How much notice?

[irish dancer]

Let me first say I'm not looking to start a discussion of "if" you should take your child out of school for WDW.

For those that have taken their kids out of school, how far in advance did you notify the teacher?

We have a suprise trip planned 10/4-12, I don't want to tell them too early and possibly have the suprise ruined but I do want to give them enough notice. They don't give homework in advance so I don't need to worry about that.

 

[sherreis]

I'm interested in hearing what everyone answers you. We're leaving 10/15 for our surprise trip. Right now, we're planning on telling the teachers around 10/1.

 

[Kim1964]

Our middle school has a policy that written notice be given two weeks prior to the trip. You may want to check whether your school has a policy about it (I was surprised ours did).

 

[karliebug]

Most schools have some kind of vacation policy, ours is 2 weeks in advance and it is approved by the principal. Check your child's student handbook or call the school office now. It usually isn't a problem, but you want to make sure you do it properly.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

We too take or kids out of school for vacation. The surprise part makes it more difficult. I will be telling my kids teachers at open house, then reminding them two weeks out. We have not had a problem, hope this year goes smoothly as well. I would say to give them two weeks warning, but just tell them that it is a surprise. I am sure they will be very understanding and keep it quiet. Your vacation comes up quickly in the school year anyway, so even if you told them righ away, it wouldn't be that much sooner. We surprised our kids once, but because we go at Thanksgiving, we just told them we were heading to grandma and grandpa's for a few extra days. Have a fun vacation...

 

[pikafreaks]

Were going Oct 5th -- 11th ~

And I just picked up the forms today.

Were really lucky that our schools really embrace family time~

 

[clori]

I'm taking dd out the week of MLK so I"ll probably mention it shortly after winter break. While I'll have no real issues since it is common at dd's school the teacher's reaction might be interesting. The first week of school the teacher mentioned that they have a doll that if they are traveling would love to go with the kids and have her picture taken. However she also told the kids that the doll can't go to Disney World since she has been there way too many times. Maybe I'll ask her about the 3 night Disney cruise that is part of the trip just to see what she says.

 

[nov02mom]

I told my sons teacher when she called the week before school started. thank goodness- she's a HUGE WDW fan!!

 

[MommyBryn]

We've ALWAYS gone during the school year (right after we get back in from Christmas vacation) because we're a farming family and it's the only time possible. Anyway, when I was in school I'd just let my teachers know about a week ahead, and my brother and sister did/still do the same. It's always worked out fine, teachers almost always just say, "Okay, I'll get your work together" or something along those lines.

 

[irish dancer]

Thanks everyone for your input. I checked handbooks, DDs school doesn't specifically state a required amount of notice but DSs school requires one week. I think I'll give two weeks notice though.

Keeping my fingers crossed that all will be received well, I'm not expecting a problem though.

32 days!!

 

[idieh]

We go every year for DHs birthday which is Oct 3rd. I inform the teacher around Sept 25th and ask for all the work DS is going to be missing. He does the work throughout vacation - on the plane, delayed at airport, etc and hands it in when we return. He is an honor roll student and we never have had an issue with the school - thankfully. We are going this year Oct 2nd - Oct 10th with the Illuminations cruise booked for the 4th....

 

[dis75ney]

We're going at the same time you are, OP!

We told DS's teacher last week during curriculum night that we would be taking him out in October. I told the teacher earlier than I normally would have because DS's teacher is actually a substitute for a teacher who is on maternity leave (and will be returning the day we come back!). I figured that the more notice the better in this case, since the sub will have to communicate with the regular teacher as far as make-up work goes...

 

[EnchantedPrincess]

My dd's school district has a policy of at least three weeks notice.

 

[bigbabyblues]

DS' teacher asked for at least a week's notice at orientation. That will give her time to get things ready to send with him or whatever.

She was very open to the idea, and said she didn't send a lot of work because they were going on vacation to spend time with their family, not do a bunch of math problems.

 

[Mckys#1Fan]

When we went in Sept. 2006 (Sept. 16th-21st). We took our 3 kids out of school for 5 days. One was a Senior, 4th grade and Pre-k4. I told the school administration during the first week of school(around August 9). In our school system, if you are going to miss more than 3 days for a vacation, you have to have it approved by the school Superintendent. I fill out the form, and he returned it in just a few days "approved". No questions asked!! He must be a MICKEY FAN too We are going again in November only this time we are on fall break I can't wait...

 

[daisyduck123]

Hi! 1st grade teacher here

I like 1 week's notice. Anything more than that is just not necessary.

 

[MO Nurse]

My kids school require 2 weeks. Last year when I took them out I let all the teachers know 2 1/2 weeks in advance. Some teachers gave assignments and others didn't.

 

[pmama]

I just gave notice to my daughter's 2nd grade teacher today. We are leaving next Wednesday. So that's one week + one day notice. She knew we were going some time this fall but I had not told her when exactly or how long. When I told her my daughter would miss 7 days of school she seemed a little mad. (And she is a pretty perky lady). I still am feeling bad this evening.

 

[holly7347]

Most schools have some kind of vacation policy, ours is 2 weeks in advance and it is approved by the principal. Check your child's student handbook or call the school office now. It usually isn't a problem, but you want to make sure you do it properly.

DD's school policy is family vacations during the school year can be avoided and will NOT be excused. So I don't plan on giving much notice. Everything is paid for and we are going no matter what. I just rather not deal with grief from the principal when I'm trying to deal with last minute trip stuff. We are only taking DD out of school fo one day the day before fall break. The day she will miss falls on a Wednesday so I'm thinking of telling them that Monday.

 

[mommytoone]

We are leaving on Sept 12th and I told the teacher/principal on Aug 26th, first day of school. I think it would depend on the schools policy, you might want to check with the principal.