what grade to stop taking kids out of school for dvc vacations?

[imgoingtodisney]

I made a comment the other day that before we get on the Disney Magic in Nov we get to book our WL vaca for next Oct. DH said we better wait and see how the school reacts to this year.
We took DS10 out of school last Oct when he was in 4th grade and are now planning on taking him out for 5th grade. Did you feel there was a certain grade to stop taking your child out?

Or should I go ahead and book our VWL vaca for next Oct?

[dianeschlicht]

7th grade seemed to be the magic number for us. They get so busy by that age.

[Big Dude]

We took our 2 out of school up to when our eldest reached 6th grade. I made all of the arrangements with the principal, teachers and staff prior to the trip. Both of my school-aged children are on the honor roll but my DS (6th grade) had a bugger of a time catching up when he returned. This year was the 1st time we "family vacationed" in the summer as opposed to September.

Adam aka Big Dude

[4greatboys]

We took our 2 oldest out when they were 7 and 10, we now have a trip planned for this Sept are taking the boys out for a week.
They are in 7th and 9th grade. It seems more difficult now and if we take them out for any more trips I think I will just limit it to
3 days of missed school instead of 5. Like a maybe a couple of days preceeding or following a long weekend. As for our 2 little ones I will just wait to see how the school is by then, they are 2 yrs and 5 months so who knows what will change in the school by then. Schools seems to be getting much stricter about student abscences.

[LvsTnk]

We only do a few days at a time now....2 days before Labor day...2 days before Christmas vacation. DS is in 10th DD 8th. I always get very nervous about it, but it works out O.K.

[Mamu]

While I do not have children in school any more, we always planned vacations around us not them.

Things have changed a lot since then. My children never got behind when we vacationed. It different today, we are taking our 2 oldest grandchildren during February vacation. They are 8 and 12 the school now has a policy where they cannot have more then 2 days a semester or else they will not pass on to the next grade unless they attend summer school. They will not excuse vacation days.

[poohlover]

We took our kids out when the oldest was in 8th grade and it was hard for her to catch up. I think it depends on the school system and how willing they are, but by HS it will be impossible.

This year we are splitting our trip. I am going down on the weekend with the 3 younger ones(4,6,9) & my DH & the 3 older ones(16, 14, 12) will join us the day before Thanksgiving.

This seemed to be the best for us, the older ones only miss 1 day of school.

We took our kids out of school last spring for a trip to Colorado. My 2nd DD had won an Odyssey of the Mind competition and had an international competition in Col. My oldest had a VERY hard time catching up right before finals.

[we3luvdisney]

We really do not have a problem with this, our daughter (3rd grade) attends school year-round. She started in July and has her first break in September, which is when we plan to head down to WDW. However, we have looked into taking her out and the school STRONGLY encouraged us not to (she is an excellent student - A's). We always book our vacations around her school breaks. When it comes to our daughters education, school takes priority!

[jx3smom]

Ours had no problems right on through high school. One was in AP courses and still did not fall behind. We always set time aside for homework everyday.

[Debbie in Townsville]

I've never taken them out for a whole week. I did take them out of school for a few days at a time (right before or after a 3 day weekend to give us a couple of extra vacation days). When DD was in fourth grade, SHE said she didn't want to miss any school days for vacations because she would come back and feel out of the loop. Her teachers never complained and her grades didn't suffer. After that we limited her time out of school, unless it was absolutely necessary.

But now we homeschool - so we vacation whenever we want!

[Patricia]

We took our girls out every year until my oldest entered HS. THe last two years for her, 7th and 8th were a bit tough but she was able to to it and maintain her grades. I have to say though, going in the summer without any hw along is a wonderful and free feeling and we wouldn't go back to the worry of "what am I missing" .A lot depends on the teacher. We had a few who were not helping in any way and just demanded that the work she missed be handed in on the day she returned. That is why she carried all of her books along and called a friend every night from the room to keep up. That was NOT fun! Good luck with your decision.

[Towncrier]

We've only taken the kids out of school for a vacation once, in January of this year. Our son was in 8th grade and our daughter in 6th. We let their teachers know the plans and both of my kids did their assignments ahead of time where possible. Our school system treated their absence as unexcused (since vacation is not a valid excuse). Their teachers did not have to let them make up any work, but fortunately our they did.

