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

[DisneyBamaFan]

When schools put absurd rules in place, parents are forced to do absurd things to get around them. When the absurd things that parents do to get around the absurd rules are encouraged and accepted by the schools, you have absurdity squared. This is what happens when the government is granted this much authority.

I live in a school district that encourages vacations of all types - especially WDW vacations. I would not live in a school district that forced this type of absurdity upon me. But, if I did, I would play the game. IMO, only a fool wouldn't when it is so encouraged.

My kids, my rules.

ETA - I did not see a single lie in the letter. If you can find one, please point it out. If you can't, please stop calling other posters liars.

 

[Coconut36]

When schools put absurd rules in place, parents are forced to do absurd things to get around them. When the absurd things that parents do to get around the absurd rules are encouraged and accepted by the schools, you have absurdity squared. This is what happens when the government is granted this much authority.

I live in a school district that encourages vacations of all types - especially WDW vacations. I would not live in a school district that forced this type of absurdity upon me. But, if I did, I would play the game. IMO, only a fool wouldn't when it is so encouraged.

My kids, my rules.

ETA - I did not see a single lie in the letter. If you can find one, please point it out. If you can't, please stop calling other posters liars.

Seriously? Sorry but that sounds ridiculous..what decent school "encourages" trips and missing school "especially to WDW".

I am thinking the reality is that they don't have specific policies/procedures around absences (from looking at NJ truancy laws though it seems they are required to have something in place and "encouraging absences-especially trips to WDW" do not fit with your state stance on truancy) but that is not the same as "encouraging vacations" resulting in missed schools. It's one thing to do what you feel is best for your kids..another to claim the school "encourages family trips" as I don't think any decent district/school would do such a thing.

I would think poorly of any district or school that encouraged children to miss school to be honest..that is not what I want from those educating my children.

My kids (one is 4 so it's preschool and a non issue..the other 2nd grade) will miss 2 days for Disney. No way would I produce some silly letter trying to claim it is an educational experience nor am I worried about them missing 2 days as I know my kids and the possible impact to their academics (none). Parents know their children and what works for them and can work with teachers as necessary to lessen any possible impacts so I don't really see the point in lies and excuses unless your kid is chronically missing school.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Seriously? Sorry but that sounds ridiculous..what decent school "encourages" trips and missing school "especially to WDW". ...

I should clarify - at the elementary school level. We used to take our children every year - for two full weeks. We always told the truth and the teachers and principal always encouraged us to go and have a good time. When I discussed this with other parents, they were told the same thing. Why? Because not all parents can vacation in the summer, and vacations are very important to families for a myriad of reasons.

Because your school doesn't get it doesn't mean every schools is backward. There are many things more important in life than work (or a few weeks of school).

 

[IDoDis]

If absences are unexcused and you get MORE THAN 10 unexcused absences in one school year they will fail you and refer the parents to court and possible fines for truancy. At least that is what MY school district in MY state does, according to the Administrators office and our school's guidance councilor. Not sure how other states and other schools handle it.

Take what they say on the website with a grain of salt. Our school district says the same thing about absences, and not once have I ever heard of a parent getting in big trouble (DH and I are both teachers). The truancy office is overwhelmed, so they only follow up on those kids who are hardly ever in school. You might get a letter slapping you on the wrist and may even have to go to a hearing, but absolutely nothing will happen! NOTHING!

OK....I copied, pasted and saved this. Not sure who posted it but, I had it saved:


RE: [students name and vacation dates]

Please be advised that [student] will be out of school during the week of [date]. We ask that his absences be excused.

The reason for [student]'s 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 [student] will be learning many things during this trip and that his education will continue in his absence from school.

Some things [student] will learn about:

* Different cultures of the world, including architecture, language, diet, and dress, by visiting the different countries in the Epcot World Showcase (Japan, China, Germany, Mexico, Norway, Canada, France, etc.) [student] will have the chance to explore the exhibits for each country and speak with natives from each country who work as cast members.

* American history by viewing the Hall of Presidents presentation in the Magic Kingdom and the American Adventure show in Epcot.

* Nature and conservation at Animal Kingdom.

* Science by exploring the Mission:Space ride in Epcot where he will have a chance to see and feel what it would be like to travel by rocket to Mars and by experiencing the Universe of Energy exhibit which teaches about fossil fuels, energy, and conservation.

