Educational letter for school excuse/taking the kids out of school

[Skywalker]

Wow...that really speaks to the type of person you are doesn't it?

I agree with you. If they are really posting snippets of the discussion on Facebook to ridicule someone that disagrees with them, that is very sad.

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

OP, why are you hostile with people who are trying to HELP you? This makes no sense to me. They are trying to prevent you and your child from looking like total fools while still achieving an excused absence.

Maybe because some of them aren't being very nice about it? You don't HAVE to accept advice. I know, I know, it's a shock when someone doesn't take your advice, no matter how snide and derisive you are while giving it.

 

[wvjules]

I took that as the counselor informing her of the school's policy - submit the note and the powers that be will excuse the absences. There may or may not be an actual test of educational validity involved; it seems like some schools just want the paperwork while others actually apply critical judgement to what is supplied. But without the letter they cannot evaluate the reason for the absences at all. I agree with you about the content of the letter. A more to-the-point and personalized communication would be more appropriate to the situation.

In letting my my DD10's teacher know about our upcoming trip we talked about her getting a chance to practice her Spanish (6th year) and Japanese (1st year) at the Kidcot stops in Epcot, about her interest in manatees and the time she likes to spend talking to their caregivers in the Seas pavilion, our plans to take the Behind the Seeds tour through the greenhouses, and other info specific to DD's age, studies, and interests. If I had to present a letter those are the things I would mention, not a generic, travel-brochure listing of potentially educational rides and attractions, some of which we might not even take the time to experience. It doesn't matter how educational Hall of Presidents and Universe of Energy are; we only catch the former once with each new president and never find time for the latter so my kids aren't getting anything out of them being there.

The reason for the absense is a FAMILY VACATION. Write letters until the cows come home. The ONLY reason for this trip is that is a vacation. To call it an education trip is absurd.

If I take my DD out of school to go to the holocost museum specifially for the eduation that can be learned there then that is an educational absense. Taking her to Disney for a family vacation is not educational no matter how long of a letter is written. The main purpose of the trip isn't education it is FUN FAMILY VACATION TIME.

And for the bizillionth time it is COUNSELOR!

 

[bgirldeb]

When I was in school in Florida we took educational field trips to the FL Holocaust Museum and Medieval Times (for World History class), and Epcot. In Elementary school we went to Busch Gardens and Sea World. I don't see a problem with considering some of the Disney things educational, but a simple personal letter would suffice.

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

The reason for the absense is a FAMILY VACATION. Write letters until the cows come home. The ONLY reason for this trip is that is a vacation. To call it an education trip is absurd.

If I take my DD out of school to go to the holocost museum specifially for the eduation that can be learned there then that is an educational absense. Taking her to Disney for a family vacation is not educational no matter how long of a letter is written. The main purpose of the trip isn't education it is FUN FAMILY VACATION TIME.

And for the bizillionth time it is COUNSELOR!

Never the less, she was told by the counselor that if she got a note, the kids absences could/would be excused. Why wouldn't you take advantage of that?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Close. She was told by the the Guidance Counselor that if she (DisneyLoverUSA, not a variety of website suggestions) wrote (not got) a letter (vs note) explaining how this trip to Walt Disney World would be educational, the school may (not will) excuse the absence .

 

[mdsoccermom]

What people are trying to get you to understand, and what keeps going over your head, is that the letter you say you are using is laughable, a WDW commercial, if you will-and probably will not get the Educational trip approval.

Any moron, and I'm hoping the school officials in your district are not morons, can see it is an over the top form letter you copied from the Internet

If you really want these days excused, a short, to the point, letter would serve you better


But you still dont see it

And, I would hope that school administrators call the OP out on every single point in that letter, and make her kids prove each one before granting approval. I suspect it won't be all that easy.

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

Close. She was told by the the Guidance Counselor that if she (DisneyLoverUSA, not a variety of website suggestions) wrote (not got) a letter (vs note) explaining how this trip to Walt Disney World would be educational, the school may (not will) excuse the absence .

