Ever Play Hooky To Go Home To DVC?

[rinkwide]

Another poster mentioned:

...our school system highly discourages pulling kids out for vacation...

It’s the same here in CA.

(I wouldn't have a problem with that if they had only the child's best interest in mind. Unfortunately, in our district, they give a lot of lip service to the "problem" of kids falling behind in their studies but it's really all about the revenue the school loses because the state won't pay them for unexcused absences.)

Anyway, some of my fondest childhood memories were vacations that I was taken out of school for. It made me feel like the quality time my parents shared with us was more important than anything else. I think it’s one of the reasons our family is still very close today.

Now it’s pretty obvious that low-season trips to WDW can’t be beat and I’d really like to take my first grader out of school for some quality time at BCV with my wife and I.

So that begs the question:

How many of you take your children out of school to go home to DVC? Also, what kind negative effects (if any) have you and your kids experienced as a result?

 

[db78]

When my son was in grade school we routinely pulled him out for several days during the October break (they had 2 days off the end of October so we pulled him out for 3 days) It depended upon the teacher, but for the most part, found little repercussions. My son is bright and never had a problem.

However, now that my son is in Junior High, and they have credits for class, the school uses that leverage to discourage this practice. So enjoy it now, it's much tougher in Junior High and HS. At least in our area.

Be prepared for arguments pro and con, some people tend to feel strongly about this topic.

 

[Wislodgers]

We take our kids out of school for about 7 school days in Jan or Feb. Our school district has been fabulous. Our kids are A students, so grades have not been an issue.

We were concerned about it when our daughter entered junior high. I spoke with the principal and he told me that our school values family time above all else. He said more learning takes place during a family trip than would occur in class at that time.

The kids must have all their teachers sign their pre-excused slip before the trip, and get their homework. Most teacher just ask the kids to keep a journal of their trip and do what homework is needed upon their return.

I have heard very different stories from other school districts in our area!

 

[tjkraz]

Ah, yes, another one of those polarizing debates.

Far as I'm concerned, you know your children, their study habits, and the role you play in your children's education. Go from there.

I think some dedicated study time should certainly be a part of each day if you do decide to go. But in this day and age, it's hard to discount the value of "family time" in our busy lives.

 

[CarolMN]

Opinions vary on this - you will find supporting opinions for whatever you want to do. Might as well just do what you think is right for your family situation. (Threads on this subject often get closed, LOL).

Be sure you know your school district's policy on the the matter before you decide. Policies vary. Many districts consider family vacations as unexcused absences. Some school districts actually penalize the child for unexcused absences - for example, they do not allow make up work and give the child failing marks for assignments missed. This can be especially troublesome for older children.

In addition to the lost revenue, the "No Child Left Behind" Act penalizes schools if enough children are gone on the testing days. I don't think any administration will be very supportive if you pull your child out on one of the testing days.

Best wishes -

 

[manning]

However, now that my son is in Junior High, and they have credits for class, the school uses that leverage to discourage this practice.

This bugs the you know what out of me. If the child can score A's without going to school (highly unlikely), then the child deserves A's.

In college they don't care if you show up for class (at least in my day). If you can't pass the exams it's your problem. If you can then you get the credits and the accomplished score.

One person gets static from the school district for home schooling. They (school)were told if they can do better then they would send them to school.

 

[Beca]

And, we all know you don't want to go DL when CA school kids are on break!!!!! We made the "mistake" of being at DL when SoCal schools were on spring break....it was almost as crowded as Christmas day!!! As my 2yr dd said, "These people are makin' me crazy!!"...she's a funny bean!!

Anyway....all of these posts (along with MANY other reasons) reinforce my desire to homeschool my children!! I was a kid that was NEVER taken out of school for any reason, and used to think that was the way to go....but, I teach SO many homeschooled kids (it is a VERY popular option in AZ) at my children's theatre who do SOO many wonderful things. These parents plan vacations around the places that their kids are studying in history and geography, and these kids get a TOTALLY unique education. I am actually signed up to be a "standardized test administrator" for some of my students, as more and more homeschooled curricula are now requiring such tests to give more credence to their programs!!

I think it is great!!! Learning should be "hands on". If we could all learn just from what people tell us, children would've stopped repeating the mistakes of their parents long ago!!! I think if schools really want parents to be involved in their kids' education, then they ought to give more control in such matters to the parents.

Just my 2 cents!!!



Beca

 

[KelNottAt]

Did it once, planning another.

In October 2001 my kids' school was closed for 2 days for regular teachers' union meetings. We planned our WDW vacation for that week, which meant they missed 3 days of school. They were in 2nd and 4th grades.

Now, this year, they'll miss the first Friday of the new year when we go "home" over Labor Day weekend. They're now in 5th and 7th grades.

In the future, I doubt I'll let them miss more than one day at a time for vacation.