* Economics by managing his own spending money and making budget decisions on how to spend his money.

[student] 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 [student] and hope you agree not to charge him with unexcused absences as a result. If it is possible for [student] to take any assignments with him to be turned in when we return or to turn in before we leave any work that will be due while he is gone, please let us know as soon as possible.

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

You care kidding about sending this letter in to the school, right? Oh my gosh, if that letter was ever given to a teacher at my school, it would be the butt of every parent joke known to teachers and you would look ridiculous. A trip to Disney World is not for educational purposes. You are only making yourself out to look like an excuse monger for your children.

Heck, my DS is going to China with my mom this spring and even that trip is not going to be excused. DS is a good student so I'm not worried about him missing a week to go to China and taking the unexcused absences. I would not pull him out of school for a week to go to a theme park though. We'll just have to suck up the unexcused absences and deal with it. If they want to take us to the truancy officer, let them. They'll see they are wasting their time on a student who is in school 99.9% of the time and it won't ever become an issue.

 

[Coconut36]

I should clarify - at the elementary school level. We used to take our children every year - for two full weeks. We always told the truth and the teachers and principal always encouraged us to go and have a good time. When I discussed this with other parents, they were told the same thing. Why? Because not all parents can vacation in the summer, and vacations are very important to families for a myriad of reasons.

Because your school doesn't get it doesn't mean every schools is backward. There are many things more important in life than work (or a few weeks of school).

There is a very big difference between a teacher saying "have fun" and claiming your district "encourages vacations--especially to WDW". What you state above and what you claimed in a prior post are not the same thing. A case by case basis of a teacher/principal saying "no problem..enjoy" is not the same as the implication that the "district encourages family vacations" because that isn't the case. In your case, for your kids they did not express concerns...that is not a district wide endorsement of family vacations during school. Also just because "other parents said they were told the same thing" it is still not a district endorsement of missing school...it's what people claimed they were told. I am sure in most cases when a child is doing great in school, attends regularly (meaning they haven't already missed time..be it excused or not) and has no other concerns they are going to get a "have fun" from their teacher/principal..that does not mean they "encourage family vacations" during school time for all or that it is a district or statewide thing.

You don't know anything about my district so let's not make assumptions about what they get or don't get.

Also just a side note..truancy laws are generally set by the state..they set certain mandates they schools are required by law to adhere to (although there can be some variances by district in how loosely or strictly they implement it) so it is often out of their control regarding what occurs when there is a certain number of absences.

Ours I think is at a county level and under Juvenile Probation:
http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/JuvenileProbation/Probation/CUTS.asp

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

There is a very big difference between a teacher saying "have fun" and claiming your district "encourages vacations--especially to WDW". What you state above and what you claimed in a prior post are not the same thing. A case by case basis of a teacher/principal saying "no problem..enjoy" is not the same as the implication that the "district encourages family vacations" because that isn't the case. In your case, for your kids they did not express concerns...that is not a district wide endorsement of family vacations during school.

You don't know anything about my district so let's not make assumptions.

I hate to use your own words against you, but you don't know anything about my district, so stop making assumptions. They do encourage it - actively. Ask anyone in the district. They make it easy, and have policies in place to get the kids their work.

This may seem foreign to you, but it is pretty commonplace in many communities. You know - communities that value families more than government or bureaucracy.

You know a lot less than you think you do.

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

I had to look at the date of this thread because it felt like a resurrected zombie one.

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

BTW, in our district it's an excused absence if you give a handwritten note from the parent, regardless of the situation. I've never written a paragraph giving educational reasons for an absence.

 

[Coconut36]

I hate to use your own words against you, but you don't know anything about my district, so stop making assumptions. They do encourage it - actively. Ask anyone in the district. They make it easy, and have policies in place to get the kids their work.

This may seem foreign to you, but it is pretty commonplace in many communities. You know - communities that value families more than government or bureaucracy.

You know a lot less than you think you do.

Of course..what could I possibly know with 2 educators...one with 30 and one with 12 years of experience in my life what schools or districts might think or do.

I know what you put out there so if something isn't "right" that is on you not on me as I can only go by your claims and I don't believe your district as a whole says "vacations for all..especially WDW" to everyone and in general. On a case by case basis do teachers/principals say "have a good time"? Absolutely..otherwise..don't buy they actively encourage one and all to miss school for family vacations.

