Help me decide

[Blythep]

First let me say that this is for December 2005.
Second let me say that our oldest son has never missed a day of school (9th Grade).

That said, how much more worth it is to go the week after Thanksgiving or first week of Christmas and take them out of school. This is going to be our gifts to each other, so there won't be gifts under the tree. I am stuggling with taking them out of school since he has never missed but really would like to "enjoy" our trip and am scared that if we go during the week of Christmas we really won't enjoy it because of the crowd.

We are also going to take a 3-night cruise in the middle of our stay. Please advice!!


Thanks,

 

[jjsmom]

Taking kids out of school is always a very hot topic on the boards and everyone has an opinion. It's up to each individual family to decide whether or not their kids are adjusted enough to understand what is expected by the teachers/parents, etc. I think most kids do just fine. I know our daughter does; we've taken her out every Jan and/or Feb since she was in pre- school (she enters 8th grade this year). Most likely, you will first have to check your school's family vacation policy and then run it by his teachers. Some school districts do not excuse family vacations (can you imagine such a thing?).

Don't worry... you WILL enjoy your trip and your son will be just fine. I understand your concerns about the Christmas Vacation. I've never been myself, but I've heard from my inlaws (they spend winter there) that the crowds are unbelievable.

Merry Christmas!!

 

[swilphil]

I used to teach 9th grade, and I would say a big factor would be when your school has final exams. (I'm assuming he's going to be in 9th grade at the time of the trip.) If they are after Christmas break, it is probably no problem either time. I would think the week after Thanksgiving would be better, but you probably should talk to your son about it. Your son may not want to miss school for a week. Some schools do perfect attendance awards, and that may or may not be important to him.

Also make sure you notify your son's teachers several weeks ahead of time and remind them again a week or so before hand. He may need to work on big projects or papers. That way he doesn't have to do homework during the trip. If there are exams, the teachers will need to prepare them so he can take them before he leaves, especially if it is the end of the term.