Guilty Ride for Taking Kids Out of School

[PandaBear & Boo]

I'm a little ticked right now and frustrated! We have a planned trip the end of this month actually in less than 2 weeks. The reason I'm ticked is because one of my DS's came home from high school today with an extended absence form that says quote "Student will speak to Vice Principal for approval and signature." Since when do I need to get approval from a Vice Principal. This is the time that my husband has holidays. It is very frustrating to me that this school is trying to make me feel guilty about having a family vacation. My son said that the secretary told him that the board disagrees with high school students taking vacations during the school year. If that is the case than why do they have this extended absence form. This form is to be used for reasons other than illness or family emergencies. Am I wrong in getting upset over this? I pay my taxes which in turn pays these Board of Education People. It just really ticks me off and I am fuming. I have taken my kids out of school before when they were all in elementary school this is the first time I have taken my kids out of high school. Has anyone taken their kids out of high school before? If so can you please tell me how it went with the school and if you were given the guily ride. Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[Bonnie40]

I don't blame you for feeling frustrated. How many days are you taking your kids out for? I've never understood the way people worry and discuss the issue. I've pulled my kids out in highschool (4 days max) for family vacations and just assumed they will catch up when they return. I guess if you're pulling them for a couple of weeks I can understand why they may be concerned, but with proper communication with teachers, etc., I don't see the problem...

 

[F4disneyfan]

I'm a little ticked right now and frustrated! We have a planned trip the end of this month actually in less than 2 weeks. The reason I'm ticked is because one of my DS's came home from high school today with an extended absence form that says quote "Student will speak to Vice Principal for approval and signature." Since when do I need to get approval from a Vice Principal. This is the time that my husband has holidays. It is very frustrating to me that this school is trying to make me feel guilty about having a family vacation. My son said that the secretary told him that the board disagrees with high school students taking vacations during the school year. If that is the case than why do they have this extended absence form. This form is to be used for reasons other than illness or family emergencies. Am I wrong in getting upset over this? I pay my taxes which in turn pays these Board of Education People. It just really ticks me off and I am fuming. I have taken my kids out of school before when they were all in elementary school this is the first time I have taken my kids out of high school. Has anyone taken their kids out of high school before? If so can you please tell me how it went with the school and if you were given the guily ride. Thanks for letting me vent.

You are not wrong at all and if teh board is trying to tell you how to go on holidays maybe you should write them a letter and tell them how to teach your children I am sure they would just love that one. I agree with you and our family holiday is far more iomportant than a few missed weeks of school. I would take the form UNSIGNED and go talk to the VP and tell him or her straight up not to stick his/her nose in your family business and you won't stick your nose into his work business.

We take our kids away the first couple weeks of Dec every year but last year mind you LOL and never once have we had an issue.

 

[DisFan2]

The reason I'm ticked is because one of my DS's came home from high school today with an extended absence form that says quote "Student will speak to Vice Principal for approval and signature." Since when do I need to get approval from a Vice Principal. This is the time that my husband has holidays.

Did you get to speak to the Vice Principal or union rep. before they went out on strike? Did they ask for your "approval and signature"? Didn't think so.

It is very frustrating to me that this school is trying to make me feel guilty about having a family vacation. My son said that the secretary told him that the board disagrees with high school students taking vacations during the school year.

Tell them you disagree with teachers strikes during the academic year. You'll agree to restrict your vacations to summer holidays if they'll make the same agreement with respect to their job "actions".

Get outta here! Have a guilt free vacation in WDW. I'll meet with the freakin' VP!!!!

 

[koobs]

Our kids are in the Ottawa Public School system and so far we haven't had a problem yet. In 2005 we pulled our son out of grade 6 and our daughter out of grade 9 with out any problem. We did avert one problem by speaking to one grade 9 teacher who was a bit reluctant to re-schedule a test. It worked out though.

We never did speak to the principal or vice-principal but we did let all of our kids' teachers know about the upcoming trip weeks in advance so that we could make arrangements for working ahead. Actually, our daughter got too far ahead in math and actually had to let the rest of the class catch up to her.

We'll be pulling the kids out again this November-December. Classes only just started but the kids have already spoken to most of their teachers about the trip. Most teachers are very supportive.

 

[Miandrea]

In highschool, students need to attend class for a minimum number of days. If your child has a good attendance record and strong marks - they should't have a problem. If your child struggles, his/her credit maybe at risk.

