Advice from a Teacher re: taking kids out of school for Disney

[chip91]

Since there seem to be so many posts lately about taking the kids out of school for a Disney vacation I figured I would pipe in with some advice from a teacher.


Please do not ask for all of the work "ahead of time." It is SO TIME CONSUMING for a teacher to put together the work ahead of time. I always keep a "while you were out folder" and add any assignments that can be done at home to it as they are passed out to the class. It is much easier on the teacher if you make the work up after the fact.


Also, your vacation may mean a lot of extra work for the teacher. Gathering assignments and needing to devote extra attention to that student to get him caught up is time consuming. Be sensitive and appreciative of that.

Thank you so much for your insight as a teacher, and while I appreciate and respect your side of the whole time off instance, in my opinion it doesn't really differ much from if your child is sick for a long period of time, or in my daughters case, in both 1st & 2nd grade she missed 1 week of school due to breaking her arm (yes same arm, same bone, LONG story) so I certainly hope her teacher didn't think I was creating extra work for them by requesting my childs' homework on a daily basis, to keep her caught up, I was the one doing the work with her.

As teachers' don't you need to have your lessons planned out at least a week ahead of time? In our school district the teachers' need to hand in a tenative lesson plan I believe 1 month prior, of course various circumstances cause the need to deviate from the plan, but from the teachers I know, they do stick to it as close as possible.

In that case, I would assume you would have a "game plan" for at least the week ahead. I do understand how much "hands on" learning they do especially at the ages of my children, but there are some things teachers can do in the case of missing days due to vacation: send home their math book and say do pages 16-20, (my dd's teacher last year made copies of the pages she would miss rather than sending home the entire book) or have the parents keep up on reading, even though your on vacation they can still read for 15 minutes at night or if they are pre-k or k and can't yet read well, as a parent (I read to my 2nd daughter before bedtime while on vacation), here's your spelling list for the test you will miss, study the words & make it up when you return. In our school the social studies and science so far are in classroom learning, they would miss that but Math, Reading and Writing they have daily/weekly homework in the form of worksheets. For instance of how to stay on top of things or at least not completely laxed in them while on vacation, last year my 2nd grader had to write daily in a journal - which made up quite a large percentage of her writing grade, so for our trip I made her keep a daily journal of what she did, where she ate, what characters she met, her teacher accepted this and gave her credit for her daily usage journal, and I was sure to thank him for his flexibility and working with me on this.

I'm not trying to step on your toes or justify taking children out of school, but I think if both parties can have a mutual respect for the others' standpoint, it can work and not be too painful on anyone; child, teacher or the parent who helps with all the make-up work (and boy oh boy are they learning way more than I did at their age!!)

Respectfully from a parents perspective,
Chip

PS Thanks for being a teacher, I'm sure you don't hear that enough! I was the teachers' aide for 5 weeks of summer school, one year in pre-k and one year in k, all I can say is YIKES - I used all the patience I could muster for 5 hours a day x 5 weeks!

 

[Kayakmom]

I'm not trying to step on your toes or justify taking children out of school, but I think if both parties can have a mutual respect for the others' standpoint, it can work and not be too painful on anyone; child, teacher or the parent who helps with all the make-up work (and boy oh boy are they learning way more than I did at their age!!)

I'd also like to add that some teachers DO help up with make-up work, as my ds10's does. She really goes above and beyond the call of duty. She takes time out of her day to send me notes about how his day went, whether good or bad. My son can be very trying at times and she has an amazing patience level. She is also a mom to her own two children and I think she's an amazing woman! When I told her about our trip she said, "I wouldn't miss it either! No way! Go ahead and have a great time!"

In return, I work very hard at home to stay on top of things. I give her total support. If he does not complete an assignment during school, she knows that she can send it home and I will work with him on it. If she wants to discipline him for something (he had to stay after school once) I stand right behind her so that he knows there is no way to pull a fast one.

 

[winkers]

I have deep respect for teachers who love their jobs and work hard teaching and loving my kids! But I won't ask for their permission or 'OK" to take my kids on a family vacation. I take my kids out for a week every year, we aren't able to do most vacations during summer so spring is our best option. I give them about a months notice and ask how they'd like to handle homework. Out of 4 children and dozens of teachers I've only had one give me a hard time about it. I just politely told her that since she doens't have to account to me for her days off during the school year, then I don't have to excuse myself to her. She didn't have a response to that. I think respect and courtesy go both ways and I, like most parents, get irritated by a teacher telling me how to raise my children, just like they would if I told them how to do their job. ok, stepping off my soapbox now!

 

[marconat]

I informed my 2 kids teacher about our upcoming trip (during parent - teacher night) and I have to agree that it totally depends on the kids... both teachers told me that my kids are good students and will have no problems catching up. Since it's right after Xmas break, they will do a revision of the past months and will not start anything new before the 3rd week of Jan. I'm glad that they are understanding and will bring them sun in a bottle ha! ha! Since it will be 20 below here in the North.

 

[ilovepooh]

I think if you decide to take a family vacation during the school year, then go and enjoy that quality time. Who am I to question you!

As a 2nd grade teacher, I think it's nice of parents to let me know they are going on vacation, so I don't have to wonder if the child is ok, but I would NEVER expect any kind of apology for it.

Yes, we do a lot of activities during the school day, and I put a lot of work into my lessons, but it is the parent's choice to allow their child to miss these things. If the child is a strong student, then they will be fine. If not, then he/she may need extra help from his/her parents to help complete the work missed. I do what I can too. (This is no different than if the child was absent due to an illness.)

I say go on vacation and enjoy your time together as a family! Life is too short and too precious to NOT go on vacation because your child will miss school.

 

[disneymom06]

I think if you decide to take a family vacation during the school year, then go and enjoy that quality time. Who am I to question you!

As a 2nd grade teacher, I think it's nice of parents to let me know they are going on vacation, so I don't have to wonder if the child is ok, but I would NEVER expect any kind of apology for it.

Yes, we do a lot of activities during the school day, and I put a lot of work into my lessons, but it is the parent's choice to allow their child to miss these things. If the child is a strong student, then they will be fine. If not, then he/she may need extra help from his/her parents to help complete the work missed. I do what I can too. (This is no different than if the child was absent due to an illness.)

I say go on vacation and enjoy your time together as a family! Life is too short and too precious to NOT go on vacation because your child will miss school.

I agree, Enjoy the time together as a family, Life is too short and too precious.

Thank you for your wonderful comments!

 

[lagunaseca]

It's her classroom so she can certainly set the rules of the classroom, but it's my child.

It's your child but your child must attend a minimum number of days and maintain a certain grade to pass to the next grade. If your child rarely gets sick and maintains their GPA there is no problem. If they miss x amount of days (determined by the school board) the teacher, nor the school can do anything - your name gets sent to the truancy office and you, the parent, have to talk to them and explain. I am a school secretary and once a month the computer spits out truancy notices at every 5 days of absences. The teachers and school want to work with parents but going in with the "it's my child they can't tell me what I can do" attitude will not get you far.

 

[jodifla]

It's your child but your child must attend a minimum number of days and maintain a certain grade to pass to the next grade. If your child rarely gets sick and maintains their GPA there is no problem. If they miss x amount of days (determined by the school board) the teacher, nor the school can do anything - your name gets sent to the truancy office and you, the parent, have to talk to them and explain. I am a school secretary and once a month the computer spits out truancy notices at every 5 days of absences. The teachers and school want to work with parents but going in with the "it's my child they can't tell me what I can do" attitude will not get you far.

It's a sad state of affairs if the truancy officer can find nothing better to do than harass parents who take their kids out for a weeklong vacation once a year.

 

[DISNEYLOVER70]

Thank you for the tips, I will use them in May 2007!

 

[dbmarie]

It's a sad state of affairs if the truancy officer can find nothing better to do than harass parents who take their kids out for a weeklong vacation once a year.

I agree.

 

[declansdad]

It's a sad state of affairs if the truancy officer can find nothing better to do than harass parents who take their kids out for a weeklong vacation once a year.

If the truancy officer is only doing their job, based on the rules that they are given, how is this harassing parents??

 

[Tink&Mickey]

I have been torn on this subject, my son is in 7th grade and daughter in 1st. My son isn't doing well in school and he will be missing only 3 days in April. We will be gone most of April vacation and 3 days of the following week. I"m hoping it won't be too hard on him. But we couldn't take it during the whole break time or summer vacation (too hot and crowded). I figure we are only doing this once and never again, we only live once and I wanted to go for our family, my son is getting older and already at the stage where he doesn't want to be with his family and daughter is perfect age, still liking Princesses and old enough to stand in line. It was a hard decision, but we are going for it.

 

[laceemouse]

I have been torn on this subject, my son is in 7th grade and daughter in 1st. My son isn't doing well in school and he will be missing only 3 days in April. We will be gone most of April vacation and 3 days of the following week. I"m hoping it won't be too hard on him. But we couldn't take it during the whole break time or summer vacation (too hot and crowded). I figure we are only doing this once and never again, we only live once and I wanted to go for our family, my son is getting older and already at the stage where he doesn't want to be with his family and daughter is perfect age, still liking Princesses and old enough to stand in line. It was a hard decision, but we are going for it.

A "once-in-a-lifetime" trip is a very different story, IMO, than someone who takes their kids out every year and then calls it educational. Still, the older the child the harder it will be to make up the work, especially if he is struggling already. If I were you I would be making friends with those teachers big time (which was hard for us to do when they got in the older grades, the school was just so huge!)
BTW, we have been at all times of the year, in all types of weather and in all crowd conditions and we have NEVER failed to have a great time at WDW!!! With careful planning you can still have a BLAST even if it is HOT and CROWDED!! Just my 2 cents !

 

[jodifla]

A "once-in-a-lifetime" trip is a very different story, IMO, than someone who takes their kids out every year and then calls it educational. Still, the older the child the harder it will be to make up the work, especially if he is struggling already. If I were you I would be making friends with those teachers big time (which was hard for us to do when they got in the older grades, the school was just so huge!)
BTW, we have been at all times of the year, in all types of weather and in all crowd conditions and we have NEVER failed to have a great time at WDW!!! With careful planning you can still have a BLAST even if it is HOT and CROWDED!! Just my 2 cents !

I don't go when it's hot and crowded, period. It's not my idea of a good time.

 

[kjbstore]

Wow this has been an interesting thread. Our DD is in 9th grade and we've taken her out several times to go on vacation in the past school years - she's always been able to catch up just fine. My DH is a UPS driver and vacations are on a seniority basis and since he is #48 out of 54, there isn't much to choose from. The only dates available for next year (2007) were February, March and November. Since our 25th wedding anniversary is in November, we are taking two weeks. We will take our DD out of school one week (and will let all her teachers know as soon as school starts) and then she will fly home and we'll take another week by ourselves. Having been on chemo for over a year and not knowing if I would make it, we have made the decision that making memories as a family is something that we really value. If that means our DD will miss a few days of school, then that's okay. I am very sensitive to heat and sun and couldn't go during summer months even if the vacation time were available for my DH. Fortunately, our DD rarely misses school, and her high school has an every other day schedule, so she will only miss a maximum of three days for each class. I appreciate the OP letter and will use it for our DD next year.

 

[disneygal33]

Wow this has been an interesting thread. Our DD is in 9th grade and we've taken her out several times to go on vacation in the past school years - she's always been able to catch up just fine. My DH is a UPS driver and vacations are on a seniority basis and since he is #48 out of 54, there isn't much to choose from. The only dates available for next year (2007) were February, March and November. Since our 25th wedding anniversary is in November, we are taking two weeks. We will take our DD out of school one week (and will let all her teachers know as soon as school starts) and then she will fly home and we'll take another week by ourselves. Having been on chemo for over a year and not knowing if I would make it, we have made the decision that making memories as a family is something that we really value. If that means our DD will miss a few days of school, then that's okay. I am very sensitive to heat and sun and couldn't go during summer months even if the vacation time were available for my DH. Fortunately, our DD rarely misses school, and her high school has an every other day schedule, so she will only miss a maximum of three days for each class. I appreciate the OP letter and will use it for our DD next year.

I hope you have a magical vacation, it sounds like you've earned it!!

 

[Luv'sTink]

It's your child but your child must attend a minimum number of days and maintain a certain grade to pass to the next grade. If your child rarely gets sick and maintains their GPA there is no problem. If they miss x amount of days (determined by the school board) the teacher, nor the school can do anything - your name gets sent to the truancy office and you, the parent, have to talk to them and explain. I am a school secretary and once a month the computer spits out truancy notices at every 5 days of absences. The teachers and school want to work with parents but going in with the "it's my child they can't tell me what I can do" attitude will not get you far.

Parents always have the choice to homeschool.

In my DS school the Principal can and does excuse any absence he chooses to.

 

[DisneyDivaMom]

Actually, last week one of my students' parents surprised him with a trip to WDW. However, the parents did not contact any of his teachers to let them know and he missed 3 or 4 days of school - plus the end of the marking period and, at least for me, he has several assignments that haven't been turned in. He also switches to a new special area subject when the new marking period begins and I won't see him unless I seek him out. I felt this was totally irresponsible of the parents.


What I do is tell the school and teachers at the begining of the school year (I know a year in advance of going) then I fill out the paperwork for the office a month before, remind the teachers as well. I ask for a packet or whatever they choose to give. I think one her tasks this time is a daily weather report ie: "I wore my hoodie today because it was windy." She is to keep a journel and bring postcards or pictures and give an off the cuff presentation of the highlights of her trip. All things considered, I think this is the last time I will take her out of school, she is in SPED and while is doing well in her ms class, it is a struggle to keep up. I just don't think it would be wise for our family.

 

[tetrimble]

Unfortunately I have seen it happen quite a few times over the years I have taught. Now that being said, I don't think it is the case with most kids. I am all for pulling kids out of school for vacations and mental health days (shopping does wonders as does a good pedi ) I think our society needs to relax. However, with No Child Left Behind, the pressure on the schools and teachers is unbelievable. The difference between when I went to school and today is completely different. Your girls are probably good students and responsible and can handle it. Some kids can't. Every parent needs to make an individual decision based on their child and go from there. Most can handle it, but some can't. I think as they get older, it gets harder to miss school.

There is a huge difference between when most of us went to school and what is being taught in today's classroom. The cirriculum is more advanced in each grade level as opposed to even 15-20 years ago.

I am taking my children out of school for 7 days in December. I, like a few others on this thread, had mixed feelings about this. I took the children 2 years ago right at the beginning of their summer break. It was miserable because the crowds were higher than anticipated and the weather was ruthless. I wanted us to be able to enjoy a more leisurely vacation this time around yet still have an opportunity to ride as many (if not more) rides than last time.

When I first thought about taking the kids out (this past January), I approached the school's Assistant Principal. I wanted her thoughts on it (couldn't ask the children's teachers as we did not know who they would have for the following year). She said to absolutely go ahead. She felt that the children would be fine with the make-up work (they are both straight A students...thankfully). I did want to make sure that they would not be missing any mandatory testing or any big projects that might occur.

At the beginning of the school year, I informed the children's teachers that they would be out of school for a period of time in December and they were OK with that. I am fairly certain I will have most of my son's assignments to take with us (it's the same exact work my daughter did when she was in that grade), but I know I won't have all of my daughter's assignments.

I felt now was the time to do it (the children are in 2nd and 6th grades). I think all school grades are of importance, but I felt that I could be able to assist my children with their assignments while they are this young. With the accelerated lesson plans nowadays (i.e.-my daughter is already taking some true geometry in 6th grade...blows my mind), I was concerned that I might not be able to help once they get to a certain level (i.e.- I definitely don't remember my trig and calculus so my daughter would have to "fend for herself").

I do appreciate all of the comments and feedback on this thread and a special thanks to camdensmom for starting the thread (BTW, I absolutely love the wording in your letter).

It is a personal choice, but it's important to know our children's comprehension and limitations when it comes to school. In the earlier grades, the children are learning the fundamentals. Without the fundamentals, the children cannot grasp newer (and more difficult) concepts. In the latter grades, the concepts are harder and a parent needs to realize that as well (particularly if the parent doesn't understand the concept and cannot help his/her child).

I just do the best I can for the kids and pray that my best is good enough.

 

[camdensmom]

As the OP I figured I would pop back in to respond.

It was never my intent to tell people to grovel or ask permission to take their children to Disney. Yes, I used the word "apologize," but it was meant in the polite sense. Just like when I emailed a parent last night who had sent in a note seeing if we could meet today and said, "I apologize, but I won't be able to meet with you tomorrow, but I already have a conference scheduled at that time." I was not groveling...just being polite.

Also, I did not intend to start a debate about taking kids out of school. I thought it was clear in my post that I see very clearly why parents opt to vacation at different times of the year. I understand and support that.

My point was simply to share things from a teacher's perspective. Clearly, I am not speaking on behalf of all teachers, but I am sharing common views of those I've worked with. Do with that info what you wish. If it was helpful...then great. If it was not, then please know it wasn't a personal attack on you or your parenting styles.