Have to Cancel ... Am in Tears

[Am_I_There_Yet]

WOW!! That's just crazy. Do they do that if the child misses a week because they got the flu? Make up work is make up work. And on a school-wide level. (My husband has given only partial credit to students who habitually skipped out on class, missed tests, neglected homework assignments/etc - but it was at the professor level and only for habitual offenders). (Before anyone flames me - I'm not comparing a child getting the flu to someone who misses school for Disney).

LOL... that was pretty much my response too! The teacher told me that the policy was in place to prevent exactly what I was trying to do. I told her it worked! We went Spring Break instead.

It's only for unexcused absences.

Back when I took my kids out, the teachers gave us the work before Thanksgiving and they completed it in about a day, and then a neighbor brought it back to school for me while we were gone that first week of December.

We did this while they were in elementary and middle school, no problem.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

Does anyone think that the kids should not miss school?

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

We're a homeschooling family, so our vote probably doesn't count. My son will miss EVERY day of school!

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I would not cancel. My kids are missing a full week (both are in high school). They are decent students. We really feel they will do OK. We only vacation once every 6 years or so, so I am not feeling guilty. If your kids were ill for 4 days, they would manage, wouldn't they? I hope you haven't canceled yet....before you give it plenty of thought.

ITA. No, your kids won't be sick, but it is a situation that can only be changed with a great deal of time, money, and effort wasted, at this point. You didn't know they would change things when you made your plans. That's not your fault and they shouldn't penalize your kids for missing those 4 days if you explain the situation. If they do it anyway, then I'd have to think twice about what's really going on. What are they trying to prevent? Ignorance? Truancy? Family vacations?

 

[helenm29]

This is a special situation....Talk to the Principal and Teachers, explain to them what happened and that you have already booked this trip. They will understand! it's only 4 days! they can either bring their work with them or make it up....even tests can be made up after school. We are taking our kids out of school in the middle of October...school started 3 days ago. We have already explained to the Councellor and teachers and I am meeting with each of them to get the kids homework and set up tests for when they get back. I'm sure if you explain, they will work with you! here's a little luck coming your way! Helen

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Here's my .02. If you do decide to take them out, get whatever "deal" you make with the school in writing. Make sure it is clearly understood what the expectations are on both sides.

That way you and your kids can go with peace of mind, and there won't be any tears later...

 

[BTown]

You serious? I could sum up everything I learned in all four years of High School in about four days. It's really not that serious. Take you kids to Disney World and have a good time at it. I promise, there is nothing that can be taught it four days of high school that can't be made up.

 

[Jerseygirl63]

Our former(thank God) school superintendent decided to take a four day weekend away on the school calender that had been in place for YEARS. It was a teacher workshop day and the second day was the teacher convention. He felt that the kids had too many days off before that all-important standardize testing. So before the next school year started he axed the teacher workshop day . I know it sounds silly, but I didn't feel as bad when I took my kids out for three days but four was pushing it. Of course we had already planned a week long cruise on DCL. We didn't cancel and our kids had the time of their lives.
It's up to each individual as to taking family vacations during the school year but count me in for taking them out. Thanks for letting me rant!!!

 

[DiszyDeanette]

We're pulling the kids out of school for a week in October to go. Seriously, if you don't go during finals or any big tests, it's not that big of a deal. Yes, the school loses their ADA$, but since we pay the highest school/property taxes in the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex, I won't cry too much for them. And what could be more educational than WDW? Spend some extra time at Epcot if you feel guilty, they'll learn more there than in school anyway.

My daughter had a friend invite her on a cruise last year, she went and was caught back up on her work within days.

 

[welovedis]

that if your own children think they don't want to miss those 4 days, then perhaps postponing the trip would be better in the long run. QUOTE]

I thought that might be a good reason to stay home.

But then I remembered when I was a kid, I always wanted to be with my friends until my parents dragged me to Disney, then I was glad they did!

My dad dragged me away from my friend many summers also to go to camp.
You all know kids...
"I don't want to go to camp!"

then two days later...
"I don't want to come home"

Interesting point, however, when I was a kid I was thrilled to go on any vacation, even when I was a older teen, with my family. But we never went during the school year, too much stress upon coming back.

To each their own, I guess I am just trying to support the OP with the decision that she made to stay home. I understand that others have different feelings/backgrounds/experiences and that is the great thing about the DIS boards!

OP--another poster brought up a good point about sports and there is also the thought about clubs or school activities. Whether or not missing these things or not being able to participate is another thing to think about.

Again, I sincerely understand the idea behind family vacations & spending time together, I'm the last person to say "don't go". But if your own children are hesitant to go because of the timing that & the knowledge you have about your own school system tells you to postpone (or go earlier as someone else mentioned), then just do what your gut tells you.

None of us have to walk in your child's shoes and as tempting as it is to say "go ahead & go" they are the ones who will be dealing with the work afterwards.

GL with your decision!