It is very hard taking time out of highschool compared to elementary school. If you don't mind, can you tell us which board this is? I've worked in 5 boards now and it is amazing the differences betwee them!

Just call the VP and send the request in writing!

 

[disyady]

I'm very interested in this thread as we started going to Disney in August instead of May,Oct or Nov the summer before my oldest went into high school so I have never had to find out what is involved in pulling her out. 2003,4,5&6 have all been Aug trips because she is in HS whereas up until then we went once/yr and pulled all three girls out for 6 or 7 school days. If I had my pick I wouldn't choose the heat and rain of Aug (although crowds are normally light after the 15th or so) but I just didn't feel right about her missing school anymore. It does bother me, though, that several other kids miss weeks (and in 3 or 4 cases - months) of school (primary and high school) to visit extended family around the world. How well-educated can they be when they miss THAT much school? In those cases I think the school board should have a minimum # of attendance days, below which the child should have to repeat the grade (or class in high school). I am interested now, though, because we are considering a late April/early May trip next year (for many reasons) but I am really hesitant because my daughter is in Gr12 now and will be applying to college next year. I don't want to do anything to mess that up, so I am really torn. I also wouldn't appreciate having to get "permission" from the school to pull my daughter out for a week - that will annoy me for reasons other posters have already mentioned. Keep those opinions coming - I'd love to plan an April trip for a change!!!

 

[briarberry]

I am almost afraid to post on this thread. I am one of those awful people - a teacher!!!!!! I teach elementary school and when parents tell me they are going on a family holiday, I say have fun and the child gets caught up when they get back. High school is an entirely different story. If you feel confident your child can get caught up go ahead and go. It sounds to me as though you are feeling guilty about it. Schools have rules for a reason. If your child misses some important material while on holiday and fails a test or exam, who will you blame? Bear in mind high school teachers teach many students in one day and don't have the time to chase your child around to make sure he is caught up. By the time kids reach high school, they are responsible for their work, not the teacher.
Schools have plenty of holidays throughout the year. We go in the summer, sure it's hot, sure it's a bit crowded but I can't go at any other time so we go when school is out.
I am sure some more teachers haters will rant on this thread about how unfair the school system is etc. Please remember, 99% of us are really nice people who really care about your kids and it's pretty darn hard to teach them when they aren't present.
Go, have fun but don't blame the school when your child falls behind.

 

[sammi]

About 12 years ago we took our DS (then in Gr 9) to WDW for 1 week and I had a heck of a time trying to get the ok to go. DS had to take this form around and get it signed by each of his teachers and only 1 gave him his Math assignments to do BEFORE he went to Florida and the other teachers said it was an "unjustified absence".

In all fairness to the teachers he did have a heck of a time getting caught back up in all of his missed work......I hope things work out for you and your family.

 

[declansdad]

I'm a little ticked right now and frustrated! We have a planned trip the end of this month actually in less than 2 weeks. The reason I'm ticked is because one of my DS's came home from high school today with an extended absence form that says quote "Student will speak to Vice Principal for approval and signature." Since when do I need to get approval from a Vice Principal. This is the time that my husband has holidays. It is very frustrating to me that this school is trying to make me feel guilty about having a family vacation. My son said that the secretary told him that the board disagrees with high school students taking vacations during the school year. If that is the case than why do they have this extended absence form. This form is to be used for reasons other than illness or family emergencies. Am I wrong in getting upset over this? I pay my taxes which in turn pays these Board of Education People. It just really ticks me off and I am fuming. I have taken my kids out of school before when they were all in elementary school this is the first time I have taken my kids out of high school. Has anyone taken their kids out of high school before? If so can you please tell me how it went with the school and if you were given the guily ride. Thanks for letting me vent.

Please keep in mind that it isn't the teachers ir in most cases the administrators who make these rules. They are just following the rules that they are given.

Did you get to speak to the Vice Principal or union rep. before they went out on strike? Did they ask for your "approval and signature"? Didn't think so.

I really hope that you are kidding here. What would the point of any union going on strike ot job action at a time when they are not working??????

 

[FayeW]

I think you are getting yourself worked up unnecessarily. Nobody is trying to make you feel guilty, it's just a standardized form that the School Board requires to have completed for non-medical extended absences. Don't take it personally. Calm down, and call the Vice Principal tomorrow. Explain that this is when you have to take your holiday because of your husband's work schedule.

