Lawful Absence help...

[Minnie's Pal]

Okay, I need some help with this form I am filling out to get my DD absences excused while we are at WDW. I can think of a thousand things that are educational at WDW (Epcot alone could take up a page) but I need some help with wording. Plus, you only have this little space (only big enough to hold a short paragraph.)
The question is: Describe the educational objectives of this absence.
Thanks in advance!

 

[WVMomof3]

There is a sample "School Excuse Letter" at TheMouseForLess.com site. Look under Downloads > Just for Kids > School Excuse Letters

It is a little wordy for a small box but maybe it can give you some help.

 

[Kaiya]

Ever hear of the educational video "Donald in Math Magicland" - it's all about disneyworld/disneyland and the educational value behind everything there! Donald tours you through the grounds and teaches math concepts, budgeting, mechanics, etc....all math related.
Your child could also journal his/her "authentic learning environment" which includes writing and literacy, offer to do a presentation for the class when he/she returns - showing pictures and sharing experiences.
Create a timeline of events
Study maps of WDW, Orlando, etc.

Hope all goes well. I'm sure the lifetime experience and everyday planning for your trip is well worth the time away. Enjoy.

 

[the kabuki]

Was not required by the school to justify absences, but I did find on these boards a link that has downloadable journal pages, some were blank for daily journal, others had specific questions about each park. Think it was a sticky posting on the family boards.
Took them to Kinko's and had them laminated and spiral bound.

After they turned them into the teachers', it made a nice memory book of their vacation.

 

[disneychrista]

Regardless of how "educational" WDW can be some school will not excuse the absence.It is best to know your schools policys on absenses.

I know my school will place the kids on independent study for absenses longer then a week, the only catch is that the kids have to have all work completed upon return. But anything less then that does no qualify for independent study and the absense will be considered unexcused.

 

[fizz13]

I was worried about DD school as they are normally very harsh about authorising absences, so was not expecting miracles for 2 weeks of fun to WDW. I think I wrote how this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for her, that we were staying in timeshare and it had been a gift so the date was non-negotiable and she would be keeping a diary as well as taking extra reading books with her.
I also downloaded the diary pages from the website talked about previously and it really is like a disney workbook! The prinipal was very impressed with all the planning and effort we wre willing to go to, and said she would be delighted to grant permission and could she come too?

I write this not to rub any noses in it but to highlight that miracles can occur, and just try and be creative in your writing. BTW, we did do the diary and DD got alot out of it. She can say something in every language at Epcot and knows about each country.

Good luck, Claire.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

You can use your trip to teach your kids:

1. Budgeting--give them a fixed amount of Disney dollars to spend, and teach them how to budget so they don't blow it all in the first gift shop they walk into.

2. Time management--involve the child in planning your daily itineraries

3. Map reading--teach your child how to use the park maps, and have them get you from one ride to the next

 

[Minnie's Pal]

Thanks for all the tips!
I do know our school system's policy (and have spoken with her teacher.) Provided I complete and turn in the form, her absences will probably be excused. I just want to make sure I DO explain all the educational opportunities I know WILL be there for her. But let's face it, she is 5, has no troubles in school and had only 1 absence (which was excused) all year thus far. If it's not excused, it will not be the end of the world.