Disney Wonder Sept 3-7, 2006

[NJBILL]

You all have some great suggestions. My DD is going to be in 5th grade this year. She is missing 7 days of actual school. I will send her principal a letter and see where that gets me. Some of you are lucky because we dont learn our teachers until the day before school starts. I cant wait we are getting closer.

Our school also is late letting parents know who their teachers are. As a Board of Ed member, this has been something I have lobbied (without sucess) to change. However,most class assignments are completed by end of July/early August. If you called the school and asked prior to your trip, Iam sure they would give you the information. Always remember, that is YOUR school paid for with YOUR tax $$. As a "customer" the school should be trying to make it easier for you..not harder when you have a request or issue. I also know that exceptions are made all the time. If you present your case from a sound educationally based view, and make the argument that it's not a day at the Boardwalk,but a life/learning experience,most schools would do it for you. As previously stated, start with the Principal. If he denies the request, you can go to the Super (who may or may not uphold the Principal) and if all else fails, you can go to a Board meeting and present your request directly to the Board.

 

[lundve]

All you reading about kids missing school has made me want to comment.

In my past life before being a SAHM for the past year and a half - I was an elementary teacher. I taught fourth grade. Our district, preferred that the students not take a vacation during school time but no one there is going to tell you I'm sorry you can't go. For those of you who don't know you child's teacher until the last minute - it can't help to ask for the information if you calmly explain the situation. It is my opinion that the principal's word should go for this one. I am against going to the superintendent about an issue such as this because of the undermining of authority it represents. Too many times, that leads to problems not solutions. A note from a parent explaining how they tried to contact me beforehand would be greatly appreciated after the fact - not a call from the superintendent telling me you need to do this for so and so before such and such.

A few comments from the inside: (MORE FOR CHILDREN IN 1st - 5th)

A. CONSIDER YOUR CHILD'S WORK ETHIC: From my experience the number of days you miss means less than the child who is missing the school. If your child is willing to do the extra work necessay to get caught up in a resonably short amount of time then I say go for it. If your child is one that barely wants to do the work when they are attending each day then I say you should think twice and perhaps only travel during vacations. Trust me - it is better for the child, the teacher, and you.

B. CONSIDER YOUR CHILD'S TEMPERMENT(Especially if you are traveling in the beginning of the year): If your child has trouble making friends or doesn't have any friends in her class from the previous year think twice. There is something to be said for developing relationships those first days.

C. DON'T DO IT FOR THEM: Several past students would bring back work that was obviously done by their parents or with way too much help on their parents part. I know you want them to get it done quicky, but please don't do this. I assume most parents did this to avoid a confrontation or God forbid I get mad at their child for taking a few extra days. (I wouldn't by the way.) If a parent asked for a couple extra days because they wanted to have the child take their time a do a great job I'm all for it. If a parent wants the extra time because the child doesn't want to do it that is different.

D. What ever you do don't spring the vacation on them. It takes time to get work together because as you know we aren't only teaching your child. In addition to the 20 or so other students, elementary teachers have a ton of other responsibilities that take time. Most of you here have known about this for a while. On the flip side if you let them know way ahead of time he or she might forget. Especially if it is summer and he or she like me wants to forget all things job related. A reminder a couple weeks beforehand would be appropriate.

That being said I would much prefer a child take off a few days or even a week when school first begins then during the year - especially during or around the high stakes testing periods or the end of the marking period.

Hope this helps!!

 

[taeja71]

Have I asked this before??? What vacuum do you have? I'm looking to get a new vacuum, but don't know which to get.

 

[Ker-Bear]

I have a Hoover from Target. Can't recall the exact kind but it works great. I've had it for years with no problem

 

[Ker-Bear]

Just wanted to put this out there:

July 15th is the cut-off date for the following DIS related items:

1. Linking dining
2. Pirate goodie bag participation
3. Ordering wristbands

To link dining with other DISer's, PM Ker-Bear

To be added to the goodie bag list or order a wristband, PM Blackunicorn

 

[taeja71]

Just wanted to put this out there:

July 15th is the cut-off date for the following DIS related items:

1. Linking dining
2. Pirate goodie bag participation
3. Ordering wristbands

To link dining with other DISer's, PM Ker-Bear

To be added to the goodie bag list or order a wristband, PM Blackunicorn

thanks for the reminder!

 

[JLSE50]

No, but I only had him for a week and we crammed so much other stuff in that I didn't get to. However, we are doing it as soon as he gets back.

This gives you more time to gather stickers, papers, DCL travel brochures and photos that he can use for the door signs when he gets home. I am glad you had some quality time before he left. How are you doing with DS-withdrawal?
Jan

 

[LCTsMom]

Have I asked this before??? What vacuum do you have? I'm looking to get a new vacuum, but don't know which to get.

