missing first week of school?

[Cindy F]

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.

Sure they are but mentioning it is not the same as asking permission (which is what you stated before). Why would someone say all of that about lesson plans and yada, yada? If I were a teacher and someone said that to me I would probably laugh and think there was something wrong with them.
I would probably just say "Little Johnny won't be here the first week of school, he's going out of town with family... can I set up an appointment with you for the week after we get home?"

 

[hmdavid]

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!

I saw them last fall and will be seeing them this spring! LOVE IT!!! For the avatar, I just saved the photo to my computer then loaded it on photobucket. Use the code for the smallest as the link for your link for your avatar.

Now back to our regularly scheduled progrmming...

 

[chisnpeke]

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








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.

She's twisted.

 

[michael's mom]

Sounds like you have a great plan...now, once you have the dates, you can have a blast planning! I know it's still 6+ months away, but I want to wish you a GREAT TIME!

Thank you to your DH and your family.

p.s. I thought for sure this thread would have been shut down too )

 

[mommy*RN]

Sure they are but mentioning it is not the same as asking permission (which is what you stated before). Why would someone say all of that about lesson plans and yada, yada? If I were a teacher and someone said that to me I would probably laugh and think there was something wrong with them.
I would probably just say "Little Johnny won't be here the first week of school, he's going out of town with family... can I set up an appointment with you for the week after we get home?"

That is exactly what I would do too. I'm not ever going to ask a teacher for "permission" unless it pertains to something in the classroom...or if I want to borrow her car or something. I agree they would probably think I was a bit touched in the head if I wrote and note saying, "My family would like to plan a trip to Disney for xx/xx - xx/xx but before we book and plan our itinerary we would like your permission to plan this trip since Little Bobby won't be in class."

Too bad my DS will be in a different grade when we go next. I think his current teacher would get a huge kick out of a note like that.

 

[Leajess99]

Is it possible to talk to the teacher and the principal ahead of time if you do take the kids out of school the first week? Being that ya'll are army I'm sure you live in a military town. I know here that the schools are very good about working with the parents. I know because of R&R and block leave and the kids are out here and there and everywhere with schedules all over the place but the schools do understand. I would talk with the school and ask their advice. Just ignore the people that are being ugly and unhelpful. You know as well as I do they do it get attention.

We actually had one principal turn a student in for truancy for missing 5 days of school. The school board in Hardin County, Ky only gave 1 day for a child to miss school to spend with their deploying or returning parent. I think that has since changed as a big stink was made. The little girl's dad was back on R&R and took her to NC to see his family (parents were divorced). Some military areas still have morons in control. We now have a new Superintendent as well since the last one.

 

[hmdavid]

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

I wish you all the best of luck and thank you for what you do! I hope that you have a GREAT trip... I think we will be there at the same time! We are hoping to be there 8/28-9/5... It all depends on when he actually gets R&R! You know about the great military discounts, right?

 

[dogodisney]

It's a shame that a thread about taking your children out of school for a week for vacation has turned into having to defend the military.


OP, have you talked to the school? I know our school system has special provisions for military families to spend time together. They are allowed 5 days a year and are excused absenses.

 

[surfergirl602]

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!

Very very true. My husband joined the military to give our children a better life, after 9/11. He gave us free health care, dental, that health care now pays for my child's special needs dr's and surgeries for her facial hemangioma. He worked his butt off six nights a week to get his college degree in three years, then was specially selected for officer school and is now in charge of his own troops and their well-being. Without the military and the home that they give us to live in, we would probably be in bad shape! With this economy and the state that we came from, I know for certain that my husband would not have a job right now. Sure, we make great sacrifices but to see the pride on my husband's face makes it all worthwhile. he's my hero and the love of my life and I will be at his side no matter what.

 

[surfergirl602]

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!!!

I love your tag line. I think I want to steal it. lol

 

[Leajess99]

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.

Just curious but do you not know how many of these soldiers were serving BEFORE Bush took office?? I served BEFORE this war as I followed in my father's footsteps and had it not been for illness/injury I may still have been serving now. Many chose to start serving AFTER we were attacked but many more were already serving. The new enlistees are many who have lost their jobs and need to have a dependable job to support their families. You really should be thankful for these men and women to protect the freedoms you are so used to.

 

[Leajess99]

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!!!!

I so have to wonder if she isn't a member of that crazy church in Topeka, Ks. Such hate by such cowards.

 

[surfergirl602]

I wish you all the best of luck and thank you for what you do! I hope that you have a GREAT trip... I think we will be there at the same time! We are hoping to be there 8/28-9/5... It all depends on when he actually gets R&R! You know about the great military discounts, right?

Yep - that is the reason we decided to plan this one, going all out and staying at AKL and doing the dining plan (woah, watch out now!) We won't do airfare - it's just way too expensive to fly now! Gas would be so much cheaper. We are getting our tickets from ITR and also want to use hero's salute for Busch gardens and sea world.

That would be awesome if we were there at the same time. Where are you planning on staying? Our youngest DD (we have three) just turned two yesterday so she will enjoy it more, I think. She was 14 months old last time and slept the entire vacation away, I remember!