I responded to your claims regarding absences..you made assumptions when I said absolutely nothing about my district or their policies.

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

I had to look at the date of this thread because it felt like a resurrected zombie one.

I tried to find some resurrected zombie ones so that I didn't have to post this. I was sure it would start an argument but I needed help. It was successful. I got the help I needed. I have written the letter for my kids as well as my step son.

And whether or not the teachers pass it around and laugh doesn't matter to me. I was advised to do it by the school's guidance councilor so that's what I am doing.

 

[quentina]

Seriously? Sorry but that sounds ridiculous..what decent school "encourages" trips and missing school "especially to WDW".

I am thinking the reality is that they don't have specific policies/procedures around absences (from looking at NJ truancy laws though it seems they are required to have something in place and "encouraging absences-especially trips to WDW" do not fit with your state stance on truancy) but that is not the same as "encouraging vacations" resulting in missed schools. It's one thing to do what you feel is best for your kids..another to claim the school "encourages family trips" as I don't think any decent district/school would do such a thing.

I would think poorly of any district or school that encouraged children to miss school to be honest..that is not what I want from those educating my children.

My kids (one is 4 so it's preschool and a non issue..the other 2nd grade) will miss 2 days for Disney. No way would I produce some silly letter trying to claim it is an educational experience nor am I worried about them missing 2 days as I know my kids and the possible impact to their academics (none). Parents know their children and what works for them and can work with teachers as necessary to lessen any possible impacts so I don't really see the point in lies and excuses unless your kid is chronically missing school.

I will add a little story about our school. Prior to K, we had a meet the principle type meeting where they reviewed bussing, lunches etc. During that meeting, the principle said......don't be afraid to take your kids on vacations during school. The best education involves family. This was my favorite part of the meeting!

I think that everyone needs to recognize that all districts have different rules and all families have different beliefs. Neither one is right or wrong, it is a personal choice. I also don't believe that any of us should judge what others choose to do (yes, even on the Dis). What decisions we choose to make with our kids, is our decision....as is yours.

This is just my opinion! I will also add, I live in a highly sought after premium district.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

I will add a little story about our school. Prior to K, we had a meet the principle type meeting where they reviewed bussing, lunches etc. During that meeting, the principle said......don't be afraid to take your kids on vacations during school. The best education involves family. This was my favorite part of the meeting!

I think that everyone needs to recognize that all districts have different rules and all families have different beliefs. Neither one is right or wrong, it is a personal choice. I also don't believe that any of us should judge what others choose to do (yes, even on the Dis). What decisions we choose to make with our kids, is our decision....as is yours.

This is just my opinion! I will also add, I live in a highly sought after premium district.

Well said. Sadly, too many people on the Dis think they know it all.

 

[kaytieeldr]

But see that's the beauty of it...the absences will be excused and the teachers WILL prepare the work for them ahead of time. Just because you think it should go one way doesn't mean that's how it's going to go.

It's probably not a good idea to make a blanket statement like that. It'll just upset parents when teachers can't squeeze even more time out of an already packed day to provide advance work for students going on a vacation.

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

Well said. Sadly, too many people on the Dis think they know it all.

Ain't it the truth.

 

[surfgirl]

DisneyBamaFan & Quentina,

I see you are both in NJ/PA/NY area. I think about 10 years ago, many schools changed their policies towards families and vacations. (remember that important date a few weeks ago?) Vacations during school is much more tolerated.

However, in our school, they are very touchy about testing days. They don't recommend kids missing either ERB's or PSSA days - even though makeup days are offered, they would rather have the kids take them with their class on the "normal" testing day. Obviously, makeups occur due to sickness, but they'd rather not have them occur due to vacations. I always ask for those dates early and plan around them and most teachers/principals are appreciative of that.

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

I wouldn't choose to take my kids out during testing periods, but they are scheduled far in advance and are easy to avoid.

Excused or not, I'll be taking my kids out in 2013 for ten days of well deserved fun! Can't wait.

 

[EMom]

Dance the dance. Play the game.

I take DD out of school because going on vacation during the obvious "we're out of school" times does not work for us. Family vacations are important and we are not going to miss them.

