Have to Cancel ... Am in Tears

[dixiedizfan]

I have our trip planned for January 1 to 7 at AKL, all ADRs made. Even have our itinerary planned, thanks to TGM. Just found out today that due to the delay of our school district's opening day, the school calendar has been changed to have students return from Christmas break on January 2nd, instead of the 9th. That was our vacation week! My kids would have to miss four days of school, and since they're both in high school ... we can't do it. I am just beside myself, as I have been on these boards for months diligently planning this trip to our favorite place on earth. And it's not like we can postpone it til school's out in June ... we can't take the heat or crowds, plus the rates are higher then. Oh I'm so depressed ... :-(

 

[btmfdr]

I have our trip planned for January 1 to 7 at AKL, all ADRs made. Even have our itinerary planned, thanks to TGM. Just found out today that due to the delay of our school district's opening day, the school calendar has been changed to have students return from Christmas break on January 2nd, instead of the 9th. That was our vacation week! My kids would have to miss four days of school, and since they're both in high school ... we can't do it. I am just beside myself, as I have been on these boards for months diligently planning this trip to our favorite place on earth. And it's not like we can postpone it til school's out in June ... we can't take the heat or crowds, plus the rates are higher then. Oh I'm so depressed ... :-(

My $ .02, take them out of school, discuss with principal/teachers to possibly have those days excused due to the unforseen circumstances & all the knowledge they will gain in Disney. Additionally those days when they are back in school will be slow anyhow just being back from a holiday break....

 

[ssleblanc]

I would talk to the school and explain that you've already had the trip planned based on the original school calendar. I understand the concern about taking high school kids out of school (I'm taking mine out 4 days in September but they are elementary age), but given the change in the schedule, and that as btmfdr stated, the first day or so back from a big holiday break is slow as the kids get back into routine anyway, the school may not have a problem with it. Before cancelling, I would talk to the teachers and principal. (I have already talked to the principal and both of my kid's teachers about them missing 4 days and the principal told me the only thing she is upset about is that she doesn't get to go with us).

 

[Markstudy]

My parents took me out of school many times to go to Disney. My Dad had meetings for his business at Disney, always durring the 3rd week of January.
My family loved our trips, and the tiny amount of school we missed does not seem so important looking back, now that my Mom has passed away.

Quality time spent together as a family will always be more important than the stuff I learned in high school.

 

[disneyfan19712006]

The school should understand. Just calmly arrange a meeting with their principal and explain that these plans were made based on the original school schedule, but due to the chsnges made the children will not be back in time. If they are good students will no attendence issues they should be fine. My son took off 4 days last year to be an extra in a Disney movie. His pricipal told him since his record was clean he had no problem letting him have the time off. Our school district also allows 2 personal days per year. I would see if you have that option as well. But being upfront with the school will most likely get you what you want. A Trip to Disney. Good Luck!!!

 

[Fitswimmer]

I took my niece out of school for a few days during her senior year and she was none the worse for wear. We spoke to all her teachers at the beginning of the year, and explained that the vacation was a family gathering with her grandparents that had raised her and recently moved to Florida. We had no problems with the school, she kept her grades up and all went well. Given the circumstances of the changed calendar, I would hope that the teachers and administration would be understanding of long term planners like yourself.

 

[matt&jakesmom]

It's all up to you and your family, but I agree with the other posters-take them out. Let us know what you all decide. Hope it all works out.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

I understand how you feel, but look further down the road and you will realzie that 4 days is very minor.

Have fun!

 

[bigferrell]

Take them out of School.

The time that kids get to spend with their parents is precious and your kids will remember this family trip for the rest of thier lives!

My kids are coming out of school for a week in Sept for a Disney Vacation.

 

[JRawkSteady]

I'm jumping on the bandwagon. I completely agree. It's the school's fault and your kids can make up teh work later. There's absolutley no reason to cancel your trip

I'll see you there!!!!! (Jan 4 - 8th on my mini-trip)

 

[TheZeppo]

It's only four days. It's not worth cancelling your trip over.

 

[dixiedizfan]

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and advice. But when I asked my two about missing those four days of school they were both hesitant about doing it. As much as they want to go on the trip, they said those days would be difficult to have to miss, since they're the start of brand-new classes in the new semester, when they receive lots of important info. I was looking at the school year for any weeks other than Easter where they might have at least two days off, and that way they'd only have to miss three days, but there aren't any. My son is a senior so this year is very important to him. Oh, what to do, what to do. But thanks again to all of you for your support. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Mich Mouse]

This just in from a high school teacher

Give it some time to ponder the situation before making any decisions.....I personally would not cancel the trip, as I believe that family time is the most important time! I would not penalize any of my students for missing four days of school as long as they put forth their best effort when they are present. As long as you do not do this habitually, I can't see this being a huge problem.

Good Luck, and don't be sad! You'll figure a way to work this out.