 

[turnlisa]

Last year we started a new school district so I dutifully consulted the school calendar before planning our trip. Had everything booked, lined up, etc. Then the school changed the calendar! Just about killed me! Luckily, the school understood that some parents had already planned vacations for that week and gave my DS excused absences and no penalty. (If they had tried to penalize him, I was going to go up the chain of command -- would have cost me an extra $800). At the end of the year, when looking at his report card, they had down that he only missed 1/2 a day -- so not only was it excused they forgot about it! I felt so much better since I just about cancelled the trip myself and made other arrangements.

This year, I am still waiting for the school calendar. Doesn't my school realize that I have to plan my Disney trip?

 

[dixiedizfan]

Thanks again, everyone, for your input. My teens are too distressed about the timing of those four days to take the chance on missing them. It's hard on all of us; we used to take them out for a week during off-season when they were younger, but high school changes everything ... trust me. I'm now considering going when school is out in June, and have started a thread on that topic. But boy, we really can't take a lot of heat/humidity, not to mention those summer crowds. So don't know if we will or not. But thanks again for taking the time to post.

 

[welovedis]

You serious? I could sum up everything I learned in all four years of High School in about four days. It's really not that serious. Take you kids to Disney World and have a good time at it. I promise, there is nothing that can be taught it four days of high school that can't be made up.

In our school, if you have 5 unexcused absences in one semester, you go before a discliplinary committee along with your parents/guardian, after 7 a complain is filed with the local district court and more than 7 will result in charges filed with the district attorney and so on. They are strict!

Four days, wow, what the heck DID you learn in HS? LOL just joking as I hope you were!

 

[welovedis]

Thanks again, everyone, for your input. My teens are too distressed about the timing of those four days to take the chance on missing them. It's hard on all of us; we used to take them out for a week during off-season when they were younger, but high school changes everything ... trust me. I'm now considering going when school is out in June, and have started a thread on that topic. But boy, we really can't take a lot of heat/humidity, not to mention those summer crowds. So don't know if we will or not. But thanks again for taking the time to post.

When does your district finish up in June? We went the last week, and we're used to Western NY weather, I will say it was pretty hot. Any way that you could go right after Christmas?

 

[TinkNH]

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.

Sounds to me like you have 2 very responsible teens there, neither one jumping at the chance to miss school! ...I would also take the trip, and ask the teachers for the materials they would need to stay on top of the 4 days they miss. (and I was a teacher before I quit to stay home with my DD!)

 

[LilyWDW]

I think in the long run you are making the correct decision.

I am currently in college, but I remember High School like it was yesterday. For me, missing 4 days of class would have been the end of me. I was an A and B student, scored a 30 on my ACT, and picked up information amazingly easily. However, I missed about 4 days in 4 years... 4 days in one year and it may have been a different story.

Not all High Schools are the same. Mine was a college prep high school, so our work levels were greater then many of the surrounding high schools and we went over much more material in the same amount of time. As an example, my Physics text in High School was the same as the one they were using at my college when I started there....

While I agree it stinks that you are losing those days and are canceling your vacation, I have to give you a big thumbs up for taking your kids issues so seriously.

 

[dizneydiva2005]

A word from the wise.... take them out of school. Your kids will only miss 4 days compared to a life time of memories. Before you know it your kids will be out of high school, moved out and getting on with their own lives. You must take advantage of the time you have together and if missing 4 days of school is the cost, big deal.

Please reconsider and go on vacation with your family.

 

[dizneydiva2005]

You serious? I could sum up everything I learned in all four years of High School in about four days. It's really not that serious. Take you kids to Disney World and have a good time at it. I promise, there is nothing that can be taught it four days of high school that can't be made up.

I soooooo agree with you!!!!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Thanks again, everyone, for your input. My teens are too distressed about the timing of those four days to take the chance on missing them. It's hard on all of us; we used to take them out for a week during off-season when they were younger, but high school changes everything ... trust me. I'm now considering going when school is out in June, and have started a thread on that topic. But boy, we really can't take a lot of heat/humidity, not to mention those summer crowds. So don't know if we will or not. But thanks again for taking the time to post.

The key to good summer visits is to leave during the hottest part of the day, go back to your hotel and swim, nap, or whatever floats your boat that's cool, and then go back, have dinner and finish off the day at a park.

Of course, I live in Houston. Heat to me is second nature. It's the cold that gets us! Have you ever seen us on the news when we get iced over? I'm sure it's comical to those in colder climates.

 

[mrslane]

I'm a HS teacher. I don't have the power to excuse absences, but I never mind making alternative assignments for students traveling with family for most any reason - especially WDW! We are on the A/B schedule so 4 days is equal to missing 2 classes. I also agree that in the long run, a family trip is more important than a few days at school. Losing a parent too early puts that into perspective.

I had a student who's father would un-enroll his kid and re-enroll the kid to avoid the absences. The kid was an A student and did not want his record blemished. Not my advice, but perhaps an alternative? (No flames, please.)

I really love that you are listening to your kids about how they feel about missing class. My students start school tomorrow and this was so nice to hear.

Thank you!

 

[reefnut]

go on vacation.....how much will they really miss in 4 days. ive been out of school for some time now but i cant see how they would fall that far behind if you went. someone else here said do it while you can because all to soon enough the kids will be grown up living their own lives and time will really be limited then