Do your kids miss school for vacation?

[laughinplace199]

My oldest is now in high school, so we don't pull the kids out of school for vacations anymore, but we did pull them out through the 6th grade. After that, there was just too much work to make up.

 

[Sydney2977]

We have pulled our boys, now 17 and 13, out of school for Disney vacations. (You can see by my sig. we don't go every year though.) A couple of times we took them to coincide with a 3 day weekend, but it's usually 3-4 days missing school, except last Nov. when it was a full 5 days. We are in South Carolina, and our district allows only 10 absences for the entire year. My kids hardly ever get sick, so I feel this gives them some wiggle room so they're not in danger of having to repeat. They keep their grades up and we always let the teachers know ahead of time. Sometimes they give them work ahead, sometimes things to work on while they're gone, and sometimes give them extra time when they get back to catch up- it's never been a problem, even with older DS's two professors for his dual credit college classes he's taking this year.
When we go home to visit all our family in Texas we take two weeks and that's always in the summer. With DH being in the military we can't always schedule Disney vacations when school has a break- and there have been numerous times when we've changed dates because he's had something come up or been deployed at the last minute. As the boys have gotten older we do try to take into account testing schedules and how the quarters are broken up so as not to disrupt as much. But we don't regret ever having them miss school for some fun and family time!

 

[scrapquitler]

Or do you wait for holidays/summer vacation/spring break etc.?

What ages are your children?

My husband's job is such that he cannot plan vacations far in advance. He is a consultant and can really only take off from work in between contracts, otherwise he would have to work for much of the day or evening while we are on vacation. Most years we homeschooled our kids, so we had total flexibility, but she did attend school for three years of elementary school and 4 years of high school.

As a result, YES we have taken our child out of school during the school year, and we have done it on short notice (we've never been able to plan our Disney trips with more than 2 or 3 weeks notice). She missed a week of school in 4th grade, but it wasn't an issue because her attendance was excellent, her grades were at the top of the class, and fortunately the timing of hubby being able to take the time off fell during a week where there was no testing going on or anything like that.

Once she was in high school, SHE was the one unwilling to miss school to travel. Our local high school has block scheduling with 84 minute classes, so missing even one day make it difficult to catch up, especially for students in honors/AP level classes. She's even unwilling to miss a single day if it can be avoided.

I think the decision depends on the school and it's policy, your child's adaptability and grades, and the child's age. At the elementary level, as long as you aren't going to run into any problems with the attendance policy, I think it is much less of a big deal than it is with middle school or high school students.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

We try not to, and don't very often, but yes we have and we will again. I try to just make it one day out tacked on to a 3 or 4 day weekend, but this year I'm actually pulling them the week before Thanksgiving (they'll be 5th, 4th, K & preschool). I only need them out 3 days, but it works better for the school to put them on independent study for the entire week (must be 5 days or longer), so that's what we'll do. I may also pull them for a day in October, but that trip hasn't been finalized.

Once my kids get older, with both their school responsibilities and ballet (which no, isn't as important as school but does take a major commitment), we'll be unable to do that, so I'm going to do it while we can. Also, if they're weren't excellent students, I wouldn't do it. If any of them were struggling with school, I'd know that they couldn't handle the time away.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Or do you wait for holidays/summer vacation/spring break etc.?
What ages are your children?

They were in grade school when I would take them out 1 or 2 days to extend a short weekend holiday. Ex: Thurs and Fri (off from school), then Sat, Sun, and Mon is the long weekend. But when my son turned to 3rd grade, he said not to ever take him out of school, even for two days. Since then I never did take the kids out of school, even for two days.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

My boys are 18 and 15. I can think of two days that we pulled them out of school for reasons other than illness. We take our vacations during the summer or over the holiday break in December. Next year, we're planning a week in New York over spring break. Our feeling is that school is in session for 180 out of 365 days a year. There are plenty of non-school days to take vacations.

 

[MomRN]

I have taken my son out of school for vacation one week every year since preschool. He's in 2nd grade now. He's not super bright and great at everything, but he's right in line with where he needs to be. My decision is based on both him, and mom, have issues with anxiety. So, to enjoy vacation we have to go in low-moderate crowd times and when the weather is not so hot.

I said that in 3rd grade I would stop, but I have since changed my mind. I think we will go for one more weeklong vacation around the time of fall break, taking 4 days out instead of 5. We are going to Universal this time.

