How do all you DVC Members handle school?

[beattyfamily]

If December is the most popular time for DVC members and many seem to stay for a week or more, how do you handle taking your children out of school?

Or are many DVC members childless?

I'm already stressing about this and my DD's are in 1st grade and Pre-k (we had our trip last October for this school year).

This year, in December, DD will be taken out of 2nd grade and next year in Oct/Nov she'll be taken out of 3rd grade. I'm feeling tremendous stress and guilt now that she's older.

How do you all handle it? Or do lots of you going during school vacations and summer? I read a post here, though, stating that DVC'ers don't like the summer that much so thats why it has good availability.

Her 1st grade teachers were very understanding, but I'm afraid at the beginning of each school year having to tell her teachers our plans for fear of getting yelled at!

Am I going to have to switch to school vacations or the end of August? I hope NOT!

And another thing, since we need to plan 11 months out sometimes, how can we plan around busy times of the school year like test times? I see some posts where the parents say they book their vacation around tests....I haven't got a clue when a school test would be 11 months out!

Thanks for sharing your experiences and listening!

 

[vbfamily]

We experienced some guilt last year when we took our son out of school for 2 weeks. We were assured by his teacher that is was completely okay.

Once we returned, all guilt vanished. He learned so much while on vacation and didn't miss much.

I would plan your vacations when you want to go-I know different school districts have different policies but do what you think is best.

We are taking our son out for a week and a half this May and then another 2 weeks next October-don't feel bad about it at all. Don't let the school district run your life, plan as you normally would.

Sometimes schools test at certain times of the year, everyone here in Michigan is getting ready to take the MEAP. If you can find out when your school tests maybe you could plan around it.

IMHO, vacations only help to add to a child's educational experience and make that child happy. Happy kids are more eager to learn.

DO NOT FEEL ANY GUILT.

My son is going to need a vacation next year, our school board is cutting $4 million from the budget and there are going to be huge classes and a lot of unhappy people and overworked teachers.

 

[DVC'96]

Hi!
We've been doing our Disney trips in Nov and my 2 kids have had no problem making up the work until last Nov. They were in 3rd and 5th grade and the older one just had an overwhelming amount of work. We went to the parks late several times and she spent several weekends when we got home finishing things and her grades did fall some that marking period.
So this year we are going the week before Christmas. It's supposed to be less crowded than the Christmas-New years period. They might miss a day at the beginning of the week, but they will only be missing parties and such.
I think when people say to plan around tests they are talking about the standardized testing most schools do the same time every year and things like mid terms and final exams. Your kids are probably too youg to be taking those things yet. I try to check the school calendar for the month I want to be away the next year to see what the different grades have going on those weeks.
If your kids are really into sports, that my come into play too. They sometimes can't miss any practices if they want to play.

I'd also like to know when other DVC'ers plan their trips to accomodate their kids schedules.

 

[CarolMN]

Our daughter is almost 22 and in college now, so we seldom travel together anymore. It's great to finally be able to travel to WDW during non peak times. When our daughter was younger, we scheduled vacation during the times she was not in school (breaks or summer vacation). We did not take her out of school as we believe school is very important. Yes, that meant we traveled to WDW during some of the peak times, but we had a good time together anyway and it was very clear to our daughter that her education was important to us. Vacations can also be educational and good experiences for children, but they are just as educational if they occur on school breaks as they are during the school year.

 

[melk]

We're in the same boat as you. We took our kids out for a week this year and the teacher was very understanding and cooperative. But we know you can't count on a teacher like that every year. I'm already feeling a little guilt about taking them out next October for a week. I even called the school to see if they already knew if any standardized tests were scheduled for that week and they acted as if I was nuts (sorry, but I am doing my best so the kids don't miss anything that can't be made up). For now, while they're in grade school we will probably continue to take them out. If we find that it becomes too much then we will probably switch our vacation time to the last two weeks in August. It's not ideal, but we'll handle it as a year-by-year thing. The way I look at it, school is just one part of their lives. Being part of a family that actually spends time together (and enjoys it), is a much larger part of their lives.