I'm thinking that most Guidance Counselors have enough work on their plate that they are really not going to be critiquing a letter like that so much. It's in as requested, who really cares (other than us apparently ) how long it is or what the points are as long as it's in as requested? I'm thinking it'll go "Okay, here's that letter, excused." and in the file with the rest of the junk.

"Got", "wrote", "shoved", whatever, if it's in as requested, so what if it's long?

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'm thinking that most Guidance Counselors have enough work on their plate that they are really not going to be critiquing a letter like that so much

I'm thinking the Guidance Counselor isn't the one with any authority whatsoever to grant or deny the request. They're there to provide their guidance - in this case, to the parent. Whoever does have to take time out of a busy workday to read that bunch of templates the OP combined is going to see it for the bunch of baloney it is.

 

[mdsoccermom]

I'm thinking that most Guidance Counselors have enough work on their plate that they are really not going to be critiquing a letter like that so much. It's in as requested, who really cares (other than us apparently ) how long it is or what the points are as long as it's in as requested? I'm thinking it'll go "Okay, here's that letter, excused." and in the file with the rest of the junk.

"Got", "wrote", "shoved", whatever, if it's in as requested, so what if it's long?

Guidance counselor, principal, whomever - maybe normally they wouldn't take the time to read the average, garden variety letter. But if one as obviously long and overblown as the one the OP is submitting came across their desks, they may very well sit up and take notice. It only takes a quick glance to see it's a bit, um, unusual.

 

[DopeyDame]

I read that letter and almost couldn't stop laughing. Is there anyone here that thinks for even a second that the letter would work?

QUOTE]

Yup. I think it'll work. I think it's a silly letter, but the request was silly as well. the school clearly has decided that they'll require this particular hoop for parents when they take kids out of school. I don't believe for one second anyone will really read it or evaluate it. I'm betting that the secretary will get the letter, puruse it, probably laugh a little, check off the list indicating that little Suzy did, indeed, have a letter for her vacation, the vacation will be excused, and no one will think about it again.

That said, OP, a more brief, to the point letter would probably be better for all involved.

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

ANY letter sent to a school describing a Disney vacation as an educational vehicle is ridiculous and self serving. I'm sure the staff rolls their eyes at them all. If you pass one letter giving excuses for a trip, you would have to pass them all. The school isn't there to "grade" the letter/note. They accept the notes or they don't. They don't base them on the merit of the letter.

Anyone stating their WDW vacation is an educational experience that should be an excused absence is just dancing the dance.

I'm sorry Mr. Dufus, but you continually miss punctuation in your letter, you are DENIED excused absences for your children. Take a class in grammar.

Mrs. Guffaw, you have entirely too much information in your letter, NO WDW EXCUSES FOR YOU!



Let them laugh, as long as the kids get excused absences, so what?

 

[kaytieeldr]

That said, OP, a more brief, to the point letter would probably be better for all involved.

Which is exactly what many, many posters have been trying to say. Possibly our messages got lost in much less verbosity than what the OP compiled?

At any rate, thank you for stating so clearly what many of us are - like the OP - using too many words to say.

 

[Coconut36]

ANY letter sent to a school describing a Disney vacation as an educational vehicle is ridiculous and self serving. I'm sure the staff rolls their eyes at them all. If you pass one letter giving excuses for a trip, you would have to pass them all. The school isn't there to "grade" the letter/note. They accept the notes or they don't. They don't base them on the merit of the letter.

Anyone stating their WDW vacation is an educational experience that should be an excused absence is just dancing the dance.

I'm sorry Mr. Dufus, but you continually miss punctuation in your letter, you are DENIED excused absences for your children. Take a class in grammar.

Mrs. Guffaw, you have entirely too much information in your letter, NO WDW EXCUSES FOR YOU!



Let them laugh, as long as the kids get excused absences, so what?

Actually I imagine they do judge them based on the content. As I read it the OP was told that she MIGHT be able to get the days excused if she drafted a letter that explained how the vacation would be educational for her children.