It turns out that the 4 days that we pulled our son out of school were the only 4 days that he missed during 8th grade. I felt kind of bad that he missed out on a perfect attendance certificate. But then again, he did get to take a cruise to St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

I guess your decision boils down to whether or not you think that your DS can catch up on the missed school work.

[luvdzny]

We started taking our kids out in 1st grade, they have missed at least 5 days a year due to WDW vacations since then. DS graduated in June, we took him out in Nov. of his senior year. He was never an honor roll student, but he had no problems. DD is always on the High Honor Roll, in Nov. she was in 7th grade, and had no problems either. In our family we fell that the time spent together at WDW is more important than anything they are missing in school.

[DVC-Don]

We had been taking the kids out of school every year for WDW vacations.

However, my son has had a hard time catching up lately. Next month he starts middle school and we are only going to WDW on school vacations from now on. My daughter has never had a hard time catching up though.

[Pinnie]

I guess it all depends on the district/school your child attends. Where I teach, the district strongly discourages vacations being taken during class time. They are considered "unexcused absences". The district sends out a newsletter at the beginning of the year that spells out the policy for unexcused absences so there are NO surprises.

There are certain assignments that really "can't" be made up such as group work, special labs, etc.

When my kids were in school, I never took them out for a vacation. I wanted to instill in them the value of school and I wanted them to know that school was their "work". I always felt that they were provided ample days off during the year and that it was more important to be in school than stand in a shorter line.

Right now, as a teacher, I am under pressure to have kids perform well, and I can't do it if they aren't there.

Just MHO...no flamers please.

;)

Pin
remember the magic
DVC/BCV 2002

[pollyanna]

Only two days ,and always right before X-Mass break when things started to "slow down".October is in the middle of the first half of school year, and probably a vERY busy time.

I think this is one thing folks with very young kids who buy into the DVC don't think about.

[Rock'n Robin]

I think middle school would probably be the cutoff for me. Since I'm a teacher I can't take mine out, except for our 2 days last December when I used my personal days to see the Christmas decorations!! That won't happen again. I know that soon summers will also be busy with various camps, etc. so I've planned next summer around 4th of July week, when I know most camps/programs will have the 3rd and 4th off so they will only miss 3 days.
If you do take kids out of school, please check the school schedule first for state tests, etc. We always have our proficiency tests for 9th graders in October. Also watch for exams.
Robin M.

[AF Brenda]

Ours are still young (starting first grade and third grade), and this past year was the first time we took them out for a vacation. They missed 8 school days, and it was no problem whatsoever. The teachers were happy to work with us, and much of the work was done before the kids even left school.

As they grow older, we'll see how it goes, but as long as the kids are doing well in school and the school doesn't have a problem with it, we'll continue to take them out for WDW vacations.

[CamColt]

Since my oldest is just starting Kindergarten, this really isnt an issue yet, and my opinion may change. The way I feel now though, is as long as the kids are good students and can handle making up the missed work, I would have no problem with taking them out at any age. I feel family time and what they learn on the trips cant compare to a week of classroom activity.
I was taken out of school 3 times for vacations, the last time I was 9th grade and my sister was 12th. We both did fine. And, the nuns who you would think would be the strict ones, actually thought going to WDW on a family vacation was wonderful!
:D

[Mic]

Elementary school seemed to be a lot easier to catch up than middle. My oldest DD was in the 6th grade the last time we took a week off, and she had no trouble making the work up. We submitted the request 6 weeks before the trip, and the principal had no problem with it. Her teachers were very accomodating as well, letting her do most of the work before we even left. By the 7th grade, though, she was just too busy for us to try it. She was on Student Council, a cheerleader, in band, etc. She did miss 2 days in 8th grade, but that was the limit. We have a week-long trip planned this Oct.during their Fall break, and just found out that the High School will cheer and play football the week school is out. I booked a cruise on the Wonder for that week(assuming there would be no conflicts, other than the 3 soccer games we would miss on Sat. for my 3 youngest kids), so my daughter will just have to miss that 1 football game. I discussed it with her cheerleading coach a few days ago, and she seemed surprised that athletes did not have the week off. I am really going to hate being restricted to summer/holiday vacationing, but I see it coming!

[Toby'sFriend]

I took my oldest son out of 6th Grade for 4 days last year.

