Your thoughts on kids missing school to go to Disney

[Rchellbell08]

I suggest you follow what I bolded in your reply. There was zero hostility in my question. If you read some, that's on you. You can't read the "tone" of a post. I can't help that you thought it was an attack or otherwise hostile.

And why you feel you need to bring up your "right to free speech" is beyond me. Simply because I asked a question?

Anyway, it's all good.

When you say things that are blatantly asking me, personally "Do you expect teachers to know what they're doing the "3rd week of April" when you ask them in October?..." Yes, I will take it as you reading into my post a little too hard. Especially when your whole reply was asking question after question. Why the heck would I expect any teacher to go out of their way just for any one kid for a vacation? I was saying the teacher may possibly give the parents some kind of piece of mind their child won't be missing out on something important to their education if they were to know what was going on around the trip date... I sure as heck don't expect a teacher to stress over it and make sure the child is covered if there were any important curriculum missed.
In general, a parent should think about involving teachers about their child's absences and hopefully come up with solutions collectively to better a situation as such. And by the way, a teacher has a whole school year planned out, a curriculum, that they go by to keep a guideline throughout the year. Generally, a teacher will know, more or less, what will be covered during a certain part of the semester/trimester, what have you, and generally, the may be able to give some sound advice to whether missing certain days would be a good idea or not in the best interest of their child's education. I can't think of why a teacher wouldn't give any opinion or advice, if asked by a parent, what they think about missing the days in question. It is up to a parent to keep their kid's education a priority, but it is also their decision to make if they want to take a vacation with the family and miss a day or two of school, if done "responsibly".
Another thing, my "free speech" addition was to let you know that I, and everyone else, can voice their opinions, just as you and I both have, so it really shouldn't be "beyond" you that I threw that in there. Maybe to remind people that it's ok to have opinions and say what they think and feel. Of course there will be those that ask asinine questions regarding your thought process of how you came up with your post's conclusion, but mind you, it is just people talking and giving advice or opinions, not some aggressive debate over who is right or wrong, or why someone would post something that one may not agree with...
Your "tone" may have not been what I perceived, but I am trying to see it in a different light, and I just don't see it....maybe you could enlighten me of how it was supposed to sound?

 

[sam_gordon]

maybe you could enlighten me of how it was supposed to sound?

Presumably if it's a "special" trip, wouldn't it be planned well in advance? Do you expect teachers to know what they're doing the "3rd week of April" when you ask them in October? Or heck, even January?

My only suggestion is to read it with little to no inflection. There's nothing accusing (at least nothing meant) in it. Ask someone "What's the square root of 52?" Now, use the same tone with my questions.

Do I think teachers should be notified if kids are going to be missing school? Absolutely. However, I think it would be hard to ask a teacher when would be a good time to take a child out of school (which is what I thought you were suggesting) so they don't miss too much.

 

[DVC-Don]

We took our kids out of school once a year through grade 5. Once they got to middle school we switched over to late August trips to WDW. Middle and high school there are just too many teachers to deal with. Elementary school there was just one teacher for each kid who we always notified ahead of time.

 

[hulagirl87]

Prior to having kids, when I would go to Disney during the school year and would see so many kids, when they should be in school, it really annoyed me. I always said that I would never do that. Well never say never! DD will be in first grade and we will be taking her out for a week in November to take DS for his first trip. I don't think she will miss a lot, but I will definitely contact her teacher about it when it's closer. She just had a kid in her kindergarten class out for 2 weeks on vacation.

 

[roseaster]

I'm not a teacher, so take this with a grain of salt. I think teachers have a rough idea of what they plan to cover months in advance, but they may not be able to give an exact. Like maybe they plan to be covering the unit on long division between April 1st and 15th, but there are chances things could be delayed. Children could have been slow to grasp the previous concept, or maybe they are behind schedule because of snow days.

The only thing they could tell you, really, is what weeks standardized testing is scheduled.

IMO, it is, of course, the parent's prerogative to take their children out of school, but I think that the parent should be knowledgeable about the school's policies regarding absenteeism, and should be willing to accept any consequences that arise from their decision.

I also think that parents shouldn't burden teachers with the consequences of their decisions. Yes, it is a good idea to let the teacher know ahead of time of the proposed absence, but they should not expect the teacher to do extra work by getting the student's work ahead of time, or helping the student catch up after. Personally, I think that is the parent's burden to bear.

I think teachers have enough responsibility in their every day jobs as it is.

 

[Rchellbell08]

My only suggestion is to read it with little to no inflection. There's nothing accusing (at least nothing meant) in it. Ask someone "What's the square root of 52?" Now, use the same tone with my questions.

