missing school for DL trip

[albianne]

My dd is in grade 8 and will be missing 1 week of school for our DL trip in Nov., My dd is an honour roll student and will easily catch up on any regular assignments she misses. My question is, do I notify the teachers a couple of weeks ahead and ask for homework ahead of time?
In the past we have done this and my dd ends up with tons of homework only to find out when she returns to school that none of her classmates had similar assignments or anywhere near the same amount of work. It's like they are being spiteful or just trying to discourage missing school.
On the other hand if I don't notify them ahead of time and she truly misses out on a test or something important, it will be our own fault.
Has anyone found a diplomatic way of notifying the teachers without ruffling feathers LOL
My dh is self employed and we must take holidays whenever we can squeeze them in during slow periods and unfortunately most regular school holidays are during our busiest times. I would love to hear what other parents do and also from any teachers out there.

 

[azlaura]

I am a teacher and I may get slammed here but, go and have fun and she can make up what needs to be made up when she gets back. I know when I have students out that I tell them have a great time and I can't wait to hear about your trip. Once they return I give them the missing assignments and time to get them finished and turned in. Sometimes when you ask for work up front the teacher may not have all the lessons done so you may get work that won't be done in class due to changes in the lesson plans, that is why I give the actual work they missed when they get back!
I would let the teacher know she is going to be out a couple of days before your trip so that the teacher is aware and can keep the assignments organized for your daughter for when she returns.

 

[psimon]

Every year, the NJ teachers hold their annual convention on either the first or second Thursday/Friday of November. Every year, we have gone to WDW that week. Monday was usually a whole day amd T/W was half days. This year they changed it so all three are whole days.

Anyway, every year, about a month prior to going, I would send the teachers email that the kids would be out for the three days and to tell us what they would be missing. A week prior, I would contact the teachers again, and specifically ask for the material they would miss so the kids would keep up. All were very cooperative and provided what needed to be covered. On the flight down and back as well as a couple of hours during the week homework was done. I didn't ask permission, I just did it! The kids did just fine and all was well.

Remember the adage, if you don't want the answer, don't ask the question!

Go, have a good time. Ask for the work to go with you and all will be well!

---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[samkj]

I agree. Another family at our school tried to do it the "correct" way by informing the school ahead of time. Aparently by law the teachers must give 6 HOURS of homework per day for these absences!! The teacher just told them to go have fun and worry about the make up work when you get back.


The last thing you want to worry about at Disneyland is homework!

Amy

 

[sierranevada]

This is the third year that we will be taking my son out of school for the last school week in December to go to Disneyland. In our district, if we notify them ahead of time, the teacher can prepare independent study if the absence is 5 days or more. My doing this, the school still gets the daily per student monies from the state and my son keeps up with his school work. We set aside about an hour a day to do the work - he knows that it is part of the deal for missing school to go on vacation. We have not had a problem with the teacher piling on the homework - they have all said have a great time. In fact, last year, the teacher had him do a daily journal of what his favorite thing was that day at Disneyland. Now he is only in fourth grade so it may get tougher at the higher levels.

 

[cinderella_bella]

I also take my kids out of school when I want to. If I get hit by a mac truck after vacation I will know they have memories of me not school. Although I value education and they take it seriously once a year for a week or two isn't going to kill them. I am planning on telling my children's teachers when they will be missing and make it their call as to whether they will give it before or after. I figure whatever is easiest for the teacher. Have fun.

Tania

 

[quartz7]

Hi,

We took our daughter out for 2 weeks last year to go to WDW! She was in 4th grade. I fretted and fretted over this for months. Should I or shouldn't I? That was the daily question. I stressed myself out.

Don't fret about it! Be respectful of your teacher. Give them enough time to organize. I even offered to come in and help get my daughters homework ready before we left. It all worked out, fretted for nothing.

I would go and talk to them now and ask them. If they want you to come back and get the homework closer to your departure time, great, now you know. Or they will tell you to just wait till you guys get back. Either way you will have an answer to your questions.


Just remember to be honest, chances are you won't ruffle feathers this way.
Goodluck and keep us informed!!

Janelle