From there, I'm not sure. I think we are done with Disney, or at least with Disney being the primary focus. This year we will do the Halloween Party. So, it depends on the type of vacation we plan on... if it can fit into the break schedule well, then we won't miss school. If not, I'll weigh those options at that time.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

We did once for 2 days. They were 9 and 13 at the time. Our schools don't allow makeup work for vacations so we were having them lie about being sick and I contacted the school each morning and told their teachers they were sick.

It didn't go well. The 9 year old was panicked about making up school work and having to lie about being sick.

The 13 year old said he made up his work but turned out he didn't and his grades dropped from B's to C's since he was in middle school and missed a couple of tests.

So we never did it again.

 

[aprilgail2]

For those who say "never".

I wasn't that strict, but I did say "not once they hit high school". Then when my DS was in 9th grade we found ourselves on the oncology floor with him getting chemo. He'd play with kids who were scheduling their wish trip. Holding his head while he was puking, seeing him cry... Seeing a girl who was about 12 with a freshly amputated leg... And just last week going to a funeral of a 20 year old girl.

I have a whole new attitude about missing school.

That's what changed my attitude about everything. My godson had Leukemia and we learned to grab fun when we could, around his chemo schedule- even after he was in remission we were more like "live for the moment"-want to go to Disney, lets just go.

My daughter is now in AP classes in high school and in grade school I have always pulled her out for vacation- as long as they don't miss more than 30 days in the school year its all good. She did go over one year, missed about 36 but academically she was fine so she was not held back.
In the past 2 years though we have not gone away when school was in session because she does acting and now misses days every time she has a acting job or an audition. I have learned to just call her off sick too when she misses days otherwise they count it as unexcused. Many auditions are later in the day so she only missed the last period or two but the jobs are usually full day deals.

 

[DeaverTex]

It's all about personal priorities, I believe. We never took Tex Jr. out of school for vacation, ever, and wouldn't have considered doing so because, again in my opinion, that's sending the message that fun takes priority over duty. And I'm saying duty because kids really do need to get the best education they can, while they can, and I don't believe that vacation to Disney, Yellowstone, or around the world teaches them anything that will be particularly useful when they're adults.

I'm of the firm opinion (Mrs. Tex is from a family of teachers and feels even more strongly than I do) that school is a job with lots of vacation time and a crappy policy about when you take that vacation -- precisely when you're told to. Like any other job, you're expected to be at work unless you're sick. You can travel during vacations or after you graduate.

I would never tell anyone not to do as they see fit regarding their own children, so do what you think is right. All I'd tell a parent asking for advice would be to check the testing schedule (all the stupid high-stakes testing from NCLB), check your school district's and school's policy on absences, and talk to the teacher(s) ahead of time.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

It's all about personal priorities, I believe. We never took Tex Jr. out of school for vacation, ever, and wouldn't have considered doing so because, again in my opinion, that's sending the message that fun takes priority over duty. And I'm saying duty because kids really do need to get the best education they can, while they can, and I don't believe that vacation to Disney, Yellowstone, or around the world teaches them anything that will be particularly useful when they're adults.

I'm of the firm opinion (Mrs. Tex is from a family of teachers and feels even more strongly than I do) that school is a job with lots of vacation time and a crappy policy about when you take that vacation -- precisely when you're told to. Like any other job, you're expected to be at work unless you're sick. You can travel during vacations or after you graduate.

I would never tell anyone not to do as they see fit regarding their own children, so do what you think is right. All I'd tell a parent asking for advice would be to check the testing schedule (all the stupid high-stakes testing from NCLB), check your school district's and school's policy on absences, and talk to the teacher(s) ahead of time.

I do believe that trip to Disney or Yellowstone is every bit as important as school.

BUT, I also feel that's why Summer/Christmas/Spring break exist. Of course I understand those who have work schedules that mess that up, and also the financial hardship some face when going during "high" season wherever they're headed. I even "get" those who say "screw it, this is when I'm going because it suits me". But, I can't quite buy into the generic "it's okay to miss school because vacation is important" POV, at least not without any extenuating circumstances. I'm sure if I told my boss I'm taking 6 weeks of vacation instead of 3 "because vacation is important", he'd be less than sympathetic

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

We have taken the kids out of school twice for a Disney vacation. Once in October 2011 when they were in 4th and 5th grade and once in 2012 when they were in 5th and 6th grade. The first time was for 11 days (7 school days) and the second time was for 9 days (5 school days). The next time we take them in November of 2015 we will also be taking them out of school for 6 or 7 days and they will be in 9th and 10th grade.

The first 2 times we took them out the teachers didn't make them do any make up work. We got lucky. I am not sure how they will handle it in high school. If any of them are struggling or not doing well in school at that time we won't take them out.