Do I think teachers should be notified if kids are going to be missing school? Absolutely. However, I think it would be hard to ask a teacher when would be a good time to take a child out of school (which is what I thought you were suggesting) so they don't miss too much.

That tone(in bold from your post)is a little different than any undertones your questions came out to be... Again, my opinion. "What color is the sky?" has no tonal misconception versus a question starting out like,"Do you expect....?".
I may be a little too emotionally involved in this thread, but it isn't hard to read someone's post or reply and have a general idea of their intentions or "undertones". I will try to take your advice and read with little or no inflection, but it is hard to read a post of a debatable subject mono-toned.
As far as I'm concerned, I'm exhausted of the subject matter because there are too many variables too touch down on and consider in the situation. My family and I are planning a mid-May trip to DL and my daughter will miss two days, but she is only in preschool and that is here nor there. I just don't want to be feeling any type of way prior to our trip about if I shouldn't have had my LO miss those days for a fun filled family vacation because of a thread I've been following on a Disney forum.
Btw: I'm quite aware my daughter isn't of school-age, and it may not effect her as much than if she was in 6th or 10th grade. But school is school, and I've taken in all considerations planning out the trip. *in case anyone has anything to say about it... Which is ok*

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Let's not overlook the opportunities for Disney (or travel in general) to be educational. I'm fond of making my kids journal while on vacation. I also put them in charge of navigation -- finding the airport gate, navigating connections, locating baggage claim, getting on the right train, etc. I also like to make them calculate tips at restaurants, tax in gift shops, etc. Whether or not they are missing school, there are great opportunities to learn real life skills while traveling.

But to the original question: Yes. I do pull my kids out of school for Disney. I work full time, and they grow up fast. I have no compunction about claiming a few days with them to make precious life-long memories.

I totally respect your opinion and totally get your reasoning as to why you did not pull your kids out for travel. However, the above statement is most definitely not true for every family. You might think it's an absolute but it's really not. Even if your statements were true for a family, then that's their business and prerogative. You don't agree with their reasoning and that's fine, too.

Of course the flip side can be seen in Chelle's Bells post I quoted above which seems to insinuate that such trips can only be achieved by missing school. While true for some, it's hardly the case for most.

I think for working parents, the vast majority of us have far fewer days "off" than do our kids. My kids were in school 180 days in 2015. I was at work 267 days in 2015. If I had 10-12 weeks of vacation that I could use whenever I wanted, that would complicate things. But I don't. Most Americans have 2-4 weeks of vacation. Just based on the math, PP's point does make sense.

I guess in the end, I just wish those who have the opportunity to vacation during breaks but CHOOSE not to would just admit they're doing so out of personal preference. Unless you're someone who just CAN'T go during the breaks, "family time is important too" or "Disney is educational too" just look like sad excuses. Who are you (general you) trying to convince? Me? Or yourself?

 

[bethy]

I guess in the end, I just wish those who have the opportunity to vacation during breaks but CHOOSE not to would just admit they're doing so out of personal preference. Unless you're someone who just CAN'T go during the breaks, "family time is important too" or "Disney is educational too" just look like sad excuses. Who are you (general you) trying to convince? Me? Or yourself?

If it makes you feel better: When we take our children out of school for vacation it is absolutely because of personal preference. We prefer it because it's what works best for our family at that time for a myriad of reasons.

Edited to add: I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything which is why I haven't listed our personal reasons here. I'm trying to be supportive of people who decide that missing school for vacation is the right thing to do for their families. I don't see many people on the Dis criticizing others for choosing not to take their children out of school.

 

[roseaster]

Personally, I don't care what choices other people make for their kids. I think Gumbo's point is that people try to sell it and make excuses about why they HAVE to take their kids out of school, when, truly, for probably 95% of the people it is more about convenience or preference than necessity.

The excuse family time is important also doesn't wash. Family time can occur anywhere, at any time, during any activity. It isn't unique only to amusement parks during the school year.

Also, please stop trying to sell WDW as an "educational trip." It is an amusement park, you are going there for fun. Will the kids learn some things? Sure. They will also learn things at the grocery store. Kids are little sponges like that.

Again, it is every parent's prerogative to make whatever choice they want for their kids, just don't expect special treatment or rules to be bent for your kids based on your choices. Accept that your kids may fall behind, or earn zeros, or get referred to the truancy officer, if that is your district's policy. I know it isn't everyone's.

