missing first week of school?

[NTDreams]

We sometimes have to resort to this because of the job our DH's have. Really do you have any experience with being a military family when you do then you can feel free to run your mouth on a topic you know nothing of. I am a teacher and a military wife and I think pulling them out for a week is fine We are actually having to do the same thing in order for us to take a family vacation. My DH will training all summer for a Deployment and their block leave will be in the fall. So our vacation will be in October. I spoke to her principle about it and she was very accommodating. She also stated that she knows how precious our time is together with all the deployments and actually encourages our Disney trip. I am not teaching right now so that was not an issue. It is the first week school and I am sure your child will be able to get right back into the swing of things when he/she returns.


Wanted to add my DD goes to a very strict Catholic school where attendance is taken very seriously.

Umm Catholic Schools are a joke in my area. Maybe they have high standing in yours but here they are looked at as where kids who can't fit into mainstream go. ALSO YOU CAN NOT compare the rules of a "Catholic School" to those of a public. Catholic Schools don't have to answer to anyone. They don't even follow a standard curriculum...I'll stop there before I get into trouble.
All I'm saying is that she should talk to the school. From reading previous post that is what most in this "military" life have done. Which is the right thing to do: Speak to the school. It"s not asking permission, it's just showing respect'
I understand everyone's pride in the military. I just don't understand why you feel the need to insult me and my beliefs/feelings to not support that lifestyle or "career" choice? Just because I don't find it honorable? Do you really think I'm the only one in this country to feel like this? The sacrifices these families make are too much for a war that will not profit anyone, because DEATH is a loss no matter who is dying. People are fighting a war that is based on lies. They have signed up for it because the governments agenda, via the media, made them believe that there was a threat. A threat that wasn't really there. It does sadden me that people are ok with having to see their families leave and not know if they come back and for what? And thus have to put on this brave face and WORAH mantra. I would never allow my husband to do that to my family. There are some dreams I would never support. Oil? Money? Ghost weapons of war? When people in this country are dying every day, losing their homes, not able to afford heath care? By fighting there we are losing bigger wars here. To me THAT is the war military should be concerned with and nothing else.

Stepping of my soapbox.

 

[Cindy F]

......... Teachers don't even have to be certified or have more than a BA.

That's pretty frightening. No master's? Hmmm, I didn't know that.

...... That statement shows such an utter lack of respect for the school and the people that work there. ......To take a child out of school the first week makes an impression while teachers will say ohh it's ok, it's in the back of their mind.

As a teacher I would say there is no excuse. There are two Winter Breaks and Spring Break. Age and grade matters greatly too but, in my eyes it's just bad form. Would you be ok with a teacher missing the first week of school just because of their spouses military schedule? I never quite understood parents who felt the need to take their kids out for separate vacation periods?

Then go without him and take a different one when he gets back. Go during the holidays or Feb. break, Easter or Spring Break. There are literally about 3 other weeks after Aug. that one could choose to go on vacation. It shows a lack of respect for education. Unless the principal and teacher gives you the ok, I wouldn't do it.

All of your quotes make it seem as though the school teacher's feelings/thoughts/opinions should be made priority before the family's feelings/thoughts/opinions? I'm sorry but that just seems silly to me.

 

[jeepsrj]

don't you know you can't take out the first week....don't you know that's obviously when they teach EVERYTHING, and if you miss the EVERYTHING week there is no catching up...

COme on people it's a week if even that long...not sure exactly how long the OPs kids will miss but it's the first week, if they miss routines..i'm sure that can be easily picked up..they can learn it from other kids....I promise they will not teach EVERYTHING the first week of school....they will be fine...go have fun take advantage of spending the time with your family you get...Disney is a Magical Place....take advantage of it....

 

[NTDreams]

That's pretty frightening. No master's? Hmmm, I didn't know that.


No it is a fact. While prep schools will not hire a teacher with anything less than a Master's it is a wide know fact, at least here in MA, that Catholic schools pay lousy and get many first year teachers because you don't need a Masters OR certification. Take a look at some school want ads





All of your quotes make it seem as though the school teacher's feelings/thoughts/opinions should be made priority before the family's feelings/thoughts/opinions? I'm sorry but that just seems silly to me.

Are teachers not people? It just seems disrespectful not to at least mention it. I never said don't go. I just said I wouldn't go. Nor would I go without talking to the teacher first as a sign of respect. At least to say hey I understand that you have been working hard the last two weeks on lesson plans, setting up the room and professional development and I understand that that is important and so is the first week but here is our situation. Is there anything I can do to make John's entry into class late go smoother? It's not about priority at all.

 

[michael's mom]

I disagree with this. I too am a teacher in MA and while some Catholic schools may be a "joke", not all are. Many have waitlists to get in because families are looking for an alternative to the strict education requirements (intense testing environments that IMO are borderline child abuse). There are many people in our society that have come from a Catholic school upbringing that are doing quite fine. That being said, I am a public school teacher!

