A different kind of ? about missing school

[denanbob]

I am in the SAME boat as you. Our trip has been planned for this coming May (6-13) for over a year and my kids will have to miss 5 days of school also. The problem is my DS8 broke his leg back in September and missed 10 days. Then in December he got strep and missed another 3 so he's already missed 13. 5 more will put him at 18 days. Although a part of me feels a bit guilty and deserving of the worst-mother-of-the-year-award, NO WAY are we cancelling this trip (which we have non-refundable airfare for, by the way). So far, he's only got 2 B's this year and the rest A's. I didn't plan on him breaking his leg or getting strep. It's not like they were unexcused absences or anything. I guess I will just accept whatever grief and torture they want to give me and just let them know that I agonized over the decision and just couldn't afford to give up our airfare. Have I convinced everyone yet that I've made the right decision?????????

 

[daisyduck123]

Have I convinced everyone yet that I've made the right decision?????????

No convincing needed here....I'm always on the side of "go to Disney...school will always be there when you get back" (esp. when kids have good grades, like yours does).

Have fun!!! We arrive on May 20th!!

 

[samijam]

Come to EWG if you teach in RI
Between personal, proffesional days 20. my son's first grade teacher made no excuses for using all these days.

 

[camdensmom]

I apologize if I'm repeating b/c I haven't read any replies, but I would suggest asking his teacher for his/her opinion. I assume she'll say go and you'll feel better about it.

 

[camdensmom]

I guess I will just accept whatever grief and torture they want to give me and just let them know that I agonized over the decision and just couldn't afford to give up our airfare. Have I convinced everyone yet that I've made the right decision?????????

LOL. You don't need to convince me I feel like you are making the right choice, however, just a word of caution...if you try to use the "we can't afford to give up the airfare" card in case of an argument then be prepared for them to point out that you'll spend a heck of a lot more money in Disney if you go then you would have lost by not going. Those Mickey shaped ice cream treats on a stick don't come cheap

Have fun and enjoy your trip.

 

[mlwear]

You might want to check and see what days your school will be doing testing (we call them SOL's - Standards of Learning in VA, don't know about other places). The May/June timeframe is typically when those tests are given and it's probably a good idea if your child is there right before they're given for review or doesn't have to take them at another time...

Very good point. I live in VA, too. SOL's are hard to make up and are such a HUGE deal. Our kids take them in May. SOL's start for third graders, but they do take other tests at this time and they are important for a variety of reasons.
Does your son have a reasonable teacher? If so would definitely talk to her/him abouut it . At second grade, it is probably not a big deal. You are going to need to get his work, anyway. If the teacher would tell you that it would be detrimental to your child's education to go (I realize for most it would not, but for a few kids, missing a week would really put them behind--ex. I have a child w/ special needs and it would completely throw him off), you would want to reschedule, I'm sure.
In reference to the post about teachers getting 20 personal days, I'm very curious about which state that is, also. Usually they get 2 or 3 and they can't carry over to the next year. I think 10 sick days is typical and those can carry over.
In all honesty, we debated this same issue. This is my oldest son's last year in elementary school and we considered a Feb. trip. But, as I wrote earlier, it would be too difficult for my younger son. I sympathize with your dilemma.
I do know of one very good student in older son's class who took a week off before Christmas break (with the school's blessing). She completed all of her work ahead and made good grades on the assignments. It didn't seem to hurt her.

 

[DisneyDotty]

I second (third, fourth?) the idea of talking to your child's teacher. Treat the teacher as your ally and you will probably have nothing to worry about. Plus, the teacher will be able to tell you exactly what needs to be done to prepare for missing those days of school.

 

[roadtripper]

Come to EWG if you teach in RI
Between personal, proffesional days 20. my son's first grade teacher made no excuses for using all these days.

Not cool. And also rare, I would imagine. Your district has a very good rep-- I doubt many teachers are doing that. EWG is too far for me-- I live in MA .
Disneydotty had some great advice here:
"Treat the teacher as your ally and you will probably have nothing to worry about. Plus, the teacher will be able to tell you exactly what needs to be done to prepare for missing those days of school."

Often the "party line" and what the teacher will tell you in private are two different things. If the teacher senses your concern, s/he will be more willing to help you. It's when parents and kids seem really casual about taking kids out that teachers get frustrated. Like the "Oh, I'm leaving tomorrow for 10 days, can I have all my work?" kind of comment. Sorry-- don't have it all at my fingertips at this moment

 

[daisyduck123]

I agree with the above posters...just ask the teacher.

BTW...One thing we always do is bring the teachers back great gifts.
When we got back from our trip in January, DS7 gave his teacher a Disney beachbag with a Tinkerbelle (DS knew she loves Tink) cup inside. She was thrilled. She said it made her want to take a trip!