Also, I really don't think it is fair for the teacher's to bear the burden of the parent's choices. Work packets ahead of time shouldn't be expected, and the teacher shouldn't be expected to offer extra time, or have to take away from the class to help your child catch up if they fall behind. I think it's a good learning tool. Show your kids that there is a trade off in most situations in life. Missing school was great fun, and a wonderful treat, but the trade off is there is going to be extra work. Nothing in life is free.

 

[SDFgirl]

I only have kids in elementary and can't speak for middle/high school.

But, I've taken my kids out for 2-3 days in a row most years. My kids are not "gifted" but they are well above grade level and get a lot of enrichment from home and life experiences. I know that we could get the same family memories over breaks/summer, but the cost/convenience savings are worth it to us.

I'm also a teacher and have no problem when parents take on-level or advanced kids out for a few days (no more than once a year). Kids who are struggling need to stay in school.

 

[youngb1978]

We will be taking our kids out of school for 7-8 days in novemeber. They will be in grade 2,3 and 7. It's the best time for our family to go. I will ask the teachers if they have anything they absolutely must to while away otherwise we will catch up when we get home. This will probably be he last time we take them out of school as my oldest will be in school. This is the only time we have done this..

 

[Magpie]

Accept that your kids may fall behind, or earn zeros, or get referred to the truancy officer, if that is your district's policy. I know it isn't everyone's.

I never had to accept that possibility, because one of my kids was already behind (in some areas, related to his disability) and another of my kids was well ahead, and nothing - short of draconian school policy, which wasn't a concern for us - was going to change that. More time in school wouldn't have made my son any less dyslexic. And less time in school wouldn't bring my daughter down to grade level.

You're right that kids are sponges. They learn everywhere. And when my kids were very young, frankly, there were days it seemed that a trip to the grocery store was more educational than an average day in school. At the grocery store we could practice money, percentages, estimation, reading, manners and life skills. At school... my son was usually busy persuading other students to do all his written work for him, while my daughter was hiding somewhere with her nose in a novel.

Epcot was a very educational experience for my kids when they were 7 and 9. One they would draw on years afterward. But, then again, we visited every country, explored the mini-museums, and talked to cast members in each one. Animal Kingdom was also very education, come to think of it.

 

[low-key]

I like it

 

[Gumbo4x4]

If it makes you feel better: When we take our children out of school for vacation it is absolutely because of personal preference. We prefer it because it's what works best for our family at that time for a myriad of reasons.

Edited to add: I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything which is why I haven't listed our personal reasons here. I'm trying to be supportive of people who decide that missing school for vacation is the right thing to do for their families. I don't see many people on the Dis criticizing others for choosing not to take their children out of school.

And I hope you don't think I was picking on you. Through this whole thread you've come off as someone who "owns" their choice. And that's cool by me.

 

[Planogirl]

I think that it's really just a question of what works best for every family as others keep saying. One's own personal philosophies are important too.

I mentioned that I felt that school came first but I also balked at making WDW educational. I wanted DS to go just to have fun and relax just like his parents and if he learned something that was OK but would never be the focus. I respect those who feel that WDW can be used as a learning tool but it wasn't something I personally would ever do.

 

[cjbcam]

I take my kids out. I let the kids teachers know. My husband usually can't get time off when the kids get off so we go when he can.
Spending that time away is good for our family. I don't care people perceive that as a weak excuse. I also think the "you can spend family time anytime, anywhere" is also a weak excuse to not go. Having an hour at dinner or here or there is good but IMHO no where near as a good as a week of solid time with each other if you can afford it.
I also don't really know why this is always such a big "fight" topic. I will do with my kids what I want you do what you want. I think there are plenty of reasons to go and plenty to not go. Everyone should choose what is right for them.

 

[bethy]

The excuse family time is important also doesn't wash. Family time can occur anywhere, at any time, during any activity. It isn't unique only to amusement parks during the school year.

Also, please stop trying to sell WDW as an "educational trip." It is an amusement park, you are going there for fun. Will the kids learn some things? Sure. They will also learn things at the grocery store. Kids are little sponges like that.

Again, it is every parent's prerogative to make whatever choice they want for their kids, just don't expect special treatment or rules to be bent for your kids based on your choices. Accept that your kids may fall behind, or earn zeros, or get referred to the truancy officer, if that is your district's policy. I know it isn't everyone's.

Also, I really don't think it is fair for the teacher's to bear the burden of the parent's choices. Work packets ahead of time shouldn't be expected, and the teacher shouldn't be expected to offer extra time, or have to take away from the class to help your child catch up if they fall behind. I think it's a good learning tool. Show your kids that there is a trade off in most situations in life. Missing school was great fun, and a wonderful treat, but the trade off is there is going to be extra work. Nothing in life is free.