 

[beattyfamily]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I've already learned quite a bit.

I just wanted to mention that I think even if you do take your children out of school for a family vacation to avoid excessive crowds or heat or for whatever scheduling reasons, that you can still instill in your children how important school is. Leaving it for one week a year for family time, IMHO, does not tell your children school isn't important.

MELK, that is probably how I'll handle it. Year-by-year and see how it goes.

That's another good question...for those of your DVCers who don't take your children out, when is the best time to go then to avoid massive crowds? I was thinking end of August??

 

[sheryl0521]

Our older son (9) is in 4th grade and we have been taking him out for a few days in Nov. and usually a full week in May since he started school. This has been the first school year that I have noticed a strain on his grades and work. So we think this will be the last year we will be taking vacations outside the normal school breaks/vacations with him.

I don't think a day or two of missed school is too traumatic, but a full week or longer will make a difference for him.

Everyone is different and don't feel guilty. As long as we have been in communication with all his teachers, it has gone fine.

Good Luck!

 

[SheriB]

Our first trip, DD was 14 and DS was 10. Not a problem. We went in April, the week before Easter break, so the kids were able to make up their work when we got back. Last year, DD was 15 and in high school. There is no way we could take the kids out of school anymore. They miss too much, it's very stressful for them to make up the work, which is much more diffucult when they get older. Anyone who says it's not a problem I don't think is being fair to their kids. My kids begged us not to take them out of school-it's just too stressful. We went in July (hot!) last year, and are going June this year. We make the best of it. I would prefer to go spring or fall, but it's not in the cards right now. So we'll bear the summer heat for the next few years. Unless we could swing a Christmas or Spring Break trip. However, having put in my 2 cents, I think that when your kids are younger (before they get in middle school), it's not as much of a problem. If the only time you can take a vacation involves taking your kids out of school, I would definitely take them out of school in order to have that family time together.

Sheri

 

[spiceycat]

think about Thanksgiving - this is a nice time to go - after Thanksgiving the resorts are decorated - so you get two holidays.

Thanksgiving - most of the schools get out for 3 days and alot of them get out this entire week - only Wed, Thurs (Thankgiving) and Fri are on the magic season (summer) - the rest of the week is on the choice (Oct) season.

Of course if I am right in my other thought - DVC might soon make this week entirely magic - because of the changes in the school schedules - I hope not. but it might happen.

check with your school system - my nephews recently went on all year - so they now have time off in September - perfect for WDW.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by spiceycat
think about Thanksgiving - this is a nice time to go - after Thanksgiving the resorts are decorated - so you get two holidays.

Thanksgiving - most of the schools get out for 3 days and alot of them get out this entire week - only Wed, Thurs (Thankgiving) and Fri are on the magic season (summer) - the rest of the week is on the choice (Oct) season.

I did think about that but I thought I read that Thanksgiving week is very busy; at least the 4 day weekend is...Maybe I could come back the Friday after Thanksgiving, to avoid the 4 day weekend crowds...is it that bad?

At least then my kids would only be missing 2 1/2 days and probably not much work.

 

[vbfamily]

It definately is easier when the children are younger. Our kids do know how important education is and have learned so much from our vacations.

I think it is really an individual decision. We are fortunate to have a great kindergartener who learns quickly.

We feel comfortable with our decision but I know there are children in his school who should not be gone for 2 weeks at a time.

beattyfamily:
You said you were feeling a little guilty-Just feeling that way shows that you do care, you care about your child's education and about family time, etc. Feel good about that because that is what makes good students and good familes.

 

[spiceycat]

the people who I have send at that time - seem to like it - I have no complaints (even my brother - who hates crowds) - but they get up early and see everything before the parks get crowded -

it depends upon what you are comparing this too - if summer or spring break or christmas break - they are not crowded - if September or January -yes.

correction - only the September days when the schools are not taking their students there. September in Epcot can be very crowded because of the schools.

