system seems to like the "threat tactics" this year and your right, what government agency has the time or manpower to go out and deal with a family who went on vacation......hopefully they will be as "flexible" for vacations as they are with the "NEW" school uniform policy.....which they dont enforce for many students, while the other children who are begrudgingly wearing the uniforms everyday. Many childrens parents seem to think that the rules dont apply to them, and in the mean time Emily is coming home saying "so and so doesnt wear this or that" or "how come so and so doesnt get in trouble"..........sorry, that was a side tangent. But, these are the same parents who dont give a crap for which the strict vacation rules have been formed. Ok, I am finished, really, I promise.

[Donna]

In the whole scheme of things, looking back over all the years kids are in school, these annual vacations cause no harm. I am totally convinced of that. We took my oldest (now 24) out of school up to 9th grade, every single year for a Disney vacation. How is it then, that he got an appointment to the Air Force Academy? We never once took homework or did a book report or anything but would have if asked.

Life is too short and time is too precious and as someone said, they are only young once. I wouldn't trade those trips for anything now that he doesn't live here anymore and it seems I constantly worry about him.

It's nice to see this topic being discussed without problems that you sometimes see on other boards!

[Gatordad]

Agreed Donna..... I keep telling my wife that my kids won't grow up to be homeless because they missed a couple of days in school here and there..

[Pirate-Jeff]

Agreed Donna..... I keep telling my wife that my kids won't grow up to be homeless because they missed a couple of days in school here and there..

Lets hope not or they will be living with you FOREVER:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:: lmao:

[Whipperwhirl]

Let us know how it goes Mrs Scooter - I am sending in our letters to school tomorrow - Its more wordy than I wanted to be. I don't believe it is any of the schools business - but I know they think they are entitled to know everything and I thought our story might be strong enough that they wont argue - but honestly who knows - as I told you - I am prepared to argue - Here is a sample of what I wrote:

Subject: Request for Excused Absence Whipperwhirl dd (age 9 - 4th grade)

Dear Mrs. ___,

As DD may or may not have told you – our summer was an unexpected rollercoaster. In late June 2009 I was diagnosed with ____. As a result our family tabled any plans we had for family adventure over the summer. I was, and still am, unable to drive and struggling with medication issues. As a result our vacation was cancelled, the children were placed with a babysitter much more than I was comfortable with and now we are left with a family who lost their summer altogether due to unforeseen circumstances.

Now that a sense of “normal” has returned to the Whipperwhirl household, and in agreement with District attendance policies, my husband ____ and I requesting your permission to withdraw DD from School October 26th through November 7th (10/26/09 - 11/7/09) for some much needed family time. She would work during our adventure to continue her studies and also upon our return to make up any school work she missed. She will even take on extra work as you judge necessary. I guarantee she will come back to school ready to learn with a renewed sense of family.

As you can see from her attendance records, under normal circumstances, I would never remove DD from school unless there was an illness. I have a deep respect for attendance and understand how important it is. We have tried to pick a time not only when we could travel due to work schedules, but also select a time when we could limit the number of days she would miss. According to my 2009 – 2010 school calendars she would miss 6 full days and 3 half days due to parent/teacher conferences. There is also a scheduled day off during that time frame for Election Day Professional Development.

Please consider our request for excused absence and if you have any questions I am available to discuss at your convenience (phone numbers).

Thank you for your time.

[DaveInTN]

Whipperwhirl, I agree with you...it is wordy! But, it is respectful and will hopefully achieve the desired result. Only you know the district's tolerance for these things and, as much as I would love to thumb my nose at them, your DD will return to school and need to operate in that environment and her success is obviously more important than any satisfaction you would get in telling the district "it's none of your business!". I think it is a nicely worded letter!

[Whipperwhirl]

In our neck of the woods - the school system knows best - not the parents. ARRRGH.

[Born 2 Fish]

In our neck of the woods - the school system knows best - not the parents. ARRRGH.

Wow , that must be the same system our United States Goverment uses,
they know whats better for us then we do, too !

[mrsscooter]

That was pretty good Whip....I may have to adjust a few things, but I am thinking about plagerizing your letter...:lmao:....you also keep us posted on how it goes. I am hoping to have my letter in to the school on Monday.

[Whipperwhirl]

Well - The principal just called. That was intensely easy - Glad something decided to go my way. She basically told me what I already know that its our "right as parents to pull our children out of school - go ahead - have a wonderful trip." I really had back up plans of all sorts - a lawyer in my pocket - ready to throw down with the nice principal - but no need.

She did say that the absence would be unexcused - she is limited to what she can excuse (death - basically) - but we can have up to 20 days a year with unexcused absense before being truent.

She wont win any attendance records - but who really cares - We are going to the fort!!!!

[merky]

I'm glad you didn't have a problem , Our vacation at the fort will start sept 13 through Sept 20 . My dd is in 7th grade and will be missing 4 days (friday is a no school day) . I ask the principal at the open house about her missing for vacation he said sure no problem it will be excused, for me to fill out a form stating where we were going and the educational advantages he said that so many kids in the school system here never travel that the board of education has told them to excuse up to 10 days per student.:confused3 seems like Disney :wizard: to me.