If she presents them with a copy and paste that reads like a travel brochure/ travel website they can very well discard it as she didn't really present them with true learning/educational activities/opportunities for HER kids and they can decide not to excuse the absences because of that.

So no it isn't so much about grammar/punctuation but the content of the letter actually outlining true learning opportunities related to travel (as that is how they would deem it educational) as that is what was suggested to have the days classified as excused and the trip classified as educational. Don't show that in your letter and they can discard it and not grant the excused absences. They could also easily come back to the OP and state "to make these absences excused we would like papers/work/examples of each of the learning experiences you claimed in your letter. If those are not provided the absences will not be excused" (or something like that).

 

[surfgirl]

along the lines of the other tongue in cheek letter, she should write:

{snowflake} will be learning about social dynamics of parenting. She will learn that Daddy blows his lid when someone pours hot chocolate (or ice cream) down his back.

She will learn cultural differences by watching how tour groups from other countries cut in front of the line and just push their way through.

She will learn human development when she sees toddlers in strollers melting down at the end of the day.

She will learn marketing from the experts. How to encourage people to spend more money in the parks, stay in the parks longer, and be happy while doing it.

She will learn logistics management by watching crowd control and management during large firework gatherings and parades.

She will learn cost control by watching how infrequently buses run during parts of the day and how much (little) Disney pays its workers.

She will learn materials engineering by seeing how well paved surfaces hold up vs. other types of materials.

She will learn about the nutritional value of food when she sees people's weight vs. their diet.

She will see expense management when she sees people taking food from the all you can eat buffets "for a snack later".



there ya go. educational, not a lie!

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

Actually I imagine they do judge them based on the content. As I read it the OP was told that she MIGHT be able to get the days excused if she drafted a letter that explained how the vacation would be educational for her children.

If she presents them with a copy and paste that reads like a travel brochure/ travel website they can very well discard it as she didn't really present them with true learning/educational activities/opportunities for HER kids and they can decide not to excuse the absences because of that.

So no it isn't so much about grammar/punctuation but the content of the letter actually outlining true learning opportunities related to travel (as that is how they would deem it educational) as that is what was suggested to have the days classified as excused and the trip classified as educational. Don't show that in your letter and they can discard it and not grant the excused absences. They could also easily come back to the OP and state "to make these absences excused we would like papers/work/examples of each of the learning experiences you claimed in your letter. If those are not provided the absences will not be excused" (or something like that).

I guess it could go like that. I'm thinking that, if they have excused kids in the past, they would just continue to to do so. If other people found out "some" people who have written notes got the excuses and others didn't, there would be hell to pay.

 

[Coconut36]

I guess it could go like that. I'm thinking that, if they have excused kids in the past, they would just continue to to do so. If other people found out "some" people who have written notes got the excuses and others didn't, there would be hell to pay.

It's not about just "writing a note" though.

It's about the note explaining and outlining how the vacation is educational so I would imagine each one would be on a case by case basis depending on what was written by the parent and if the school decides it is or is not educational and if they will excuse the absences or not.

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

Yah, go with that.

I'm sticking with if others found out some got the 'excused' and others didn't, it really just wouldn't be worth the schools trouble.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I see the educational merits of Disney, particularly EPCOT and Animal Kingdom.

But this letter is far too long. You need to limit it to ONE page and preferably with bullet points so that the school can quickly read the important information.

I went on a school sanctioned, out of state, overnight field trip that required missing a day of school (Friday) to EPCOT. Our teacher made sure it was educational by covering things we would discover at EPCOT ahead of the trip and then having a writing assignment after the trip. That helped bring the education full circle and our absence was not counted as an absence at all.

Be concise, to the point and HONEST. You have so much filler in here that is totally unnecessary.

Can Disney be educational? Absolutely. But don't oversell the experience. School officials aren't dumb. They don't need to be hand held through the discernment process.

I hope things work out for you.