It was ok -- but he did have to spend some vacation time working on his assignments. Math was the biggest problem. I especially didn't want him falling behind in Math, so we did an assignment worksheet every day of the vacation.

[doubletrouble_vb]

I don't have kids but my sister & her kids come along with me every other year.

Last year my older niece had a devil of a time catching up...I don't think she actually made it & wound up with lower grades for the year. Next year, guess what, we will be going around their vacations.

Realistically the cut off is somewhere between 6th and 8th grade. Grades 9 through 12 are the ones that count for college and you don't want to take them out and THEN find out that you shouldn't have. For the middle school students (6 through 8) I wouldn't go in October...that's a time of year with at most just one holiday. I'd go for Nov & Dec and even the first week in January...

[Princess_Aurora]

Well, I get to see it from two perspectives. The first time I went to WDW was my senior year of HS. I missed a Thur, Fri, and Mon. I was responsible for getting my make-up work ahead of time and I finished it all upon returning back. There was one small price for this though...A day in Saturday school to make up my absenses (of course, I had gone over since I had previously missed some days and we're only allowed to miss 10 per school year.) I would GLADLY pay that price again if I had to because it was worth getting to go to Disney World :)

Now I have two kids. One will start school next year. I already have a plan laid out. Leave on Wed evening after school, return Monday evening so they can go back to school Tuesday. Then when they get old enough if they can't catch up with their school work, then mom and dad get to go and they can stay with grandma :) . Or their grandma can bring them up after school on Friday and we'll return Monday so at least they can spend a few days there.

I REFUSE to go to Disney during peek season. How can anyone get anything done then???

[NancyIL]

My kids missed school the week after Thanksgiving last year, and they were in 6th, 9th, and 12th grades. The year before, oldest DD missed 3 weeks of school when we were in Europe. I wouldn't hesitate to have my own kids miss school during K-12. College is a different story.

[JerseyJanice]

I think it depends on your school system; some are quite flexible, others not.

I took my son out of his last "week" of kindergarten to go to WDW this past June. That week was actually 4 half-days, so he missed only two days in reality.

We will plan our trips in late August/early September or in June as he gets older and missing school is a bigger deal. I'm not sure how that effects your DVC points, but we hope crowds will be lesser than going in the middle of summer or Christmas and Easter breaks.

[Laurabearz]

We are going to pull our kids out of school for family vacations to WDWuntil they are in 6th or 7 th grade..... We may pull them out when they are older, but never for WDW... for family trips to Williamsburg, Va, Washington DC and other such places....... Just because I think 14 and 15 years old is the perfect time to visit historical sites........

But heck.... I could be wrong!:rolleyes:

[Terry S]

Pinnie.... My kids are in Elementary school in a Livonia Public School and they are fine with family vacations. (I noticed that is where you live, I know it is not necessarily where you teach). I did notice in the Livonia Dialogue (School/City Flyer) that they frown on absenteeism for the middle school and high school though.

[ZerasPride]

We are dealing with this problem right now with our DS. He starts high school next week and we've taken him out of school for each of our Disney trips except one where we left a few days before school ended in June.

He has asked specifically that we do not take him out of school because it is getting very hard for him to catch up when we return. I respect that. Now that he is in high school I was concerned about taking him out for the three days before the Thanksgiving break but our school has added the Wednesday before (some kind of teacher day) and now he will only miss 2 days so I don't feel so bad and DS is fine with missing just the 2 days.

Since we are DVC and the 11 month window is so important, I am trying to plan a strategy for the next couple of years to satisfy my son's school schedule and my hubby's work schedule (which are clashing). I think next year we'll stay at our home resort (Hilton Head) beginning the day after Xmas (winter break for DS and DH's plant closes the last two weeks of the year) for 10 days returning home the day before school resumes. Now 2004 is another issue but someone suggested the time around 4th of July - that might work - I appreciated this thread, it has given me some good ideas!

[4greatboys]

Mamu..only 2 days a semester? Thats harsh. Our kids can miss up to 10% of class time (about 9 days) with an excused absence. Sounds like missing a few or there wouldnt be that hard but my oldest ds has block scheduling--means they go to 4 classes one day and 4 other classes the next day. So he can only miss 4 of each. Out of town doesnt count as an excused abs. here. I will prob still take them out sometimes but it will have to be a day or 2 following a long weekend. And just as I get my 2 oldest out of school to vacation whenever I like, I have 2 little ones just starting, lol. I am taking them out for 1 week at the end of Sept staying YC--cant wait to get there.