I don't understand why you have continued to post anti-military posts if you didn't want people to insult you. Whether you agree with the war or not, that is not the issue. This thread was about a family who is unable to vacation while school is not in session due to a fathers military obligations. Maybe you have forgotten the tears you shed 7 1/2 years ago when our country was attacked...but it is very possible that because of those tears, OP's husband joined the military to keep you safe!

You should completely expect to be insulted as long as you continue to make this thread a place for you to voice your political views (and insult the lives of these families along with questioning their priorities on education) rather than offering an opinion on whether or not OP should take her children out of school for the first week...a simple, "as a teacher, I don't think it's a good idea" would have sufficed!!!

 

[mommy*RN]

Umm Catholic Schools are a joke in my area. Maybe they have high standing in yours but here they are looked at as where kids who can't fit into mainstream go. ALSO YOU CAN NOT compare the rules of a "Catholic School" to those of a public. Catholic Schools don't have to answer to anyone. They don't even follow a standard curriculum...I'll stop there before I get into trouble.
All I'm saying is that she should talk to the school. From reading previous post that is what most in this "military" life have done. Which is the right thing to do: Speak to the school. It"s not asking permission, it's just showing respect'
I understand everyone's pride in the military. I just don't understand why you feel the need to insult me and my beliefs/feelings to not support that lifestyle or "career" choice? Just because I don't find it honorable? Do you really think I'm the only one in this country to feel like this? The sacrifices these families make are too much for a war that will not profit anyone, because DEATH is a loss no matter who is dying. People are fighting a war that is based on lies. They have signed up for it because the governments agenda, via the media, made them believe that there was a threat. A threat that wasn't really there. It does sadden me that people are ok with having to see their families leave and not know if they come back and for what? And thus have to put on this brave face and WORAH mantra. I would never allow my husband to do that to my family. There are some dreams I would never support. Oil? Money? Ghost weapons of war? When people in this country are dying every day, losing their homes, not able to afford heath care? By fighting there we are losing bigger wars here. To me THAT is the war military should be concerned with and nothing else.

Stepping of my soapbox.

Really?? Did I dream 9/11 then??

You've opened yourself up for insults by your attempts to demoralize the men and women who serve our country. I really don't think you can complain that people are biting back.

 

[hmdavid]

Umm Catholic Schools are a joke in my area. Maybe they have high standing in yours but here they are looked at as where kids who can't fit into mainstream go. ALSO YOU CAN NOT compare the rules of a "Catholic School" to those of a public. Catholic Schools don't have to answer to anyone. They don't even follow a standard curriculum...I'll stop there before I get into trouble.
All I'm saying is that she should talk to the school. From reading previous post that is what most in this "military" life have done. Which is the right thing to do: Speak to the school. It"s not asking permission, it's just showing respect'
I understand everyone's pride in the military. I just don't understand why you feel the need to insult me and my beliefs/feelings to not support that lifestyle or "career" choice? Just because I don't find it honorable? Do you really think I'm the only one in this country to feel like this? The sacrifices these families make are too much for a war that will not profit anyone, because DEATH is a loss no matter who is dying. People are fighting a war that is based on lies. They have signed up for it because the governments agenda, via the media, made them believe that there was a threat. A threat that wasn't really there. It does sadden me that people are ok with having to see their families leave and not know if they come back and for what? And thus have to put on this brave face and WORAH mantra. I would never allow my husband to do that to my family. There are some dreams I would never support. Oil? Money? Ghost weapons of war? When people in this country are dying every day, losing their homes, not able to afford heath care? By fighting there we are losing bigger wars here. To me THAT is the war military should be concerned with and nothing else.

Stepping of my soapbox.

First off, it is not like any of our husbands said "I think I would like to leave my family and fight a war half way around the world, be away from my family for over a year at a time and receive very little respect from many of teh people I sacrifice to defend". It is their job and they have orders to do it. Do you think that we enjoy saying good-bye to our husbands (or wives) knowing that they might not come back. Watching them say good-bye to our children? It is the hardest thing in the world to do but we do it because THIS is our life and yes, it is right and honorable. We love our country as much as the service member and it is the scrifice that WE are willing to make. It is because of these people that you look down upon that you even have the RIGHT to say such things.

 

[michael's mom]

Are teachers not people? It just seems disrespectful not to at least mention it. I never said don't go. I just said I wouldn't go. Nor would I go without talking to the teacher first as a sign of respect. At least to say hey I understand that you have been working hard the last two weeks on lesson plans, setting up the room and professional development and I understand that that is important and so is the first week but here is our situation. Is there anything I can do to make John's entry into class late go smoother? It's not about priority at all.

