Missing School for WDW

[murcor]

I know that this has been discussed many times here on the boards, but I wanted to get Canadians opinions of taking your kids out of school. Do you think that it is okay to let your kids miss school and if so how many days is too many?

I've always believed that it was okay but now that my kids are getting ready to start school in the fall, I am getting nervous about it.

Everything is already booked and paid for a wdw vacation in Jan 2006 from the 1st - 12th. Looking at the school calendar, my calculations, they will miss 8 days of school.....Yikes

Feeling Guilty in Nova Scotia

Angela

 

[mbb]

We've taken our two out of school for the last 2 years, and will continue to do so, as long as it is ok for our children

If homework/cirriculum demands become too great, well, we'll re-evaluate at that time.

This year, we went to WDW for 3 weeks..they missed 14 days total (one snow day)...and they were fine. Their teachers were great, and rather than do the traditional "homework packet", the boys had to journal every day...and mommy made them do all the activities on all the Kids menus they got...crosswords, matching, dot the dot...you name it

They each picked a country in Epcot - both decided on China this year...and they did a "presentation" for their class when we got home.

Grade one rocks!!LOL!

Our school administration is very supportive of us doing this...and I hope that they will continue to be

HTH!

 

[Tiger926]

This is always a hard question for me to answer seeing as I love Disney World, and am a teacher. I'm confused as to why you are asking this question based on the fact that: 1) You already booked & paid for vacation, meaning you have already made your decision 2) Why didn't you look at school calendar before you made your final arrangements? 8 days of missed school is a lot of time to make-up.

That being said, the first thing is that you need to look at their ages/grade level to determine how much work they would miss, more specifically, would they be in the middle of a critical unit, provincial testing (that's not the case for your timeframe), just as an example. Also, it takes a lot of work as teachers to prepare packages for students who miss school for vacation, seeing as how this is right during Christmas break time, that would mean that things would have to be prepared before break, which is a very busy time in our schools. As well, when students return, teachers have to take extra time (that we frankly do not have much of!) to catch the student up, and review everything that has been missed.

That being said, I know that it's much cheaper to travel at this time of year - most of us teachers wish we could as well, so if this is a factor in your family decision to travel at this time, then that is a very valid reason. I don't advocate taking kids out of school as I know how important school is, but I do know that family circumstances sometimes dictate it at times- vacation time, special family reunions, etc... You as the parent have the final decision, but you need to remember, that you must also have reasonable expectations for what is prepared for your child, as well as your child's return to school. As well, please don't make it a regular habit as missing school is disruptive to the class, as well as teaches your children that it's an acceptable activity.

I hope I didn't confuse you more, but I always find that there are several variables that go into a family making the decision to pull kids from school for vacation time. Generally, it's not something that we condone because of the reasons mentioned (as well as some others that I don't have to time to delve into at the moment).

Good luck with your decision, Tiger

 

[declansdad]

I have never been a big advocate for taking kids out of school for a vacation. They have a lot of time off as it is.

That being said I think each situation needs to be looked at seperately. If you children can afford to miss the time (make sure to talk with the teacher), it may be ok or if your family situation is forcing you to only travel at certain times, then it should be looked at as well.

I know this sounds wishy washy but I don't think one decision can cover every situation. My wife will laugh at this because I have always said that I don't agree with taking the children out of school.

 

[maryliz]

Hi there. I might be off-base here, but I read your post that your kids are pretty little. Am I correct? We've taken our kids out of school for up to 2 weeks, and have never had a problem. But keep in mind, my oldest is only in grade 2 at this point. But we're going for 2 weeks in October, DD will be in grade 3 (but not during provincial testing timeframes), and DS will only be in SK -- so definitely a non-issue for him IMHO. My DD will be starting a new school in the fall, so guess what the conversation with the new teacher will be upon my first time meeting him/her The sad part is that this new teacher will know nothing about my DD, nor her abilities. I have always kept the notion that I don't expect the teacher to have the work ahead of time. If they did, that would be great. This Jan, I only asked that the teacher keep a folder of all of the worksheets she gave the class over the 8 days we were gone. My DD did most of the catch-up in class after our return. She only had a few nights where she was doing extra work.

She also journalled, and had to present it to the class. I think that I will suggest the "pick a country" idea, and let my DD put together a presentation for her class this fall. Since we went just after XMAS this year, I also made my DD read an "extra" book over the holidays and do an extra book report. This was MY idea, not the teachers, and DD was less than impressed with me.