Here is my suggestions for a revised letter from what you provided above that hits on all the key points. I did drop the studios and items that were far too specific and unnecessary. I had pasted your letter into Microsoft word and it overflowed to THREE pages!!! This version, with a slightly smaller font is 1 page and much easier on the eyes. Feel free to utilize or modify to fit your writing style. I won't be offended.

TO: (Principal name & Teacher name)

FROM: (Parents name)

RE: (Child’s name) Disney vacation dates 10/27-11/5/11

Please be advised that (Child’s name) will be out of school during the week of October 27th through November 5th. We ask that their absences be excused.

The reason for (Child’s name) absence is that our family will be out of the state during this week. During our trip we will visit Walt Disney World where our children will have the opportunity to learn many things while they are having fun.

Some things (Child’s name) will learn about:

1. At EPCOT, our children will learn about the history and cultures of 11 different countries Epcot World Showcase. The countries the children will learn about are Canada, United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Italy, Germany, Japan, China, Norway, and Mexico. They will also have the opportunity to learn about American History at the America pavilion.

2. Also at EPCOT, our children will have the opportunity to learn about the enivornment the Land Pavillion and aquatic life at The Seas with Nemo and Friends.

3. At Magic Kingdom, our children will have the opportunity to attend a presentation about the presidents of the United States from George Washington to the current President Barack Obama.

4. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom- our children will get to visit a large zoological park that features animals from Africa and Asia. They will get to go on an African Safari for an up close encounter with the animals as well as learn about conservation efforts to protect endangered species at Conservation Station.

5. As part of our visit, our children will get to put their map reading skills to work as they help mom and dad navigate the resort transportation system and theme parks utilizing the maps provided by Walt Disney World.

We believe this will be a wonderful and educational experience for the kids and hope you agree not to charge him with unexcused absences as a result. If it is possible for (child’s name) to make arrangements to get any work that will be due while they are gone, please let us know as soon as possible. I am not sure if you want him to do the work before he goes or if we will just get a packet of work when he gets back.

Thank you for your attention to this. If you have any questions or need any further information, please feel free to contact me.

(Parent’s name)

(Parents signature)

(Parent’s phone number and email)

I actually didn't use a form letter. I

started with the form letter that was posted here but when a PP posted for me a blog link where a Disney blog has made a post explaining how all the Disney parks are educational and what parts of them are educational, I used the blog post more than the letter.

I asked for help with it because I didn't know what to say. I couldn't say what was or wasn't educational at Disney, but I do now.

Since the school asked for the letter I am giving them the letter. She didn't say it had to be an original letter written by me in my own words. There were no specific details.

Let me post a copy of what I am using here so you can all see what I concocted from the form letter and the blog post.

OK< here it is, it's long.


TO: (Principal name & Teacher name)

FROM: (Parents name)

RE: (Child’s name) Disney vacation dates 10/27-11/5/11

Please be advised that (Child’s name) will be out of school during the week of October 27th through November 5th. We ask that their absences be excused.
The reason for (Child’s name) absence is that our family will be out of the state during this week. While we are gone, we will be visiting Walt Disney World. We believe that the kids will be learning many things during this trip and that his education will continue in his absence from school.

There are so many educational aspects at WDW. It’s teeming with history, geography, culture, science, math, economics, science and more!
Some things (Child’s name) will learn about:

Epcot World Showcase: Children can explore the different cultures of the world in the 11 various World Showcase Pavilions of Canada, United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Italy, Germany, Japan, China, Norway, Mexico, and America. My children will be able to learn about the architecture, languages, diet and dress of each country. They will also be able to talk to the cast members in each country. The World Showcase cast members are actually from the country in whose pavilion they work! They can learn about the flags, learn to say hello in each language, learn capitals and more!

American History: Children can learn all about the U.S. Presidents by witnessing the The Hall of Presidents presentation at the Magic Kingdom. This show highlights every U.S. President from George Washington to current President Barack Obama. The show focuses on the role of slavery in America and tells how early leaders debated slavery from the Constitutional Convention to the Lincoln-Douglas debates. They can witness the American Adventure Show in the American pavilion in Epcot and learn about the beginnings of the United States of America. This show combines film footage and Audio-Animatronics of dozens of historic figures and is as moving as it is educational. Listen to Ben Franklin and Mark Twain tell the story of America, beginning with the Pilgrims and going through World War II. Children will see George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Will Rogers and Rosie the Riveter.