 

[LSmith]

There are so many things that cannot be learned sitting in a classroom. I think it's sad that some people think that there is only one way to educate yourself or children.

Remember some of the most successful people in the world (billionaires) dropped out of high school and college. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs for starters.

 

[Allison]

There are so many things that cannot be learned sitting in a classroom. I think it's sad that some people think that there is only one way to educate yourself or children.

Remember some of the most successful people in the world (billionaires) dropped out of high school and college. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs for starters.

I don't think there is a reason for you to be sad. There is a difference between your statement and parents who do not want their kids to miss school. One doesn't equal the other.

 

[LSmith]

I don't think there is a reason for you to be sad. There is a difference between your statement and parents who do not want their kids to miss school. One doesn't equal the other.

These are my feelings. You are welcome to yours.

 

[Allison]

These are my feelings. You are welcome to yours.

Can you explain how they are the same thing? How does the fact that myself or someone else doesn't take our children on vacation when school is in session mean we think that is the only way to educate our children? Why does the time of year make a difference?

My children have many forms of education-through sports, clubs, jobs, vacations, etc.

I'm truly curious (and not trying to argue) as to why not having children miss school to you means that is the only way parents think children are receiving an education.

I chose not to take my kids out of school because that is what worked for us. Obviously, other families do it differently and I respect that choice.

 

[Nancyg56]

Not usually -- schools have vacations for a reason...and school is very important and I dont want my kids to think it's something that they can blow off as they see fit. The only time we removed for a vacation during the school year was my son for 3 days before fall break while in Kindergarten. They've also missed the last day of school (which is pretty much a do nothing day) while in elementary a few years ago. Now that they are older (5/8th) they almost certainly wont be missing school for vacations. Now people in their schools do take off for all sorts of odd reasons (one girl missed a month for some sort of horse jumping camp?!?!?!) and I'm sure most of them will go on to live perfectly normal lives -- our family just wouldnt feel right taking kids out for vacation. Now, if a family emergency / funeral or something came up during the school year I would take them out without a second thought --- but not for something like vacations which for most people can be at any time....and yes I know here on the Dis it seems that half of you can only take vacation for one week a year so that one week is the ONLY time you can take a family vacation and your kids just have to miss school.

I get the impression that you feel that most people can vacation any time but choose to take their trip during a specific timeframe. In my family, nothing is further from the truth. My DH is seasonal, and for years, he could not have time off during the summer months, the spring break, and fall time, holidays, etc. I took the kids while he worked, but looking back, I wish we had made different choices. He and they missed experiences that can never take place again.

My DSIIL has a job that vacations are chosen by seniority, and guess how that works. The days of getting time off that coincides with school vacations are few and far between lately, so be happy if that works for your family, but try to understand not all folks have that luxury. I am glad that DD took her DD out of school when she did, becaue now that Kady is in Middle school, it is not easy to have her miss, so the family vacations will not be as easy to come by

 

[Anastasi]

These are my feelings. You are welcome to yours.

I spent my entire childhood traveling Europe and the US. I have so many fantastic memories and did indeed learn so much more outside of the classroom. It made the classroom come alive when I had been to the places we were studying. BUT...this was accomplished without ever missing a day of school. We were lucky enough to be able to travel during school breaks.

I find it sad that you think the only time one can travel is during school and if one does not take off school, one is not getting a cultural education.

Many can make it work without missing school. Our school is in session for 172 days. That leaves me with 193 days to travel with a 3 month stretch in summer. We travel in the summer because it works for our family and our children are getting just as much a cultural education while still keeping their school education uninterrupted.

For some families, it does not work out that they can travel during the breaks. For some, it is a choice of convenience to take kids out of school, but not everybody. I feel for the people that are regulated by circumstances such as work schedules, particularly seniority as that just gets my goat, and then get judged for making the choices of taking their kids out of school.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I think it has a lot to do with the philosophy of your school district. Our school district is very open to time away. In fact, many teachers here take a week or more for their own vacation.

We took off two days in January to extend our MLK vacation on a trip to Death Valley NP. We will take the last couple of days of the school year to get an early start of our summer vacation.

 

[Planogirl]

There are so many things that cannot be learned sitting in a classroom. I think it's sad that some people think that there is only one way to educate yourself or children.

Remember some of the most successful people in the world (billionaires) dropped out of high school and college. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs for starters.

Why would that make you sad? Kids can learn in many ways and at many times. It's true that it doesn't have to be only during school mandated vacations but it also can be.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to this topic. I never took DS out of school except for a day here and there but I didn't have to. Jobs and other factors never interfered and school is more important to us than worrying about crowds or heat so we just stuck to the school schedule.