We recently had to replace our Phantom (which weighed 1000 lbs) and picked up a relatively inexpensive Eureka Altima as a filler vacuum (if there is such a thing). I was originally going to get another vacuum and move this one upstairs but I really think it does a great job. We bought it in Wal Mart late one night and now I'm thinking about buying a second for upstairs.

 

[taeja71]

GD MORNING CRUISERS! S T TIME YET????

 

[ReallyFunMom]

Just wanted to put this out there:

July 15th is the cut-off date for the following DIS related items:

1. Linking dining
2. Pirate goodie bag participation
3. Ordering wristbands

To link dining with other DISer's, PM Ker-Bear

To be added to the goodie bag list or order a wristband, PM Blackunicorn

This reminded me to buy the stuff before I forget. Just ordered the pirate stuff, $91 later!, so you can mark it as black, purchased.

patches - 30
replica coins - 64
coin pouches - 30

Now DH is going to question the electronic receipt sent home and I have to tell him about you guys! :-o He knows I consult my "Disney freaks" for information but has no idea we aren't going on this cruise alone! Somehow a Shania Twain song somes to mind "Don't freak out until you know the facts, relax....". I can see dining....... "hey, look, how interesting we happen to be sitting near are these Disney gurus...."

 

[taeja71]

ReallyfunMom, just play it off the best you can. Just say some thing like, there's my friends seated right by us. How nice of DCL to put us together!

Speaking of linked dining. I know what we'll all be talking about, but what about our spouses? What do your DH's like to talk about? What about sports or other wise? NJBill what interests your DW? I want our spouses to feel included and not out of the loop. I know we'll all have a great time. What should we do with our kids? Should we try and have a kid section or just leave them with us parents? Seating wise it doesn't matter with me. I just thought the older "kids" might want to mingle.

 

[Ker-Bear]

How are you doing with DS-withdrawal?
Jan

Not good at all and I still have 4 weeks to go. His dad has really never been completely responsible for DS day to day stuff. I'm a wreck! But I figure he has to figure it out sometime.

 

[purplern]

Have I asked this before??? What vacuum do you have? I'm looking to get a new vacuum, but don't know which to get.

Bagless Dirt devil!

 

[purplern]

GD MORNING CRUISERS! S T TIME YET????

ITS GETTING CLOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[purplern]

Speaking of linked dining. I know what we'll all be talking about, but what about our spouses? What do your DH's like to talk about? What about sports or other wise? NJBill what interests your DW? I want our spouses to feel included and not out of the loop. I know we'll all have a great time. What should we do with our kids? Should we try and have a kid section or just leave them with us parents? Seating wise it doesn't matter with me. I just thought the older "kids" might want to mingle.

Mine likes sports, work, Disney! Mine will talk to anyone.
I dont know about the kids.

 

[purplern]

Well we are now the proud new owners of 2 Old Town Twin Otter Tantem Kayaks in sky blue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cant wait to hit the water!!!!

 

[taeja71]

Mine likes sports, work, Disney! Mine will talk to anyone.
I dont know about the kids.

Any hope of Tim cruising with us? Congrats on your kyaks! We should have warmer weather this weekend!

 

[Ker-Bear]

Speaking of linked dining. I know what we'll all be talking about, but what about our spouses? What do your DH's like to talk about? What about sports or other wise? NJBill what interests your DW? I want our spouses to feel included and not out of the loop. I know we'll all have a great time. What should we do with our kids? Should we try and have a kid section or just leave them with us parents? Seating wise it doesn't matter with me. I just thought the older "kids" might want to mingle.

1. Kids cannot sit alone so however we put them, there has to be at least one adult at the table.

2. I have what is commonly referred to (at least at my high school) as the "cool parents". My mom is hysterical after a couple glasses of wine and loves ALL things related to golf and football (specifically the Florida Gators and the Miami Dolphins). My dad can talk about any sport, loves boating and owns a Harley. My dad spent his entire life in sales so he can talk to anyone about anything. Kind of like me Their grandson is the center of their universe.

3. DBF is verrrrryyyyyyy laid back. He goes with the flow and has quite a few interests. His loves are baseball, football, basketball, music and motorcycles. However, he will converse about almost anything because he works in an office that is predominately women.

 

[mom_of_2_princesses]

Now DH is going to question the electronic receipt sent home and I have to tell him about you guys! :-o He knows I consult my "Disney freaks" for information but has no idea we aren't going on this cruise alone! Somehow a Shania Twain song somes to mind "Don't freak out until you know the facts, relax....". I can see dining....... "hey, look, how interesting we happen to be sitting near are these Disney gurus...."

That is so funny because I was just thinking the same thing. We won't be with you guys at dinner but will do the other things. My DH is very laid back and will go with the flow and talk about anything. My girls are very outgoing and love to meet new friends. Any girls 10 or so look my DD's way. She would love to hang out.

 

[ReallyFunMom]

Any other Cat 12'ers anxiously awaiting cabin assignment? Curious to find out but also know it could change......... Think I may have read about assignments starting at 45 days out???