[manning]

quote

__________________________________________________ __
the school now has a policy where they cannot have more then 2 days a semester or else they will not pass on to the next grade unless they attend summer school. They will not excuse vacation days.
__________________________________________________ __


This policy really bugs me! If the kids are able to do the work, pass the exams, and earn a promotion, then they should be passed. I'm from Illinois. It is more of an issue of getting money from the state. They allocate money based on attendance.

[AF Brenda]

I'm with you manning - as long as the kids can catch, I don't see why it should be a big deal.

I think that sometimes schools forget that they are NOT the parents, we are.

[leanne2255]

I agree with luzdzny- Spending time with family is sometimes more important than school. After all, how much time is left to spend vacations with your kids after they are out of high school? I take my DD's out once per year in November, and have never had a problem, though the HS is not too crazy about it. The girls have never had a problem with catching up.

[dalepool]

Our daughter graduated from high school this year---She also took college credits that doubled as HS credits--so she also has 1 year of college.

Jan/Feb we go to Hawaii--daughter has come over every year. Once stayed for 3 1/2 weeks ( grade school years). As she progressed in school her stays got a little shorter, until she was going for 10 days but only missing 3 days of school. ( got to love the teacher breaks, end of semester break, and presidents holiday).
No matter what I would have had her continue the trips as they were always learning experiences. She has gone swimming with the dolphins at Sea life park. She would go to the Honolulu Zoo everyday. She got to meet new friends from--Germany, Ireland, Japan, and Argentina to name a few, this besides the friends from other areas of the United States and Canada.

We never called the trips vacations----they were always called learning experences.

One word of advice----get home work done before you go and have each child keep a journal of the trip. My advice take kids out of school----It's only a short time and the school can have them the rest of the year.

My .02.

[aprincessmom]

It is my responsibility to ensure my child receives an education. Part of that requirement is making her physically available to be taught during the school year.

IMHO, it is inconsiderate to both the teacher and classroom to disrupt the learning process for your convenience.

(flame away!)

[AF Brenda]

IMHO, it is inconsiderate to both the teacher and classroom to disrupt the learning process for your convenience.

How is it disruptive if the kid isn't even in school? I would imagine that it would take one heck of a problem child to disrupt a class in Massachusetts all the way from Florida!

[kinlaw6450]

As long as he's keeping up with school why do you have to stop at all? My parents took us out all the way through graduation for WDW trips...

[aprincessmom]

How is it disruptive if the kid isn't even in school?

Because if a new skill or concept is taught while that child is not in the class, the teacher has to take time away from daily lessons to get that child up to speed with the rest of the class upon his or her return.

Disruption of daily lesson flow to provide individual attention because that child missed school is also disruptive to the other students who were in class during regularly scheduled class time.

Illness and emergencies can not typically be avoided. Vacations can.

My two SILs are elementary school teachers, both with over 20 years in education. It is now not uncommon for them and their collegues to avoid the introduction of any new concepts or skills during the ENTIRE months of February or April because parents schedule vacations throughout the month, rather than during the allotted time, to avoid crowds and cost. They joke that if they were to hold class independently during those two scheduled vacation weeks, they would most likely have 80% attendance rather than the 50% or less they have throughout that month.

To me, that is a disruption and inconvenience to the teacher and the classroom.

[AF Brenda]

Because if a new skill or concept is taught while that child is not in the class, the teacher has to take time away from daily lessons to get that child up to speed with the rest of the class upon his or her return.

Gee, this is a tough one. When we took our kids out in March, we were given the class assignments before we left. DH and I, the parents, without a teaching certificate or anything, were actually able to answer any questions that our kids had about their homework. Voila!!! No lost time when the kids came back, they were on top of everything, and the teacher didn't have to disrupt class to teach what they had missed.

Our teachers thought it was wonderful that we were able to take a family trip, and supported us completely. I guess that is the difference between teachers that are there for the kids and teachers that are there for the money.

[Kallison]

Oldest DS missed 3 days last year in 5th grade. He had a hard time catching up, he does not like to miss school, gets very worried and upset. It really depends on the individual student. Next year he starts middle school and has already told me - no way does he want to miss for trips. I can't even get him to skip a day of school with me to do something fun -- I was like "Who's kid are you?" My Mom used to occasionally take me and my bro out to go to NYC for the day. It didn't hurt us and we have some great memories.