 

[AngVen]

We've pulled our kids out for 1 week twice over the past 3 yrs for WDW trips, never a problem. We're leaving in 12 sleeps for 2 weeks ( ), and our DD is now in Gr10. Different story, but, still not a problem. Just a bit more complicated. I spoke with the Principal, provided her a written note explaining the absence, and spoke with each teacher asking for additional work in advance of the trip. So far, so good. Everyone has been fine. The only "penalty" if you can call it that is that my DD will not be eligible for exemption from exams at the end of the term because of the time she will have missed. Personally, I don't think that's such a bad thing as I think writing exams in High School will better prepare her for University.

 

[seashoreCM]

If the strike has resulted in makeup days being suddenly and unexpectedly scheduled on top of your previously scheduled vacation, you still need to go through the motions of getting approval but you may still take the kids on vacation if you did not succeed in getting approval.

In all instances the kids should get ahead of studies in at least some subjects prior to going on vacation. If they were unwilling or are incapable of doing that then they are really not in a position to go on vacation but rather need every bit of school time and study time they can get. Days lost to snow or strikes are perfect for keeping at one's studies and forging ahead.

Don't editorialize in the form of suggesting who puts his nose where when you submit the form with as many signatures you were able to get. OPtionally you may calmly say "see you on the 16'th" or whatever day you will get back.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[drag n' fly]

We are pulling 2 of our kids in February for a WDW trip. One is in grade 7 and one is in grade 5. Why? Because I refuse to pay the ridiculous prices and fight the never ending crowds during the "appropriate time off" which is usually the most highest priced and crowded times of the year. I am a little nervous about pulling my older one. As soon as meet the teacher night comes up I am informing the teacher of their absence so they will have more than enough time to prepare a package to be completed by each kid. Now comes the problem with high school. I agree that time off can be extremely difficult to catch up. High school is student driven not classroom oriented. However with the appropriate advance notice and preparation, I believe older students can stay on top of everything if they are committed. Most teachers are extremely supportive of family vacations because the benefits of world travel and family time together definitely outweigh the time missed. I am not surprised at the resistance however because if you don't fit in the master plan that means the teacher must do extra preparation for the students absence. You would think they would have a definite plan of attack for the families who do travel during the school year. The student requiring to speak to the Vice Principal is only a formality. The student being in high school must recognize that they have a responsibility to accept whatever workload comes their way in exchange for travel time. It really is preparation for the real world. We all have to give notice at work to take time off and your high school student is expected to do the same. It is a way for the student to accept responsibility for time taken off.................as frustrating as it is for you as a parent it is a valuable lesson to learn about making choices and accepting responsibility for them...between you and me I am sure you feel like clobbering the VP...just smile and wave...smile and wave!

 

[koobs]

Go, have fun but don't blame the school when your child falls behind.

Maybe, this should say "Go, have fun but don't blame the school IF your child falls behind." If the parents and the child, with some co-operation from the teachers, plan ahead and do some advance work, there should not be a problem.

Hi Briarberry. Thank you for the point of view from a teacher's perspective. I agree with you that 99% of teachers are great.

 

[Scratch42]

About 12 years ago we took our DS (then in Gr 9) to WDW for 1 week and I had a heck of a time trying to get the ok to go. DS had to take this form around and get it signed by each of his teachers and only 1 gave him his Math assignments to do BEFORE he went to Florida and the other teachers said it was an "unjustified absence".

In all fairness to the teachers he did have a heck of a time getting caught back up in all of his missed work......I hope things work out for you and your family.

"unjutified absence!"

I better not get this line! I'll tell them what an "UNjustified Absence" is! When they go on strike!

DD better get herself into that office to get that form! I phoned to request this form and they wouldn't give it to me! HELLO! Like the kid doesn't have enough to deal with...........New School, New Friends, New Everything!

 

[pxlbarrel]

Most teachers are extremely supportive of family vacations because the benefits of world travel and family time together definitely outweigh the time missed. I am not surprised at the resistance however because if you don't fit in the master plan that means the teacher must do extra preparation for the students absence. You would think they would have a definite plan of attack for the families who do travel during the school year.

I'm not a parent nor a teacher...just an observer. My question, and don't kill me because this topic always seems to get heated, is...why should you expect a teacher to do EXTRA work so that your child can go on vacation to WDW? I'm sure a lot of them do extra work already for no extra pay.

Wouldn't it tick you off if you had to work overtime because a co-worker, somebody you don't particularly know very well, has been given permission to disappear for a week or two and enjoy themselves while you had to do their work?