The bolded is such a narrow minded statement - by labeling other families' choices as mere "excuses that don't wash." Who are you to judge what qualifies for bonding time - or not - for other families??? Families are comprised of individuals. Each one is highly unique. Guess what - for our family and I'm sure for others - quality family time - actually ANY family time cannot just occur at any time or place. Not even close. There are many reasons for this but they are highly personal and I will not share them here.

As for teachers I definitely feel strongly about not imposing our family's choices on them. I truly do not want to make their jobs harder but at the same time I need to do what's right for our family. Plus teachers have a right to set their own boundaries. In our district we are not allowed to ask for school work ahead of time (nor would I regardless.) Honestly there are circumstances when I would be willing for my child to get a zero if it came to that. I am that passionate about fighting for work/life/school/family balance.

As a side note, in our district tons of families travel often and do take their kids out of school. It's a part of the culture of where we live. We also have a lot of families who are from other parts of the world and travel far to visit family and often miss a month or more of school to do it. So a part of teaching here is understanding this culture. Many of the parents who take their kids out of school for travel are the same ones who provide tremendous support to the teachers and schools via volunteers and lots of straight cash donations. Our parents work hard to make the teachers' lives and jobs easier in many ways. It is a symbiotic relationship.

 

[roseaster]

The bolded is such a narrow minded statement - by labeling other families' choices as mere "excuses that don't wash." Who are you to judge what qualifies for bonding time - or not - for other families??? Families are comprised of individuals. Each one is highly unique. Guess what - for our family and I'm sure for others - quality family time - actually ANY family time cannot just occur at any time or place. Not even close. There are many reasons for this but they are highly personal and I will not share them here.

As for teachers I definitely feel strongly about not imposing our family's choices on them. I truly do not want to make their jobs harder but at the same time I need to do what's right for our family. Plus teachers have a right to set their own boundaries. In our district we are not allowed to ask for school work ahead of time (nor would I regardless.) Honestly there are circumstances when I would be willing for my child to get a zero if it came to that. I am that passionate about fighting for work/life/school/family balance.

As a side note, in our district tons of families travel often and do take their kids out of school. It's a part of the culture of where we live. We also have a lot of families who are from other parts of the world and travel far to visit family and often miss a month or more of school to do it. So a part of teaching here is understanding this culture. Many of the parents who take their kids out of school for travel are the same ones who provide tremendous support to the teachers and schools via volunteers and lots of straight cash donations. Our parents work hard to make the teachers' lives and jobs easier in many ways. It is a symbiotic relationship.

LOL. You are way too emotionally invested in an internet board discussion. They are your kids, do whatever you want with them. I really don't know why you are so defensive. Seriously, I don't care what you do or why you do it, but people act like WDW or big vacations away from school are the only opportunity for "family time." It's an excuse. If you want to take your kids out of school do it. If you don't, don't do it.

People have a right to their opinion, and that just happens to be mine. You can have "family time" any place, anywhere, any time of year. It doesn't require a big vacation. It doesn't require money, it doesn't require missing school or work. In the same token where one might say they value family time that is why they are taking their kids out of school, it could be interpreted as a backhanded way of saying, "those who don't take their kids out of school don't value time with their family." If one decided that they were going to take everyone's opinions personally, that is.

Do what you ant to do. Have a good time. Own your decisions, accept any consequences that may occur as a result of your decisions.

I don't care what other people do with their kids, it doesn't affect me. It's just a discussion.

 

[Planogirl]

My mother once took me out for a month to go to Holland to visit family and tour. I enjoyed the trip but it was hard to make up a month. The school wanted me to repeat the grade but my mother fought it and they finally compromised. I had to make up some things and take math in summer school. I hated that!

I was in junior high school and even then I thought that a month was much too long to be out.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

DH and I firmly believe that a child can learn more from travel than they ever will in school. Now, perhaps Disney is not the most educational of vacations, but that's only if you're thinking about traditional school subjects. In Disney, my kid will learn, by default, patience (waiting in line), cost/benefit analysis (is waiting in this line for this ride worth it more than the shorter wait for that ride?), bargaining (we'll go on the ride you guys want next), navigation (okay, what is the fastest way to get from Pop Century to the Grand Floridian?), spatial relations (packing), math (you have only your allowance to spend and all of World of Disney to buy), that other families are not like ours (humanities in action), how to deal with conflict (FP+ isn't working!!), and a host of other life skills. Not to mention it's a heck of a lot more physically challenging to spend a day at Disney than it is to go through a hour long gym class.

We do not intend to base our travel time decisions on the school calendar. I plan (and gosh I hope I can manage to get the money I need in order to do so) to take my daughter out of school for a year and travel the world.