 

[ErinC]

Beatty Family,
We are suffering with the same decisions as you. I booked us for the first week of December 2003, not knowing what kind of response I will get from DD's 7 school next year. I've heard that this principal can be difficult about family vacations. My DH will be attending a large conference for our family business while we are there, I plan to include that in my letter to her teacher. I will not lie about our trip plans, it is a vacation for us. My parents are going with us to help me with our children while DH is doing business. One point that I read on the family board was to only go as high as you need to. I plan to address my letter to her teacher, if she chooses to pass it to higher up's that's fine. DD will be in 2nd grade next year, I've decided that I don't think they can do anything to her that will severely affect her grades for life! You just have to do what you think is right for your family. I'm having a new baby in 5-6 weeks, so a trip this summer would be out of the question for us. My parents haven't been to Disney since about '89 so we are all very excited about the trip, so I've just decided I'm not going to worry about the school thing for now. In the future, we may have to re-evaluate taking them out of school when they get older. If we have to resort to school breaks, I'm going to look for ones that are unique to our school system. For instance we get 2 days off for Mardi Gras every year usually in Feb. That would mean just a few days missed instead of a week. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Sharper]

The teacher and school can legitimately refuse to allow your child to make up work missed for a vacation. The rationale is that it would be chaotic if everyone just chose to take vacation and attend/not attend school when they felt like it. I think if there was some "once in a lifetime" trip offered during school that I would be willing to discuss the matter with her school and teachers, but otherwise it just isn't appropriate. And planning to do it every year? I expect that you feel guilty because you recognize that it isn't the best way to handle the situation.

When my oldest was in first and second grade I kept her out, but even that second year it was uncomfortable. I think she felt odd missing the time, the teacher, while nice, probably was a bit offended, and there was some awkwardness about making up work. My daughter is an EXCELLENT student, so while I was not concerned that she would get behind in her learning, I decided then and there not to use school time for vacations.

That daughter is in high school now, and I have another in elementary school. It really isn't that bad to work around school breaks, and we do have some choice as there are several school holidays other than summer. Perhaps two shorter trips rather than one long one would work? Going right after school breaks for the summer or just before it starts back? During Thanksgiving, Christmas or some other significant break during the year? Planning trips without worrying about missing school is nice, and well worth balancing any potential crowd or heat concerns. It has definitely worked for us. Good luck!!

 

[Candace]

I took mine out a few times when they were in elementary, but not for long trips. I am a school counselor, and I see from this side of the coin what it does to the kids and teachers alike. Remember that you own this until 2042, and they will not be in school forever. While they are still in school, look at some of the other vacation times, not just the summer, Christmas, etc. I just got back (without kids) from WDW. I get two personal days a year along with my sick days, so I combined my personal days with my long MLK holiday weekend and had a nice WDW trip. This was a low-point time, it was not hot (cold actually on two days), not crowded, not stressful at all, so it made for a really nice trip. The older your children get the harder it will be on them to miss school. HTH

 

[luvdvc95]

Our kids are now DS26 and DD22. We have been going to Disney since 1983 and always during summer vacation until the last few years. We never thought of it as an option to go on any vacation during the school year. Now that the kids are grown and starting their own families (DD is a teacher)we will be back to summer vacations to Disney. However DH and I go by ourselves at least one other time during year usually early spring.

I think you need to do what is best for your family. My DH always took vacation time in the summer, but for some people that is their busy season and can only take vacation during the school year.

I have worked in the school system over the years and saw kids whose parents were so busy making a living that they didn't have time to make a life. Family time is very important to me and if it means taking your kids out of school then so be it. Don't get me wrong education in school is very important (my kids are proof of that) but so is the education (family values) we give our children at home. We need to take a good look at our family as a whole and decide what is right for us.