[Toby'sFriend]

DH and I, the parents, without a teaching certificate or anything, were actually able to answer any questions that our kids had about their homework. Voila!!! No lost time when the kids came back, they were on top of everything, and the teacher didn't have to disrupt class to teach what they had missed.

yep. It wasn't that difficult. My son returned to his Algebra class ahead of the rest of the students - because the teacher hadn't covered as much material as she had anticipated when she gave us the assignment list.

[aprincessmom]

Gee, this is a tough one. When we took our kids out in March, we were given the class assignments before we left. DH and I, the parents, without a teaching certificate or anything, were actually able to answer any questions that our kids had about their homework. Voila!!! No lost time when the kids came back, they were on top of everything, and the teacher didn't have to disrupt class to teach what they had missed.

Well, of course. They are the children of DISsers, who we all know are miles ahead of the rest of the class in their ability to absorb information, grasp new concepts, and conquer the world! ;) I happen to be the parent of one of those children myself! :)

The reality is that not all children are like that, not all children have parents who sit down with them and help with learning concepts, not all children have parents who are involved and active in their learning. Not all parents take responsibility for their role in their child(ren)'s education.

So if you have a class of 26 students in February with one week scheduled for vacation, now you have 3 weeks for teaching. Then you have a trend where 50% plus of the class is missing the week prior or the week post-vacation, you have 1 week to introduce new concepts or skills. Add to that typical absences for illness and there isn't a whole lot of learning going on during that month. Maintenance of already acquired skills but no true learning.

We can debate this till the cows come home. You don't see it as a problem for your children and, quite honestly, it's not a problem for my DD. What irks me is that everyone sees this decision as affecting only their child(ren) and the rest of the world be damned. It isn't and it doesn't.

And it's nice to have you back Brenda! Some of us have missed you :)

[AF Brenda]

And it's nice to have you back Brenda! Some of us have missed you

Thanks!! It's good to be back! I missed some y'all too! ;)

[A kid at heart]

I have no problem taking my kids out of school to vacation. Just because its summer for the teachers and the school system doesn't mean thats the same time as the parents time off. Not all places work on the same summer off schedule. In fact for some its the busy time for their occupation.
Now when it comes to college I can see the problem cause the workload is so much harder.

[supercarrie]

It got difficult for me when I was in 8th grade. I missed a week last year (10th grade) and I did homework every day during my vacation, so I didn't have a lot of trouble. Of course, I took my vacation in May, and left the day after my last AP test - if I had taken it before the AP tests it would have made my life much more difficult.

Next year I will be missing two weeks of school (eek) to go on a school-sponsored Model UN trip to Russia and Finland. Even though we have homework time every night, I am very nervous about missing that much school. But it is a once in a lifetime trip to go to these countries, and it is a school organization going, so I am doing it.

I think it really depends on the student and on how the school views the vacations. Some years were harder than others depending on how the school and teachers viewed the missed classes.

[erikthewise]

What grade should you stop taking them out of school?
I'd say 17, first year of graduate school. They really need time to study for those preliminary/general exams.

[CindyKansas]

Our DD is in 8th grade now. This is the first year we haven't scheduled a trip during the school year. but I wouldn't hesitate to do so. January of this year, DD was in 7th grade, and she missed a week of school. We did go to WDW but we also took her to Savannah and she was really impressed with that. A great history lesson. Our DD has never had any problem catching up after returning from a vacation.

[Planogirl]

Our school district is very strict about missing time for vacations and their rules have nothing to do with the teachers. These rules are set by the school board and the teachers have to follow them.

Our school district does however provide a lot of time off during the school year with our Fall Break being the quietest time.

[MaryAnnDVC]

Originally posted by aprincessmom
The reality is that not all children are like that, not all children have parents who sit down with them and help with learning concepts, not all children have parents who are involved and active in their learning. Not all parents take responsibility for their role in their child(ren)'s education. I agree...and perhaps those parents should rethink their decision.

