I need to send DSs teacher a letter - there is no meet the teacher for middle school

[imgoingtodisney]

Last year I had the perfect letter when we left for WDW. Any idea what to say when I tell teacher we are leaving on turkey day for a 7night DCL cruise? I always get sooooo nervous

 

[FOJMO]

I will never understand why people are so nervous about communicating with their child's teacher?! What's so hard about writing a letter or, better yet, phoning a teacher -- someone who spends almost all of your child's waking hours with them? They are people like you and I.

Just explain the situation, ask what you and your child can do to make the transition with homework, etc. so that it is the least stressful for your child. Don't wait until the last minute. A teacher, I would imagine, would like as much advance preparation time as possible.

The only thing I can figure that must be making people nervous is that they feel a little guilty about taking their child out of school for a vacation. I have my own viewpoints on that one -- that being that it's just not worth it. Depending on the grade level, it can be very stressful on the child in making up work either before the vacation, during, or after returning from the trip.

And I really don't buy into this "my child is learning more on their vacation than they ever will learn in school." Vacation is vacation -- by virture of the meaning of the word -- a break from your work/school schedule. Just as you tell your boss ahead of time in the work world, and arrange your work duties for your absence, you need to address school the same way.

Go ahead and call/write the teacher(s) and just deal with it. There should be no apprehension in approaching them -- believe me, I'm sure they're quite used to it (and some of them deal with it too, if they're parents).

Have fun!

 

[Rikersmom]

I'd be sure to stress in your letter the importance of families spending time together. If I were teaching, I'd appreciate knowing that my student was missing school for that reason. Schoolwork can be made up, but family time is very precious.

Whenever this topic comes up, you'll hear from folks who would NEVER take their children out of school. You'll also hear from folks who put little importance on school attendance.

Since you have already made the decision, I suggest that you let the teacher know your plans as soon as possible. Be sure to ask for his/her help in making sure that your child is not penalized for missed classes.

 

[goofysgirl]

I called all three schools asking to speak with the principals. I was told by the office staff to just write a note to each principal and to the team leaders. I have one in elementary, one in middle, and one in High school. All three of my girls are good students. I asked for as much work in advance as possible. The rest they will make up after the trip. All the Principals and Teachers have been very co-operative. I just let them know yesterday and we sail on 10-5. I have taken my kids out of school two years in a row, and we have not seen any adverse effects.
Relax and enjoy! Family time is minimal at the least. You should be able to vacation stress free and return to that pile of e-mail, unanswered voice mails, and the kids can go back to their makeup assignments.