Look at what the schools are telling you. They are NOT saying you CAN'T take your child out of school. They are saying you CAN take your child out of school and these are the consequences. You need to decide for your family if it is worth it or not. This is a very personal decision not one that can be debated here.

Okay I'm done.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by Sharper
And planning to do it every year? I expect that you feel guilty because you recognize that it isn't the best way to handle the situation.

I am doing it for the next 2 years while my older DD is in 2nd and 3rd grade, but yesterday when I was figuring out the points I'll be using it dawned on me that I won't be doing it probably after next year. That she'll miss too much. I also know how hard it was for me when she was in Kindergarten and 1st grade to tell her teachers (the guilt and fear I felt)!

I definitely am NOT talking about High School. I know how difficult that is thanks to other parents here and from my own memory. I'm talking about the next 2 years. Then when should I go after that? Thanksgiving week seems a good alternative...

I was just wondering what other DVC parents do since DVCers tend to go to WDW more often or for longer periods of time and they tend to like December (as I do too!)

Thanks again, so much for all the great replies for and against it!

I will NOT do it every year till my kids graduate and that's why I made this post!

 

[Sharper]

Just this week our school system approved the calendar for the 2003-2004 school year. From this I can see every holiday, the end of terms (so I know when semester tests will be), as well as the exact start and end date for school. Most schools get a fall and/or spring break, and since these vary across the country that might be a good time to go (unless your school breaks at Easter, which is not a great time!) Also, if your school breaks early or starts late then consider those times as late May and late August/early September are good times to visit.

Again, PLEASE don't think that I think you are a terrible mom for considering having your children miss any school. BTDT. I might still consider missing a day in conjunction with a vacation, but personally would only do it once I knew the situation -- for instance my oldest has a block schedule and if we left at noon on Friday, instead of Saturday morning, she would only miss lunch/study and the class in which she has a very strong A. If it meant almost another full day on vacation and she was comfortable with it then we would do it. To be honest, I just enjoy our vacations better once I didn't have to worry about the consequences of taking kids out of school. And I can definitely say that we are having wonderful times on these trips!

 

[ClarabelleCow]

WE are taking our 5th grader out for 2 weeks this Apri/May for a family vacation in the Caribbean, this will probably be the last year we do two weeks. She is a great student, but two weeks is a long time, I am already feeling guilty about taking her out for that amount of time. But we will see, maybe she will go home with her grandparents on the second tuesday and only miss a full week and then 2 days, as it gets closer I will speak to the teacher, but figured why do it now, who knows how the teacher will feel.

 

[WDWMom]

We are fortunate to live in a school system that encourages family vactions at about any time. We have three children DD (6th grade),DS (2nd Grade),DS (first Grade). We have taken at least one family vacation for the last 5 yrs to Disney, twice we have gone 2 times in one school year. Each time was for a week. We were always given a folder of "homework" to do with each child which while was sometimes difficult whilke on vacation always got done. The airports and plane rides were great places for this.

Here, however, is the kicker. We would always travel in either Nov, or March during Conference Week. Parent teacher conferences are conducted twice a year and the students have only 4 half days and Friday off. This was actually suggested to us by a faculty member. We asked our DD teacher about it, and she said that as long as we could make ourselves available for our daughters conference in either the week before or week after regularly scheduled conferences - No Problem. We actually told her we could meet at her convenience either before or after school. She actually appreciated this because having 28 individual conferences in one week is tough. this gave her a chance to spread them out a little. She mentioned that it was fairly common to receive such requests.

Since that time we have discovered that this is a huge week for people in our area to go on vacation. More than once we have met people we know at Disney during these weeks. Last year we enjoyed the company of two of our neighbors at Disney. Our kids had a wonderful time playiong together at BB.

This may not be a solution for everyone, but for us it works well. The only problem is that now that DD is older the upper grades only have one conference week in Nov. So our March trips are in jeopardy. I can't see pulling her out in March for a week like we used to even though she is an excellent student..