In most public school districts in MA you don't need a Master's to teach. That is a state license requirement and teachers can have up to 15 years to receive this degree.

Do you feel equally put out and insulted when a child develops an sickness and is out of school for a week. Things happen, life gets in the way, and I feel sorry for you if you get this upset when one of your students is out of school because there are far more important things in life to be concerned about. OP never said she wouldn't contact the school.

 

[mommyof3rookies]

Umm Catholic Schools are a joke in my area. Maybe they have high standing in yours but here they are looked at as where kids who can't fit into mainstream go. ALSO YOU CAN NOT compare the rules of a "Catholic School" to those of a public. Catholic Schools don't have to answer to anyone. They don't even follow a standard curriculum...I'll stop there before I get into trouble.
All I'm saying is that she should talk to the school. From reading previous post that is what most in this "military" life have done. Which is the right thing to do: Speak to the school. It"s not asking permission, it's just showing respect'
I understand everyone's pride in the military. I just don't understand why you feel the need to insult me and my beliefs/feelings to not support that lifestyle or "career" choice? Just because I don't find it honorable? Do you really think I'm the only one in this country to feel like this? The sacrifices these families make are too much for a war that will not profit anyone, because DEATH is a loss no matter who is dying. People are fighting a war that is based on lies. They have signed up for it because the governments agenda, via the media, made them believe that there was a threat. A threat that wasn't really there. It does sadden me that people are ok with having to see their families leave and not know if they come back and for what? And thus have to put on this brave face and WORAH mantra. I would never allow my husband to do that to my family. There are some dreams I would never support. Oil? Money? Ghost weapons of war? When people in this country are dying every day, losing their homes, not able to afford heath care? By fighting there we are losing bigger wars here. To me THAT is the war military should be concerned with and nothing else.

Stepping of my soapbox.

OK are you saying we are in Afghanistan for oil, money or whatever crap you spewed from your KEYBOARD. That's right, I call your bluff, you wouldn't have the guts to say this to any military member or his/her family to their face, and why do you think that is, because you know the reaction you would get. You wouldn't say that face to face to most of America. Oh I believe there are people like you out there, but I'm glad my children don't know that people like you exist. You expect us to sit back while you spew hatred for our loved ones and spit in our childrens faces, the very children you have sworn to teach. I have an answer to your military problem, I will buy you a first class ticket to anywhere out of the United States, your choice, but choose carefully because you will not find another military that will protect like ours will, you will not find military members that would still fight for your right to spew hatred at them like ours will. Don't come into this thread trying to get us to feel sorry for you because you are being PICKED ON because of your "beliefs" when your beliefs are nothing short of bitterness and insensitivity! You tried to make your point, now move on!!!!

 

[NTDreams]

I disagree with this. I too am a teacher in MA and while some Catholic schools may be a "joke", not all are. Many have waitlists to get in because families are looking for an alternative to the strict education requirements (intense testing environments that IMO are borderline child abuse). There are many people in our society that have come from a Catholic school upbringing that are doing quite fine. That being said, I am a public school teacher!

I don't understand why you have continued to post anti-military posts if you didn't want people to insult you. Whether you agree with the war or not, that is not the issue. This thread was about a family who is unable to vacation while school is not in session due to a fathers military obligations. Maybe you have forgotten the tears you shed 7 1/2 years ago when our country was attacked...but it is very possible that because of those tears, OP's husband joined the military to keep you safe!

You should completely expect to be insulted as long as you continue to make this thread a place for you to voice your political views (and insult the lives of these families along with questioning their priorities on education) rather than offering an opinion on whether or not OP should take her children out of school for the first week...a simple, "as a teacher, I don't think it's a good idea" would have sufficed!!!

I'm from NYC. Lived there for 23 years. I cried for the loss of lives but I understand why it was done. It was a bad situation for ALL parties. Violence should not lead to more violence. I keep me safe, no one else. I did state the last line but, was then ridiculed because someone thought my opinion was based only on the fact that the family was military. Thus I felt the need to defend and explain myself but, I will stop posting here.

 

[Leajess99]

Okay - so we were planning our family vacation trip for when my hubby gets back from Aug 2nd through the 13th. Well now he just found out that he is supposed to have three weeks of training starting july 28th. His paperwork (military) says it ends about sept 10. That's not three weeks - three weeks would be 18th. The kids start school on aug 21st (a friday) and DH wants to take vacation after the 18th. He says they don't learn anything that first week anyway. I am against this, but now I've had to cancel our previous vacation and I don't know when to rebook it. Any time before august is out. DH will be in school. I just don't know what to do! Kids get to know their classmtes and their teachers etc during this first week and I would hate for them to miss the first three days because we tried to fit in a long awaited and much needed vacation.

Not sure where you live but do you have a Fall break? The kids here have a Fall Break and it is the first week of October so that is when most head off on vacations.