We've caught a break in Texas the past two years because of a lawsuit (filed by teachers/unions) that has had some unintended consequences, one of which is to make SOME schools hesitate to penalize students by docking their grades for work missed during unexcused absences. In the past, makeup work for unexcused absences could get no grade higher than a 70 in our district, but now they get the actual grade they make.

Not all districts are following this logic, but many are. My take is that they are waiting until the dust settles on this lawsuit to decide whether it's worth their trouble to reinstate the penalty rule or whether they'll stick with the no penalty policy. For now, we're taking advantage and enjoying our vacations.

But if the school required me to write a letter detailing the educational benefits of visiting WDW, I'd jump through that silly hoop. (1) I want to go on vacation and I prefer the absence be excused. (2) It's not lying because I find educational opportunities for DD EVERYWHERE.

Heaven knows my primary goal in visiting WDW is not education. That's not even my secondary goal. But I taught geography. DD never gets through Epcot without me subjecting her to information she probably doesn't want to hear. Her goal is to make it to Boulangerie Patisserie in France and snag a cheese plate, baguette and a slice of cheesecake. I might take that opportunity to discuss how various cheeses are made. I think we discussed pasteurization last time. I might inform her that a baguette is not just a tasty treat, but a lovely cut for a diamond. We usually discuss why French words are pronounced differently from English ones....and then I give her a new French word and have her guess how it should be pronounced.

And how can you NOT learn something at AK? For that matter, we find a lot of learning opportunities at DHS, from the architecture to the various stunt shows. So if a school required a letter detailing some educational aspects of WDW, I could produce a TRUTHFUL letter listing examples. Would I swear that we were headed to WDW for the primary goal of education? No. But that is not what the school is requesting.

Have fun on the trip!

 

[badblackpug]

I think the whole "educational trip" thing is hooey. Really you are going to WDW for a vacation. It is not educational, BUT.... if the school is specifically saying "submit the bull hockey letter, we know it's bull hockey, you know it's bull hockey, but if you submit it we will excuse the absences, I would play the game, too.

Absenteeism policies vary from district to district, even within the same state or county. You, as the parent need to decide whether, or not, you are willing to accept the consequences of unexcused absences.

Also, how the work is made up depends on the teacher. Some will give the work ahead of time, some will want you to make it up when you return. Don't expect one or the other.

Our district has "excused" absences. (Illness with a doctors note, death in the family, college visit, court appearance, drivers test, or medical appointments that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours)

"Allowable" absences. These are absences with just a parents note. You are allowed a maximum of 16. After 16 the student goes on "no credit status" Before your kid reaches 16 the school plans a meeting with you to discuss reasons. If you exceed 16, the school can refer you to court

"Unexcused" this is truancy. This is an absence without an excuse of any kind. You are only permitted 10 of these before you are retained, and they count toward your "allowable" absence total.

Our school district specifically says that the only "excused" trips are school sponsored field trips and college visits.

 

[Colleen27]

When schools put absurd rules in place, parents are forced to do absurd things to get around them. When the absurd things that parents do to get around the absurd rules are encouraged and accepted by the schools, you have absurdity squared. This is what happens when the government is granted this much authority.

I agree. I think it is kind of funny that the "anti" camp on this issue is always saying "Do what you want, but be aware of school policies and prepared to live with the school's consequences" but then comes down squarely AGAINST providing something that the school is requesting to have the absence excused. As far as I can tell what they're really saying is that Disney vacations shouldn't be excused absences, and even if the school gives parents a way to make them excused parents shouldn't comply because excusing vacation time is wrong.

I love my school district. No hoops to jump through - any absence that the parent calls in to verify is excused, no questions asked, and truancy is handled on a case-by-case referral basis because the school recognizes the intent of truancy laws (Does anyone believe those laws were written because of a terrible epidemic of families vacationing together? ). To paraphrase BamaFan, our district values family more than bureaucracy and understands that many families cannot travel during the summer, whether due to work obligations (agriculture, construction, and marine services are the biggest industries in my community) or inability to afford peak travel season pricing.

 

[rgf207]

But see that's the beauty of it...the absences will be excused and the teachers WILL prepare the work for them ahead of time. Just because you think it should go one way doesn't mean that's how it's going to go.

Great! Enjoy your trip.

Since you don't really care what the letter says, try this one: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42637147&postcount=8