[Pirate-Jeff]

Way to go !!!!

See you at the Fort.

Are you going to make the GG on the 24th???

[Whipperwhirl]

I have to research it a bit more - but I think we will make it - our flight lands at 5 pm.

[BigDaddyRog]

The letter I am going to send to my kids' school:


Hey YOU'S....Im taking my kid to friggin Disney...you got a PROBLEM wit dat? If'n ya's do meet me at the flag pole at 3 oclock...and you better bring band-aids!

[cmaee]

My DH is a middle school principal and as long as the school is notified before the trip, then the absences are excused. He always approves the request for family vacations as an educational oppurtunity. Most school districts in NC have that as an excusable absence. That being said, if a student has already missed a large number of school days, my DH makes sure that the parents and child know they are missing out on instruction time. While the work can be made up, the instruction they miss out on cannot be made up. And yes, that does matter when it comes time for the standardized tests. I don't understand why people get upset with the school districts for making sure students do well on them. If your job performance was judged by one test, wouldn't you make sure that your students knew what was going to be tested? The whole teaching to the test thing always cracks me up...of course they are teaching the test...why would you teach something that the standard course of study doesn't cover...if the standard course of study says X, Y, and Z are to be covered and you cover X, Y, and Z, then you have done your job. Student athletes are not going to practice basketball all week and then go play football on game day. I know that is another discussion altogether...back the original topic....It's also important to make sure that your teacher and school are told the trip weeks in advance...telling them on Friday and you leave on Saturday to be gone for the next two weeks and expecting all of your classwork isn't going to make them smile. If you tell them a month in advance, then arrangements can be made so that you can have the work in advance...not stuggling to get caught-up when you return. If you live in a school district that "forbids" these type of absences, then as long as you know the "consequences", make the best decision for your family...if you want to go, then go...just don't be upset with the school for enforcing their policies. It's your right to do what you want with your child.

[tigger813]

Thanks guys for the suggestions and support!!!! I could never home school, but I can see why many families do, especially with Connecticut dictating the way we raise and educate our children. I will start drafting up my letter this week, so that the teachers have plenty of time to prepare work. My husband is finally retired from the navy, but works for a government company which already dictates when he can take leave, so we really have to work around his schedule, not the schools. I can understand that these rules are in place for a reason, but I dont think the children who are in the GIFTED programs (like my daughter) and that have maybe missed one day of school should be punished for the parents who are too lazy to get up to take their kids to school because they dont feel like it, or dont make them do their homework because they dont feel like it. I like the arguement about the extra activities and trips and teacher in service days....the cheerleader arguement is a great one, and very true. I am sure I will post my letter for your opinion. Whip.........I think I will use the legal action card also, should it come to that. Wish me luck everyone!!!

Some families can only go when the parents can get time off. I once had a student whose dad was a landscaper, actually our landscaper, so I knew that he couldn't take time off until the late fall early winter. Make sure you state THAT as your main reason for taking this particular time off.

[Dillonmom]

The letter I am going to send to my kids' school:


Hey YOU'S....Im taking my kid to friggin Disney...you got a PROBLEM wit dat? If'n ya's do meet me at the flag pole at 3 oclock...and you better bring band-aids!


Now that is just funny!!! OUr trip 3 years ago, I got threatened with Social Services, bc I took my DS out of Kindergarten for one week!!! Just typed this years letter...hopefully I don't get detention!! :teacher:

[DaveInTN]

The letter I am going to send to my kids' school:


Hey YOU'S....Im taking my kid to friggin Disney...you got a PROBLEM wit dat? If'n ya's do meet me at the flag pole at 3 oclock...and you better bring band-aids!
EXACTLY!! :rotfl2:

[Just Beachy]

OUr trip 3 years ago, I got threatened with Social Services, bc I took my DS out of Kindergarten for one week!!!

OMG!! That is just out of control! Seriously....Social Services because he missed Kindergarten? What could he have possibly missed....the class on coloring inside the lines!!!? :sad2:

[ftwildernessguy]

OMG!! That is just out of control! Seriously....Social Services because he missed Kindergarten? What could he have possibly missed....the class on coloring inside the lines!!!? :sad2:

This is how it all starts - they miss a day of kindergarten and never develope the ability to color within the lines. Next thing you know, they're smoking in the bathroom at school instead of going to French class, they never learn to conjugate verbs properly, can't get a decent job and end up homless sleeping in an old Yugo under a bridge.

[Donna]

oh man, back in the day, smoking in the bathroom was like the worst thing you could get caught doing. my how things have changed. i remember i was sick one year for a whole week and i missed the math lesson on "borrowing", lol. I really haven't been quite the same since, lol.

[DaveInTN]

These things can snowball. I missed the class on coloring within the lines...and by the time I hit high school I was accused of leaving my participle dangling.