But my idea was also to show her teacher that I certainly did recognize the importance of schoolwork, and to teach my kids that it is a privilege to go on vacation during the school year, and that doing the extra report was a price to pay for that privilege.

YOU know your kids abilities. I know that as the curriculum gets more intense, I will have to stop these trips during the school year. But until it becomes too much for my kids to handle, I will continue to do so.

Go, have a great trip!

Mary-Liz

 

[murcor]

Yes MaryLiz, you are right, they will just be starting school in the fall.

 

[maryliz]

Yes MaryLiz, you are right, they will just be starting school in the fall.

Definitely NO worries then! Our JK/SK teacher didn't even want the kids to do pictures to show the class. She taught both my kids so we've taken them out of her class at least 3 times, and each time, it was simply "go, have a great time"!

MaryLiz

 

[nibab4]

I was going to post the same question, go figure!!!

We are also taking the kids (DS10 & DD13) out of school to go to WDW for 10 days. They will only miss 5 school days. We are there the week before the long weekend in may and the kids get an extra day because the teachers have a PD day scheduled. We choose these dates because it's more convenient for DH at work.
I know teachers put in a lot of work and this can be an inconvenience but don't most have there curriculum planed at least a week in advance? Could'nt they give this work to our kids the week before we leave and they can do the grading at the same time they do the rest of the class. We are leaving on a Sunday I thought my kids could do some work Saturday. My DD has no problem at school I know she won't suffer my DS on the other hand will have to make an real effort when we get back.!!!
This is a once in a lifetime trip for us there is no turning back now. I hope we don't regret our decision.

 

[digskat]

I'm with Maryliz on this one too. My kids were in Gr 2 French Immersion and SK when we went in Nov/04. We are planning on going in Oct of this year and they'll be in GR 3 and Gr1 French Immersion. Just check with the teachers a couple of weeks before hand and ask them if they can do up a little package of work for them. We drove so the kids did them in the car. We kinda have to go during school year. I'm an RPT RN at our local hospital and my Hubbie is a Correctional Officer. So during certain times of the year it is considered prime time and usually only few are allowed off at a time and it goes by senority and I'm near the bottom in that department. I'm hoping I will get the FT position I just applied for and then I'll get paid vacation!! I say take the kids to see the mouse they are only little once. TTFN Kat

 

[DisFan2]

At the risk of upsetting the teachers on the boards, I recall that when the teacher's held their strike in Ontario several years back, they were out for at least a couple of weeks. When they returned to the classroom, the school year wasn't extended.

 

[calena]

We have taken our kids out of school every year. DH is a landscape contractor and summers are pretty impossible for him to take a break. My boss always takes March Break since his wife is a teacher so I can't leave then and that pretty well leaves the rest of the school year.
My kids are still young, 10,8,4, and do well in school, so that makes it possible to take them out for a week or two. I do discuss it with the teacher, but also explain this is our option as a family. I have NEVER had an argument about this from the teacher and none has ever sent any work on the trip. The kids just make it up when they get back.
The teachers usually say going on a trip is a great educational experience for the kids, and I agree! I also love for us to spend time as a family away from their friends/activities. I think the kids really bond more then.
The one thing I don't like my daughter to miss is her skating though, so I think this may change our outlook a bit on our winter holidays while she is in skating! Perhaps only a week and then trying to combine it with a PA day or so... that is my thinking for next year at least!

 

[tink&cinderella]

Hi

We're leaving for WDW tonight and I have taken my daugther out of her grade 1 class. She will be going back on April 25, 2005 - almost 3 1/2 weeks of school.

We advised the school including the principal at the beginning of the school year as we had the Disney Cruise booked and were aware when we would be going. We asked the teacher for all the homework assignements and yes as a grade one she has homework every day. She worked ahead and has her homework done until we come back. She also completed a project ahead of time that the rest of the class will be getting in April and has all her spelling words that she will be working on while we are away.

She will be reading everyday, writing a journal and will be learning a lot as we are driving and hope to teach her more about geography. She'll be learning about different countries - ie: Cozumel, Grand Caymen and as a bonus her favourite park after MK is Epcot.