Epcot Future World: Children can learn about science by exploring Mission:Space. My children will have the chance to see and feel what it would be like to travel by rocket to Mars. Children can experience the Universe of Energy exhibit, which teaches about fossil fuels energy and conservation. The Circle of Life show in The Land Pavilion teaches about environmental protection. The Innoventions Pavilion allows children to participate in hands-on activities showcasing interesting innovations and new technologies. The Living with the Land ride is an indoor boat ride through greenhouses full of plants and aquaculture tanks. Many of the plants that you see growing are used in the Garden Grill. The Seas with Nemo and Friends teach children about aquatic life and offers many exhibits for children to take part in. Children can view marine exhibits complete with dolphins and manatees. Spaceship Earth is a slow-moving ride in the “big golf ball” (as children call it) that uses Animatronics to teach about the history of communication. Test Track lets children take part in a GM test vehicle as they zip around an indoor-outdoor track, learning what tests cars have to go through before they can be sold to the public. Throughout Future World, there are numerous learning activities for children of all ages!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom- What better place to learn about nature and conservation? This 110-acre theme park, the largest Disney theme park, features an African savanna and safari, up-close encounters with animals of all kinds as well as a Conservation Station, where children can learn about conservation efforts being made across the world as well as Disney’s part in those efforts. Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s zoological operations are respected worldwide, but Disney keeps them fully hidden from its guests by man-made hills, rivers and rocks. Scientists are breeding endangered species, and on-site researchers are there studying animal behaviors. DAK is a member of the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums). Disney wants you to see the “real” world of animals, however, and not a zoo. Observation windows at Conservation Station let you look in on medical procedures on animals while veterinarians explain what is going on. Other windows display researchers studying elephant vocalizations and tracking a sea turtle off of the Florida coast. Kids can learn more about the park’s primates and other animals with remote animal-cams. Children can listen to hear thunder and insects; they can “speak” with Dr. Jane Goodall or George Schaller of the Tibet Wildlife Reserve. They can view a film on endangered species and get a closer look at various animals when the Cast Members bring out animals for closer viewing.

Economics: Children have the opportunity to learn about economics as well by managing his/her own spending money. Children are able to make budget decisions on how to spend their money. They can also work with saving at the hands-on at The Great Piggy Bank Adventure. T. Rowe Price worked with Disney to create this interactive game to teach families the importance of financial planning. You can do the game as a single or up to 3 people can compete on a team. There are a number of stations where you start the game. There are plenty of cast members to help you along the way.

Art: Children can learn about art, animation and the history of film at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

(Child’s name) will also be learning about map reading by navigating in and to the different theme parks, as well as the resorts and water parks via the Disney bus system, sociological aspects of crowds including patterns and behavior, physics of the different rides, breakthroughs in technology at the Innoventions computer lab in Epcot, art and animation and the history of film, and mathematics.

We believe this will be a wonderful and educational experience for the kids and hope you agree not to charge him with unexcused absences as a result. If it is possible for (child’s name) to make arrangements to get any work that will be due while they are gone, please let us know as soon as possible. I am not sure if you want him to do the work before he goes or if we will just get a packet of work when he gets back.

Thank you for your attention to this. If you have any questions or need any further information, please feel free to contact me.

(Parent’s name)

(Parents signature)

(Parent’s phone number and email)

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

You guys are talking about things that really matter to you, but really don't matter to school administrators. Give a decent school administrator a way out, and they will take it. They want parents and students to be happy. They will "bend" the rules to make that happen, even if the letter is "absurd".

In the end, as a parent, that is all that matters - that you get to take your child with you on vacation without destroying their relationships with their teachers or getting in trouble with the administration.