 

[WDWTigger72]

Have a wonderful time on your vacation!!! When I was a little kid my mom wouldn't hesitate with taking me out of school for the week as she is the parent not the school. Back then, She would just meet with the teacher and gather any assignments which I would have to do either on the plane ride down or at night when returning to the hotel. Removing me from school for a week never impacted my school work, and I even graduated from college with a bachelors degree, imagine that. I know there are different expectations nowadays with perfect attendance, but I think its ridiculous as nobody is perfect. There are also other teachers on the disboards and I don't want to come off the wrong way and disrespect them, and I know plenty of teachers that not only get their three weeks vacation (Christmas, February and Spring) but also the entire summer off. The reality is that most people only get 2, 3 or 4 weeks vacation every year and they make every attempt to take full advantage of it, even if that means pulling their children out of school.

Welcome to Boston!!! Being more conservative I have the opportunity to deal with this type of thinking almost every day. I have many family members who fought and served in WWII, Vietnam and Desert Storm. I have the utmost respect for our military and wish that everybody's loved ones will come home safely. The reality is not everybody will get along regardless of the reason our country has to go to war, and there are always brave souls that are willing to put there lives on the line whether they agree with the reason or not.

 

[mommy*RN]

I so have to wonder if she isn't a member of that crazy church in Topeka, Ks. Such hate by such cowards.

Me thinks she was/is a . Especially when I meandered over to the community board and saw she posted another anti military thread. Thankfully it was locked pretty quickly.

Back to !

 

[srwarden1928]

I have been reading this thread with the intention of not responding, but now I believe I must respond to a post that was somewhat off the original topic.

Before I hijack the thread I want to say to the OP: I am a teacher and believe strongly in education. If you were to ask my advice on whether to take your children out of school for the trip my answer would be depending on the age of the children. Elementary--go and have a good time. Middle--questionable but maybe for a VERY strong student. High school--BAD idea. I once had a student who missed eight days out of the first three weeks of school. Her absences were excused, and she was allowed to make up the work. She was so far behind that she failed the course. We are on block, so our courses are a semester each. Whatever my beliefs, yours, or anyone elses, it is important to check the rules for excusing absences in the school districts. The rules vary greatly. Many districts will have no problem, but if yours does, you may want to rethink your decision to violate their rules.

I think everyone owes your DH and all his colleagues a great deal of thanks for their service to our country. I personally would not choose military life for myself, but I am grateful to those who do, as the military is what preserves the freedoms we enjoy in this country.

I would never allow my husband to do that to my family.

The above quote is from NTDreams. I dont know how to link it properly.

However this infuriates me. I am married, and my DW means the world to me. I discuss matters with her that affect her significantly and many that do not. I value her opinion. However, if she ever dared to say that she wouldnt ALLOW me to do something there is a good chance that it would be done. I dont need or get her permission to live my life, and she does not need or get my permission to live hers. We discuss issues out of mutual respect for each other. If she had been the type to make such commanding statements, that mutual respect would have been sorely damaged. I am thankful not to be married to this poster and feel sorry for her DH assuming she has one at this time. I will likely stop reading this thread, so flame away--I dont expect to see it.

 

[hmdavid]

Yep - that is the reason we decided to plan this one, going all out and staying at AKL and doing the dining plan (woah, watch out now!) We won't do airfare - it's just way too expensive to fly now! Gas would be so much cheaper. We are getting our tickets from ITR and also want to use hero's salute for Busch gardens and sea world.

That would be awesome if we were there at the same time. Where are you planning on staying? Our youngest DD (we have three) just turned two yesterday so she will enjoy it more, I think. She was 14 months old last time and slept the entire vacation away, I remember!

You will LOVE the dining plan! We did free dining last fall and it was awesome! Not sure where we will be staying. I need to get a little more confirmation on R&R dates before I book, wherever they have availability for the militray rate. We also have three girls! I don't think I will tell them about the trip this time... if I can possibly keep it a secret until then!

 

[mommyof3rookies]

I love your tag line. I think I want to steal it. lol

Take it, it's yours. You def. deserve it after this whole fiasco

 

[N&B'smom]

While I think you should definitely notify the school if you plan a vacation during school time, you do NOT need to ask permission. They are YOUR children and you get to decide if/when you will take a vacation.

We take our kids out of school every year for a vacation (gasp! I know apparently that's very disrespectful) but I think family time is VERY important. You never know what the future holds and we need to grab onto these moments with our families while we can.

I also want to say a big thank you to all of you who have military family members, I have SO much respect for them and fully grasp how much they sacrifice just to keep all of us safe. THANK YOU!!!!

 

[purplepaint]

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.

Well here they are very hard to get into and have exceptional reputations. They are also accredited by the state so they must follow the same rules on attendance as the public schools and all teachers must be certified by the state. I am sure my daughter would fit jut well into the mainstream public school seeing as she is a first grader who is reading on a 4th grade level and she is by no means special since the majority of the school reads anywhere between 3-4 grade levels higher. In fact she came from the public school system . It is funny how you are so opinionated on a subject where you have very little knowledge of it . I mean you have no experience as a military family and aren’t you like tutor or substitute not even a certified full time teacher?