We take our children out every year for WDW the week after Thanksgiving. Oldest DD is entering HS this year and is an excellent student, as well as respectful and conscientious...even teachers who have been less than thrilled about the issue itself agree that kids like her aren't the real problem...it's the ones who have problems in school or miss a lot of school anyway. Taking the kids out of school does, and always did, concern me, but so far so good. And until it actually becomes a problem, I'm not going to consider it one.

Last year, DD missed about 20 days of school due to illness, many of those days early in the year...she was diagnosed at the end of October. Before getting a diagnosis (Leukemia had been suspected), I told her teachers that between the fear of DD being seriously ill and the events of September 11th, if DD was healthy enough to go, we were going, despite the days she had already missed. They wholeheartedly agreed.

It is our school districts policy NOT to give homework ahead of time, but gives a week to make up the work. To make things easier, I'm thinking of bringing DH's laptop, so oldest DD especially can get the work while on vacation. Also, on past trips they have done work that had already been assigned prior to the trip but due after it.

One last note...DH met a couple one year at WDW who had gone there every year...except two...since it opened, and always took the kids out of school. One year they missed it because they bought a new house, another because DS wasn't doing well in school. The oldest DD took it upon herself to tutor her younger siblings after that so they wouldn't miss any more annual trips...and went on to become a teacher (and she and a sibling both had their weddings at WDW) who gets excited for her own students who have the same opportunity.

[gepetto]

I don't take my kids out of school for vacations. We go during the summer when it's hot, expensive and crowded. It's all a personal choice. If your school district and your kid's teacher don't care, then go right ahead. Have fun. All the less crowded for me during the summer. If no one took their kids out of school it would be ultra-packed when I go. :)

[Dancind]

My DD missed a week late in 2nd grade, and her teacher made her do every single worksheet she had missed within 3 days of returning. Tough, but we got it done. Same thing at the beginning of 5th grade. That was harder, because we went the first week in Sept., and I think it kept her from getting into the routine in the classroom. Of course, there were other things going on (an undiagnosed LD), but we wound up home schooling for the rest of the year it was so bad (though we got another trip in!). She's in 6th grade this year, and I have booked a 7 day cruise for Oct. 5. She will only miss three days of school because of Fall break. We have to get approval from the Principal, and it is the last week of the grading period as it turns out. She is in enriched classes, so probably has more work than most kids. I'm hoping for the best, but this will probably be the last year we take her out of school. It's a shame, because our trips during off season have been incredible family time. Diana

[dalepool]

I'm well aware that there are parents who spend little time helping their children with homework. These would not be the parents who would take their children on vacations anyway.

Just a thought ---now this is meant to be funny----If you are worried about taking your kids out of school TAKE ME--I already have a college degree and I could use the time off.

Life is short. I wish in my old age I never have to say " I wish I would have---------" Memories live on forever and can be passed down for generations to come.

Take your kids as much as possible-----there may come a time when they would rather stay home alone. ( when they are old enough of course)

PattyN

[shortbun]

At this point ds is just entering 1st grade so
no big deal. However, I would not take him
out of school for WDW over and over again.
If I could present something educational-like
a trip to Williamsburg, Monticello and Roanoke
Island(all signifcant American history destinations
and on our vacation itinerary), I would not
hesitate to take him out of school. He's missing
the first 2 days this year. At this point in life,
I feel strongly that missed school must be
replaced by something rich either in cultural
differences or history,geography or science
information. We'll be doing WDW during Spring
Break, it's loads of fun but barely educational.
Otherwise, I'd say 3rd grade would be my limit
to missing school unless it was utterly imperative.
I reserve the right to change my mind later!
mimi

[Ranatra]

Some people don't get their vacation in the summertime. Should their children never experience Disney?

We've always had to take our vacation in January or February.
My kids were all in high school and I picked a week where they had some scheduled time off and ended up missing only 3 days of school. None of them ever had a problem catching up.
Now the 2 youngest are in college, oldest is graduated, it is no longer possible to take them with us.

I will treasure those memories forever.

[Buckalew]

I agree, Ranatra.
I'll continue to take DD out of school as long as she can keep up with the work and is not struggling. My parents always took us out of school and those are some wonderful family memories.

If the child is struggling, then I'd hope those parents would rethink their choice.


:wave: Mare!!! Always good to see you!! :D

[Princess_Aurora]

I think as long as you get your assignments ahead of time and do them before you leave or set aside time during the vacation to do them, you should be okay. That's what I did when I was in school and that's what I plan on having my kids do.