[mrsscooter]

Man, I love you guys......:thumbsup2 Rog your letter is hysterical!!

[mrsscooter]

Man, I love you guys......:thumbsup2 Rog your letter is hysterical!!

[Whipperwhirl]

Now that is just funny!!! OUr trip 3 years ago, I got threatened with Social Services, bc I took my DS out of Kindergarten for one week!!! Just typed this years letter...hopefully I don't get detention!! :teacher:

Do you live in CT - That sounds like something they would pull.

[auntie]

Well - The principal just called. That was intensely easy - Glad something decided to go my way. She basically told me what I already know that its our "right as parents to pull our children out of school - go ahead - have a wonderful trip." I really had back up plans of all sorts - a lawyer in my pocket - ready to throw down with the nice principal - but no need.

She did say that the absence would be unexcused - she is limited to what she can excuse (death - basically) - but we can have up to 20 days a year with unexcused absense before being truent.

She wont win any attendance records - but who really cares - We are going to the fort!!!!


Glad to hear it worked out for you. :thumbsup2 It's pretty much the same where we are. It's 18 days. If you're under the 18 you're not gonna have a problem...and they don't really care. If you're over the 18 days..that's a whole other issue and you're gonna find yourself going down a rocky road to get to Disney World. Gotta choose your battles. Then again..if a child already has 18 days out..they probably shouldn't be loosing another week for vacation.

As far as teaching to the test. (previous poster)..I believe that was directed at me...since I brought it up.
Having had children in school in the same community for 24 years now...(we have an 11 year age difference between our youngest and oldest child)...I can only speak as to what goes on here in NY. There have always been standardized tests that the kids took in certain grades. Iowa tests..the Metropolitan tests. These were given throughout the country.
However, in recent years(no child left behind :crazy2:) the testing has become ridiculous..to the point that that in the third grade children were preparing for the test that they will take in the FOURTH grade. The entire 2 years is spent on how to take the test. Not the curriculum per say,..but how to take the test. Specifically which words or phrases they should use in the essays. How to break your answer up so as to get partial credit..in the event that your answer is wrong. :confused: Heck..on the math portion..you don't even need a correct answer! They want to see the work broken down. If you don't have what they feel are the required steps..you can loose points..even if you have the correct answer. :confused3This is actually done so that the kid who has the wrong answer still can receive partial credit for question should his answer be wrong.
This situation has totally stressed out the teachers:scared:...and needlessly stressed out young children. The work is both monotonous and tedious. There is no room for spontaneity in the classroom. It just doesn't exsist. :sad1: The results of these tests pit school against school and even teacher against teacher. pirate: These results are published in our local papers. Who has the better results....?...well, that's the neighborhood you want to move to;)..and the house values will be higher. It's INSANE the ramifications that these tests have on the community. :sad2: Additionally, these have not replaced the old standardized tests..they are simply added to those the children are already taking starting in the 2nd grade. I'm sorry..but to me, that's just sad.

Thankfully, this year my younger son is a senior in high school..and we haven't had to deal with the mindless tests for elementary and middle school children in four years. :thumbsup2 Actually, once they enter high school New York State has what are called NYS Regents exams. :teacher: Which my son has done well on, and passed all of them. These Regents exams have been in place for MANY years. (even back when the dinosaurs walked the earth..when I took them:laughing:). These are the type of tests that I have NO issue with. They are based soley on the curriculum taught. Absolutely.. a parent wants to know that if their child took chemistry he can pass a chemistry regents! These NYS Regents exams are required for graduation. There are regents exams in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English...and even for foreign language should they use it as a sequence to graduate.
That being said, please understand, it's not that I'm anit-testing. It's in the younger elementary grades in particular, where we have experienced the change from learning and creativity to a "the test..the test...the test:eek:" attitude. Honestly, in my opinion, (and we all know what that's worth:laughing:) it did nothing but suck the life out of the elementary school learning experience and replace it with a pressure cooker enviornment that was of no use to either the school or the child. These kids forget the stuff five minutes after the test is over. :rolleyes:

[DaveInTN]

You know, auntie, your post has got to win a DIS award for most use of different smiley icons in one post. Love it! :thumbsup2

[auntie]

You know, auntie, your post has got to win a DIS award for most use of different smiley icons in one post. Love it! :thumbsup2

What can I say :blush:..it's what I do. :laughing:

[Dillonmom]

So I handed in my letters for the boys today...and did not get a response back...not sure what that means!!!

Seriously not sure how the 1st and 3rd graders will end up later in life over this, but it's a chance I am willing to take:rotfl:

[seabee]

I wouldn't worry, if anything they can get a job dressed as some fuzzy, fictional character, giving you discounted tickets. I see this as a possitive. After all you have given them, they should support you!:rotfl:

[2goofycampers]

The letter I am going to send to my kids' school:


Hey YOU'S....Im taking my kid to friggin Disney...you got a PROBLEM wit dat? If'n ya's do meet me at the flag pole at 3 oclock...and you better bring band-aids!

:lmao: