Any parent/or teachers of high schoolers

[minnieandmickey]

I have a dilemma. I've been reading some of the posts on here saying parents never(or should never) take their high schooler out for vacation during the school year. My family and I are planning a vacation and I have no choice but to take my son who will be in his freshman year out of school to do this. My husband, who is a police officer, has to bid for his vacation and it all depends on seniority. He has yet to get anytime off that co-insides with school vacation time,and he has been with the department for 11 years. Right now we are lucky because the kids are on a year round schedule, but that will change when my son starts high school.

Is it that terrible to take my child out of school for this, we would be going during the off season so he would have time to do his homework after the parks close, or we would just have to make time for him to do his homework.

What should I do? I can't leave him home while everyone goes to WDW. And the whole purpose of having a family vacation is Family. How do schools react to situations like this are they understanding? Do I notify the principal or just the teachers?
Any advice would be great!

 

[Pin Wizard]

I would think that would be a reasonable exception. Explain it that way to the teacher. If that's the only time your husband is off, I would think it's a reasonable request. But I would ask for any work that needs to be done also.

 

[tink2dw]

Some high schools forbid taking students out of class for any reason other than sick time.

It also depends on a students grades up to a point.

That said,I did take my Dd a freshman out of school for 3 days. We went over spring break,but the school had scheduled the next week with monday and friday off so,we took that time off,too.

But as a sophmore there wasn't any time she could take off. There is so much class work,that if they miss a day they are really far behind.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

I would talk to my son first and then also give him the option of changing his mind once he gets into the new high school setting. We take our now 4th grader out with no problems. Our high school however is on what is called a block class plan. This means that the students take 4 classes for 1 1/2 hours each day for each semenster. The amount of material that they cover each day is unreal. They also are only allowed so many missed classes no mater what the reason. I think it only fair that your son have a big say in the decission as he will have to deal with the outcome of the plan. My niece is a good student and with this type setting finds that it is not worth missing time to travel. I too belive family time is soo special and dread the day this situation comes to our house. I am sure you will make the decision that is right for your son and your family.

Jordan's mom

 

[akghutton]

minnieand mickey,
As a teacher and a parent, I do not see anything wrong with taking a child out of school for a family vacation as long as the child is doing well in his subjects and you notify his teachers of your vacation ahead of time. Missing a week of 9th grade is not going to academically scar your son or send him into a failing spiral. As long as he is aware that he will have to catch up on his work during the trip or as soon as he gets back, he should be fine.

Honestly, aside from parents taking kids out of school, who are currently failing my course, my biggest pet peeve as a teacher is when parents beg me for work for their child to complete during their vacation and then the student shows up the first day back empty-handed. If you are going to have your son request the work he will be missing while you are gone, just make sure that he gets it done before he goes back to class.

Otherwise, enjoy your family vacation, those will be the memories that your son cherishes when he is older.
Good luck.

 

[MrsPete]

As a high school teacher, I'd have a big problem taking a high school freshman out of school for a week (I assume you're talking about a week).

He's already new to high school -- he has not yet "proven himself." Even if he was a good student in middle school, he's still learning the ropes in the new school. If he were an upper classman AND a very good student, MAYBE . . .

How many days does he typically miss in a school year? If you could be reasonably sure that he'd only miss 1-2 other days throughout the year, MAYBE . . .

Keep in mind that in high school grades START TO COUNT. No college will ever know whether he made an A or a C in reading when he was in third grade. His sixth grade history test won't affect his GPA. His high school grades -- assuming he's going to college -- will matter tremendously when he becomes a senior in just a few years.

Do you have a student handbook yet? It will outline the attendance and make-up policy. Many schools post these on-line.

Is your school on block scheduling? This will make a big difference. Schools on block scheduling move twice as fast since they have only half the year to teach the course.

What classes is he taking? If he has a schedule with tough academic courses and End-of-Course Tests, you should take that into consideration. On the other hand, if he's scheduled for weight lifting, PE and typing during the semester you plan to travel . . . that'd be another thing. Of course, if all his easy courses fall into the same semseter, I'd talk to his counselor for reasons that have nothing to do with Disney!

Here in North Carolina, students are allowed to miss eight days of school per semester . . . that's it. Unless the student has had massive medical problems (and can prove it) or some other major problems, missing more than eight days means repeating the course. If a family is taking an educational trip, the principal may allow it. You might argue that WDW could be educational for an elementary student, but a high school principal isn't going to go for it -- he knows that high schoolers are much more interested in Space Mountain than World Showcase. A typical "approved" trip would be a trip out of the country or a week serving as a page in the state senate.

In answer to your question about whom to contact, in the world of high school you'd need to go to the principal. Individual teachers wouldn't handle things like this.

As you can see, though I understand it will be problematic for your family, I personally would not consider taking a high school student out for a Disney trip. I expect you'll hear quite a few opinions that differ from mine -- this is the Disney board -- people are going to say, "Go to Disney no matter what." I recommend that you talk to your principal (and maybe the counselor too) before you make up your mind.

 

[Soccer Princess]

I am getting ready to be a senior in high school (c/o '03) and I miss 3 or 4 days a year because of vacations. I usually just talk to my counselor about it and explain that it is the only time we can go. It has never been a big issue--they give me my work and tell me to have a good trip. I am also an Advanced Placement student and am on the Honor Roll if that makes a difference.

I do NOT think that missing a week is going to prevent your son from getting into college or what have you. Honestly, high school is not that different from middle school and unless he has some difficulty with school, catching up should not be a problem. Family comes first, at least in my house, so go and have a good time !

 

[BrerMom]

I've never had a high school student that missed an entire week of school be happy about it afterwards. Most tell me they'd never do it again. Even with the "nicest" teachers, it's still an awful lot to make up. Some students just can't learn material on their own after the fact and end up having the teacher try to catch them up on the missed info one on one after school.

 

[ahutton]

My family often pulled me out of school for a week a year for a family vacation. I did not suffer terribly; I graduated with a 3.8 GPA and had my choice of colleges. I really believe it depends on the person. I was able to take responsibility for my assignments, and often completed them by working ahead before we left, then I didn't have to worry while I was gone. The added bonus was if I really didn't get something I could arrange a few minutes with the teacher ahead of time. I had times where I took tests before the trip also. Then I too was able to enjoy a pure vacation, knowing when I came back I would just resume class with everyone else. I took responsibility for my requirements, and as a result I was privileged to continue to take family vacations during school.

 

[dcedwards]

My husband taught h.s. for 16 years, my mother just retired from teaching elementary and I am certified and have taught in the high school as well as have been a tenured college instructor.

First, I think it depends on the state's policy or school district policy regarding missing days. That being said, after having worked in administration, there are always exceptions to this rule. In your case, I would think you would have a good case for an exception. Others might disagree but in light of everything going on in the world today and the profession your husband is in....

Second, it depends on your son. If he is a good student then that would help greatly with the decision. If he is not a good student, then, if needed you may want to hire a tutor to "catch him up" when you return.

Third, talk to the principal first and then talk to the individual teachers. I would disagree that Disney is NOT an educational experience for h.s. students. While they may be more interested in space mountain, with a parent's influence they can learn a great deal about the "world around them" especially at Epcot. Journals, reports, research all that comes to mind when I think about Epcot. This could cover such subjects as English, Reading (some 9th graders have to take this) Social Studies/History and yes, even science. I would suggest though, that you be creative and perhaps come up with suggestions for teachers, after learning what type of material your son will miss.

Fourth, your son will be a freshman, probably in a new school. So, that being said, it may depend exactly when during the year you are going to take him out. It would be difficult if it were the first couple weeks of school. But, if it is a little more into the school year, by then, he will have become familiar with the setting and the policies and kids.

After all this, I would say it all depends on your son, the school district and how willing they are to work with you. And, their response can depend on how you approach the entire situation with administration and teachers.

Family is family. Family time is very important. This could be an excellent experience for you son in learning to adapt to different situations, to different teacher expectations and taking responsiblity for his own work. As well as educational and a great family experience.

Hope that helps.

 

[Praise2Him]

Everyone has made good points and a lot depends on your own personal situation, school, child, etc. Here's our experience...we've always had no problem with taking our children out of school to be able to go to DW during the off season. But, last year was the first time we had a high schooler. Our DS was a freshman and we went from May 12-19. There were only 2 weeks of school left after we returned, one of which was semester exams. He felt that he missed too much to be able to make up in that short amount of time before exams. He (and our other 2 children) also missed several end of school events, such as Field Day, Band Concert, etc. They were very upset about it and would not want to do it again. (We had been planning the trip since the previous October and did not want to change it.) I think it depends on the time of year and how much they'll be missing at school. From now on, we are going to try to go when school is out and maybe add on a few days. Good luck with your decision.

 

[minnieandmickey]

Thanks for all the advice. Contract negotiations are going on in my husbands dept. , if what they want goes through then 1/2 of the dept. is expected to retire which means my husbands seniority moves up. If this happens then he will try to get July or Aug. of next year, or maybe even the week of Thanksgiving so that my son would only miss a couple of days of school. If not then I guess I'll be giving my sob story to the principal, and hope he says ok. Either way we are going , my kids have been waiting 2 years so far to be able to go, and I don't want to disappoint them.

 

[soccerchick]

Why would you have to give your principal a "sob story"? Tell him/her what the deal is and that's it. As a teacher, I have no control over your decision to take a vacation. I can give you insight on how your student is doing in class. You need to weigh all the factors and make your decision. Do principals out there really tell parents they can't take their kids out of school?...Anyway...

I would discourage going right before and/or during standardized testing and exams. Other than that, just tell the teachers in advance if you want work before your trip. Allow them the time to get it together. I agree w/ the earlier poster, it is frustrating to put work together ahead of time and then the student hasn't bothered to do it when they return. It will also make it harder for your child to catch up.

Now more than ever, family needs to be cherished. Let's face it, a class can be taken again. A low grade isn't the end of the world. A hard-to-come by family vacation can't be taken again. Make time for family and do not regret it.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun!

 

[dizliz]

I teach high school and I see both the pros and cons of this situation. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you know the attendance policy at your school and you know how they will code his absence (excused or unexcused). The principal can't tell you can't go, but he can decide if it will be an excused or unexcused absence. Your child may get an A in a class, but if they miss too many days it won't matter.

One other thing, if you do take him out of school give the teachers advance notice so that they can take the time out to get work ready for your child. If you do request work, please make sure he does the work and brings it back to school on his first day back.

 

[Jhondy(210)]

it all depends when you take him. the worst time to take him is near the end of a semester because teachers cram alot of things in so it gets on the exams. i was out of school for 5 days because i had surgery and then various days after that for doctor appointments and physical therapy appointments and had no trouble catching back-up. i'm an average student and during my freshman year it would of been even easier cause the teachers didn't seem as hard, so if your child is atleast an average student take him out let him have fun and lose all the stress of being new to highschool on top of the stress school gives him, plus the teachers can give him the work before he leaves so he won't be behind too much.