 

[michael's mom]

 

[mommyof3rookies]

I'm from NYC. Lived there for 23 years. I cried for the loss of lives but I understand why it was done. It was a bad situation for ALL parties. Violence should not lead to more violence. I keep me safe, no one else. I did state the last line but, was then ridiculed because someone thought my opinion was based only on the fact that the family was military. Thus I felt the need to defend and explain myself but, I will stop posting here.

Should you feel the need to post anti-military on this thread again, you better put your big girl panties on, because my sleeves are rolled up and I'm ready to STRESS my point!!! Read my tag line and have some respect!!!

 

[hmdavid]

I'm from NYC. Lived there for 23 years. I cried for the loss of lives but I understand why it was done. It was a bad situation for ALL parties. Violence should not lead to more violence. I keep me safe, no one else. I did state the last line but, was then ridiculed because someone thought my opinion was based only on the fact that the family was military. Thus I felt the need to defend and explain myself but, I will stop posting here.

Seriously? You understand why it was done? That is why most of our militray fights... because they DON'T understand why it was done. My husband was in the military before 9/11, but it is a large part of why he CHOSE to stay in. I have read your recent posts, you have been a busy bee. Posting all over the boards about the military, terminal children, Catholics, low income terrorists. And my favorite, the plea to the mods about getting nasty PM's. You are right, you definitely need to stop posting!

 

[michael's mom]

Seriously? You understand why it was done? That is why most of our militray fights... because they DON'T understand why it was done. My husband was in the military before 9/11, but it is a large part of why he CHOSE to stay in. I have read your recent posts, you have been a busy bee. Posting all over the boards about the military, terminal children, Catholics, low income terrorists. And my favorite, the plea to the mods about getting nasty PM's. You are right, you definitely need to stop posting!

Soooooo completely off topic Heather but I just realized what your avatar was.....I LOVE IT!!!!!

 

[mommy*RN]

I feel for those of you in Boston -- she could be teaching YOUR children. I'm just glad this is on a forum and I don't have to try and explain that opinion to my kids. For now -- we respect our military, wave our flag proudly and have a big old yellow ribbon tied around our tree.

ETA: Back to you OP - Please take your vacation...let the school know you will be gone...and just enjoy your family and your vacation. God Bless!

 

[hmdavid]

Soooooo completely off topic Heather but I just realized what your avatar was.....I LOVE IT!!!!!

A bright spot in what has turned into an ugly thread!!! They are getting me through the deployment!

 

[michael's mom]

A bright spot in what has turned into an ugly thread!!! They are getting me through the deployment!

I saw them twice last fall and would go back again and again. I just had to mention it because I was getting very incensed here! How did you make that your avatar...


Sorry for changing the opening topic posters, NKOTB just makes me get giddy!

 

[Leajess99]

As a teacher I would say there is no excuse. There are two Winter Breaks and Spring Break. Age and grade matters greatly too but, in my eyes it's just bad form. Would you be ok with a teacher missing the first week of school just because of their spouses military schedule? I never quite understood parents who felt the need to take their kids out for separate vacation periods?

Hmmmmmm, we only have 1 Winter break and one spring break but we also have a fall break since we do year around school. As for taking kids out, things happen and we had to take my kids out due to the death of my uncle so we extended our stay up in Michigan to see the other side of my family as well. My kids did fine catching up.

As for teachers missing school, it is not just a vacation in which they may miss school. My oldest daughter's teacher last year missed almost a month of school as she had to go out of town for her daughter. Very few people are actually at school every single day for a school year. I know several teachers who are married to military and some have taken vacation for their military spouse. There is a reason they have subs.

 

[surfergirl602]

Thank you everyone for your support and truthful opinions, it means a great deal to me. And thank you to all of those that have PM'ed me as well. I truly feel supported here on the DIS.

I've read all the different replies, and I agree with all of you that say those first few days are critical! We are in Oklahoma, Ft. Sill, which is huge - so most, if not all, of the schools in the area are military oriented. I talked to my DH tonight, and finally got him to see my point of view (for once, lol). School starts on friday august 21st, so we'll see if we can schedule to leave (we're driving) the thursday after, and they will be missing a week of school. I asked about Labor Day weekend, but Labor Day is on the 7th this year, and DH starts at his new unit on september 10th. It will be cutting it very close, and he doesn't want to risk it.

The very first day of school I will be sending in a note about them being absent, and will be keeping a journal of each day, etc. The did that the last time we went.

Dh won't be here during the limited school breaks that OK has, so this is really the only time we have to go. We're just waiting to confirm dates so I can start planning again. So stressful!!!

I am not worried about them missing school because they really won't be deep into anything at that point and they are smart kids.

I'm really surprised that this thread hasn't been closed yet! ha ha ha