Kelley

 

[SheriB]

We took our kids out of school for the first two trips. They were in grade and middle schools. Our school didn't give us any problems at all. Assignments were given, and they had a certain amount of time to turn them in when they returned. However, event though my kids are good students, they asked us after the second trip if we could go when they didn't have to be taken out of school. They were old enough to realize that what they missed in class could not necessarily be made up on paper. Having said that, I would not hesitate to take my 1st grader out of school(as long as there is no testing scheduled). I think it gets more difficult the older they get, and even if they don't admit it, by the time they are in middle/high school, it definitely puts more pressure on them, whether they are A students or not. My kids asked us not to take them out of school, and I have to respect that. So now we go during school breaks and bear the crowds.

Good luck whatever you decide!
Sheri

 

[DIZNYFAN]

We take our kids out of school for 2 weeks a year to go to Disney. Mind you up here it doesn't seem to be the hassle it is down in the US. Our schools are funded by our province and our federal GOV no matter the attendance.

 

[wdwnut]

hi: we've been going to wdw since 1987 (just a touch pre-dvc) and have pulled the kids out of school for about a week or so most years. it does get to be a problem as they get older; there's a lot more schoolwork to be done. when they were in high school, they would get their assignments in advance and make a "dent" in the work over vacation during plane rides and some down time. once my youngest and his friend were going to miss a biology test during vacation, so the teacher just faxed it over to bwv and they faxed it back. if you don't feel your children will suffer from missing school, then take them on vacation.

 

[LisaSt]

Our oldest daughter has 2 hours set aside every night while we are on vacation to do her homework. We drive down and she does quite a bit of it in the car on the way it is after all a 20 hour drive.

 

[natt]

This will probably be the last time we plan a trip in the low season (at least with the kids). My girls will miss 3 days this November, and I'm stressing over my oldest. This is her first year of HS, and I doubt they will send any work for her to take along.

Our reason for going this particular time is to experience the F&WF, so we've been very clear to our girls, that if they are going to be missing school, that this will be a cultural experience and they WILL try some new/different foods, and will be spending a good portion of time in EPCOT without complaining!

 

[Pa@okw95]

First grade is the most important grade in school, it is when they really learn how to read. That is all I have to say on the subject.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I usually have a Tuesday and Thursday schedule and make my travel plans accordingly. I made ressies for BCV this past May and lo and behold I have a Monday class! I adjusted my syllabus and gave my students a take home test, and yes, I did play hookey!

Bobbi

 

[ErinC]

We took DD out of 2nd grade last year the first part of Dec. My Dh had a conference in Orlando, and we made a family DVC trip out of it, and took my parents so they could help me with the 3 kids. Alabama does the same kind of lip service you are talking about. Bottom line, they loose money when kids are not at school. What really burns me about the situation here, it is left to the discretion of the principal to decide if the absences will be excused, I think there should be a county wide policy. Our principal (2nd & 3rd grade) will only give three excused absences, so when we took her out last year for the week, she received 3 excused, and 2 unexcused absences. In 2nd grade, it had no affect on her. She still made straight A's that quarter, and her teacher had no problems with her making up all her work. This year, we are going to go during Feb. That is our Mardi Gras Holiday (such an important educational experience ) our kids already get 2 days off that week, so we should be able to get the other 3 days excused. Bottom line, you'll have to decide what is best for your own family. For us, we like to go when it's not so hot, which means some time during the school year. I'm sure as she gets older, and my other two girls become school age, we will have to adjust, but for now, it's worth the missed school time to go.

 

[manning]

First grade is the most important grade in school, it is when they really learn how to read. That is all I have to say on the subject.

I was surprised to hear from relatives that they are starting to do that in kindergarten.

I have a great (relationship) niece who is a regular chatter box. Have you ever heard of someone having to go to summer school to make up kinderkarten? I have now.

 

[rinkwide]

Originally posted by manning
I was surprised to hear from relatives that they are starting to do that in kindergarten.

True.

My soon-to-be first grader is reading Dick & Jane books that I read in 2nd and 3rd.

Thanks for the input everyone. We'll be booking trips during the school year but will confirm our plans with his new teacher when classes start. I'm sure her suggestions regarding the subject will be invaluable.

Now, I'm so impressed that we were able to have rational discussion on such a "polarizing" topic without the moderator stepping in. Give yourselves a hand.

 

[SoCalKDG]

First grade is the most important grade in school, it is when they really learn how to read. That is all I have to say on the subject.

So I guess if your kid could already read by then, then you would be ok with it?
I'd hope each parent would consider the kids best interests first. For many, a week at WDW is better than a week at school.

The school system my daughter will be in will be year round, so I think she gets 1 month off every three months.

 

[rinkwide]

Originally posted by SoCalKDG
The school system my daughter will be in will be year round, so I think she gets 1 month off every three months.

That would be ideal. I'll have to see about getting a grass-roots movement going in our district for a year-round schools.