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

I still say to do it. It wasn't that long ago that i was in highschool, adn the first day bac is a washout. Then they only will miss 3 more days, and if they had a flu they would miss at least that. at least this is preplanned. make arrangements when school starts, and before the christmas break try to get some work that they can do before the trip to prepare for the first 3 days off. ie chapters to read, assignment outlines, etc.

 

[justice11]

we have taken our kids out since my youngest was in 7th grade all thru college she took off and is fine. one of my grandkids teachers said it is a great thing to go to wdw and they could make up the work later, some teachers told them to make a journal everyday and some gave them their work before we left and they had it done before we left. go for it. in the whole picture of life it's only 4 days out of many.

 

[Markstudy]

Does anyone think that the kids should not miss school?

So far it looks like 100% for "take them out"

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

well for me it would honestly depend on the attitude of the kids, and if they put full effort in every year, wheras if they have habitually hard times catching up when always there or slack off or what not, then maybe not.

bah what do i know. :O)

 

[CarolA]

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and advice. But when I asked my two about missing those four days of school they were both hesitant about doing it. As much as they want to go on the trip, they said those days would be difficult to have to miss, since they're the start of brand-new classes in the new semester, when they receive lots of important info. I was looking at the school year for any weeks other than Easter where they might have at least two days off, and that way they'd only have to miss three days, but there aren't any. My son is a senior so this year is very important to him. Oh, what to do, what to do. But thanks again to all of you for your support. I'll keep you posted.

Personally I think the kids show more sense here then a lot of posters....


Missing four days of high school can be costly. At lots of schools where they use block scheduling it can be devestating to the kids ability to catch up.


And this "expecting the teacher" to help them catch up is not as realistic in high school. ( I was on a SCHOOL sponosored trip in High School and had to rearrange my whole schedule becuase one of my teachers announced that if you missed there would be NO assistance. This was NOT a subject I could do on my own or that my parents knew squat about. So second semester I took Family Living instead.) So while MichMouse wouldn't penalize you others will!

Missing a week at a lot of high schools is a lot different then missing 1st grade. Most Seniors should be being treated like they will be in college where if you miss, too bad!

 

[livingthedream]

I went with my boys (both in high school) in December 2005. We went for 2 weeks. They missed 11 days of school. Its a long story - jobs changing, blended families, lost opportunities to take them when younger, etc.

I also struggled with everything like you. One of my boys had concerns like your son. They were just ramping up to exams and he didn't want to miss exam preparation, etc.

To make a long story short, we went, they did some reading and assignments on plane and during down time. Our entire family had our "trip of a lifetime". We came together and really had a magical time. I, like you, had invested a considerable amount of time planning, and I knew if we didn't go then, we might not ever get the chance to go as a "complete family" again.

The boys still rave about the trip. Whoever said older kids don't appreciate Disney don't know my boys. They loved it, and we will have precious memories as a family that we might never have had if I had listened to my usual "rule-following self".

The other point others have already made is that you were trying to follow the rules, but for reasons out of your control the school holiday dates changed. That is not your fault.

Both my boys are strong students, and they managed to maintain over a 90% average for last year, even missing 11 school days! The only subject they dropped in at all, believe it or not, was gym because it is based on participation (go figure!). They both managed to bring their marks back up in that subject as the year progressed.

You have to do what is right for you and your family. Only you know that. But sometimes you have to stand on the edge of a cliff and let yourself fall willingly. The arms of Disney will catch you. There are always ways to catch up at school. If the kids are willing to do that - I say, take a chance! Are there any other ways to make magical family memories, especially with one a senior in high school and soon to be gone? Think about this "big picture".

Whatever you decide, many of us can empathize with your struggle, and we wish you well.

 

[deekaypee]

I have our trip planned for January 1 to 7 at AKL, all ADRs made. Even have our itinerary planned, thanks to TGM. Just found out today that due to the delay of our school district's opening day, the school calendar has been changed to have students return from Christmas break on January 2nd, instead of the 9th. That was our vacation week! My kids would have to miss four days of school, and since they're both in high school ... we can't do it. I am just beside myself, as I have been on these boards for months diligently planning this trip to our favorite place on earth. And it's not like we can postpone it til school's out in June ... we can't take the heat or crowds, plus the rates are higher then. Oh I'm so depressed ... :-(

I'm sorry that you've had to shift your plans, assuming that the decision has been made. I certainly can understand and admire the decision not to have your kids miss school and/or activities, if that's what you've chosen. That would be the decision I would make, personally, although I understand not everyone feels the same way. But if you're okay with kids missing school, and the decision isn't final, maybe the cancellation isn't inevitable. Have you talked to the school and the teachers? Your kids, and their reasons for not wanting to miss school (if that's a factor)? Maybe there's room for compromise?

Perhaps instead of June you could work out a spring-break visit? With TGM, you should be able to negotiate the crowds and heat wouldn't be an issue. And although you'd still face higher rates, perhaps you could shift to another resort. I think if you're able and willing to compromise a bit you can still have that vacation!