Reading all these threads by supporters of pulling kids out of school (high school even), makes it sounds like it was a piece of cake for all the kids to make up the time, the work and the lessons. While I don't doubt the intelligence and comittment of these kids, it couldn't be easy for all of them to catch up 1 week of missed classes in high school. Bring homework with you on vacation? Oy, what kind of vacation is that?

I read with great interest about the one school who mentioned that it was ok to miss so many days but her child would not be exempt from the exams and that she was fine with this since exams prepared students for university. Ummmm...was this fine with the daughter? She may love the idea of getting out of school for a week but come exam time, probably not. What's better for preparing students for university? Exams or time spent in class.

Lots of people mention pulling their kids without any problems but most of these kids are still in elementary school. High school is such a different kettle of fish.

Like I said, don't kill me for having a differing opinion. A lot of times, this topic comes up and it seems like a support group for pulling kids out rather than one of differing opinions. I thought I'd throw in another view.

 

[disyady]

I am so glad to see all of these points of view on this subject. I always like to hear what other people have to say when I'm making a big decision so that I can be as well informed as possible when I make it. I'm glad this thread was started, and I think I'm going to tell my girls today that if we go again next year it will be August again. Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your views and to the OP - have a magical vacation!

 

[siobhan1997]

My DD is this year in Grade 7 which is still in the Elementary system in our area. She will be missing 14 days of school, we will actually be back for her to have the March break week off at home. That will give her the week to catch up on anything she missed.

Every year we have taken her out of school for winter holidays.

We own a moving company and other family members work in the business and they all have children. In our business there is no such thing as summer holidays. This is our busiest season and days off do not exist as the military moves 95% of their members during the summer months. Therefore, our DD does not get a summer family holiday so we go in the winter.

I do not feel the least bit guilty about taking her out of school. We have been doing this since she started JK. Winter holidays are family time and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

All of her teachers have been supportive of her missing. Some have given her no assignments while others have given her many assignments. But each time she gets assignments to complete while we are on vacation, it really ticks me off that when she returns back to school after her vacation, with her completed assignments the teacher never even bothers to check them!!!

 

[PandaBear & Boo]

I can't believe all the responses I've gotten just from posting this yesterday. I was venting because I was ticked. I have yet to read all posts which I will do so when I'm done writing this. In answer to some questions. I live in Barrie, Ontario which is about 1hr north of Toronto. The Board of Education up here is Simcoe Board. I took my kids out of school 3 years ago and back then they were in grades 8, 6, and 3. Up here those grades are all in an elementary school (no middle school involved). The principal told me that he didn't like the fact that I was taking them out but there wasn't anything he could do about it because they are my children. Fast forward to yesterday. I was really ticked. I vented on this board and then phoned my sister who by the way teaches for the Toronto Board of Education. Which has totally different rules to our board. She basically told me that this whole form is BS. You do not have to justify to the school why you are taking them out. We are going the last week of September and the Friday of that week is a PD day for both the elementary schools and high schools. My kids will be missing a total of 4 days. She as a teacher told me to screw the form. Write a short note telling the VP of the high school and the the teacher of the elementary school that the kids will be absent from Sept 25 thru Sept 28 returning on the 1st of October. The schools do not need to know why you are taking them out. Sign it and give it to the proper people on the Friday before you leave. Even though my kids are good students whether they are able to make up the work or not the 4 absent days will not make or break their school year. She says if the school has a problem with it they will get in touch with you to discuss it but really what can they do? Nothing! It's not like your the first person to take kids out of school and your not going to be the last. So this morning I wrote a short note saying that my kids will be absent and when they will be returning. I did not tell them why. It is dated Sept 22 and it will be handed to them on that day. (Which by the way is the day we leave.) End of Story!

Cheers!

I just had to edit because I finished reading all the posts. I just want to add that I don't feel guilty taking my kids out of school. If you as a parent want to take your kids out you should be able to without people trying to make you feel guilty. If you prefer to keep your kids in school and take vacations in summer thats great too. If you are a good teacher and you love your job and as a teacher if you are a compassionate person you will be able to understand why us parents take our kids out of school to have family time. I just want to clarify that not all of us are able to take holidays the same time as the school has there holidays. We should be allowed to take the time off without any justification or guilt. Just because a school closes at Christmas, March Break, Summer Break doesn't mean that all professions are able to get that time off too!