So I have no issues with taking her out of class. Last year she missed 2 weeks and also did work on the trip. It is an added benefit that she reads much beyond grade level (grade3) and is at an A- A plus level in everything. Her absence will not affect her grades (so her teacher has informed me).

She is very excited about the trip and is as we speak working on her math sheets that her teacher has given her to work on while away.

Take Care

Tink&Cinderella

 

[ottawamom]

My DS's are 12,10,8 and we have pulled them out of school every year the first week in June to go to the beach in Maine. Sometimes I tell the teachers ahead of time sometimes not. The boys make up the work they missed in one or two nights after they get back. I usuually try to plan our trips when the workload is low ( they usually have a play-day that week). This year we are going to WDW the first week in May. Its Education Week in our school board and once again there are out of class activities on throughout the week so they will miss very little actual class work. I rarely ever take a homework packet with us. Afterall this is my holiday too! We just go and have fun and deal with the work when we get home ( afterall isn't that what we parents do at work ) Personally I think people over think this whole issue. ITS ONLY A WEEK! Live a little

 

[CharlesTD]

We have no problems taking the kids out for a 2 week vacation to WDW.

 

[mulanrouge]

My DH and I are both self-employed. I am a wedding planner and basically when everyone else has holidays (summer, long weekends, X-mas & New Years) I have weddings booked. My DH's business basically keeps him busy every single day from the end of March to the beginning of October. We are pulling our kids (DS - 9 and in Grade 4) and (DD - 5 starting Kindergarten) out for two weeks at the end of October and Early November. I have tried to plan it around times when I know they will miss the least. They attend Catholic school, so they get Faith Day off and that is usually combined with a Professional Day, as well as Rememberance day will be in there too!! So I am thinking that will be 3 school days they will not be missing. It is the only time our family can ever take a vacation. As it is, this will be our first vacation in 2 years. It had been 5 years before that when our last vacation had taken place. We are doing what we think is best for our family. I will talk to the school prior, and see what I can work out, but we can not continue to go on without a vacation every year. If DS has problems when we get back (he shouldn't he has a B average) we will hire a tutor to help get him caught up.

 

[KerriMc]

I too agree that a trip is an educational experience in a child's life. They learn many things while travelling. I am a teacher in Junior and Senior Kindergarten, and I would LOVE to take holidays at a cheaper and quieter time with my own kids, but alas that will never happen. I see so few kids that every go anywhere, and I think they are really missing out on some great life experiences.

In kindergarten, it is hard to give work ahead as many of our lessons are more hands-on based. Journals are great and telling the rest of the class all about it is beneficial for everyone!

Have a great time!

Kerri

 

[Katdb]

Honestly, I think it depends more on the child and parents than their actual age. I missed a week and a half of Gr 12 to go on a Disney cruise.

Yes, I had people say that it was a lot to miss (my highschool worked on a semester system) but I worked ahead before we left and brought homework with me so that I was actually ahead when I came back to school (my Calculus teacher didn't plan his lessons ahead of time, so I simply worked through every question in the textbook instead of only the ones he assigned).

If your children are willing to do the extra work (either ahead or in catch-up) and you are willing to ensure that the work is done, then I say go for it no matter how old the 'children' are (I for one will be a 21 'grown-up-child' on my birthday trip to WDW in June!).

Have a great trip!

Katdb

 

[Abba98]

Well,speaking from the point of view of a Nova Scotia teacher,I can't imagine anything more educational than a trip to WDW.Rather than sitting in a primary class for a few hours a day,think of the education they will receive in Disney....
For me,this question is an easy one,I am 100% behind your decision to go,and January is a great time.
Have an excellent time!You and your kids will love it.........Way to go!
-A teacher who knows the educational value of a vacation is way more than a few days spent in the classroom!

 

[MommaBear]

Just checked with my school board website here in Mississauga. They have posted the 2005 / 2006 vacation schedule and the actual Christmas vacation is Dec. 26th thru to Jan 7th. Due to Christmas Day happening on a Sunday they actually are taking the first full week in January off here in Mississauga so maybe if your board is doing the same you children will actually only miss 3 days.

Also, if they are young it won't hurt to take them out for a long period. It's when they hit high school you might run into problems.

 

[Tiger926]

I've already chimed in with my opinion as a parent, teacher and WDW lover, but here goes again based on all of the responses so far! In response to someone mentioning teacher strikes, I am a teacher who doesn't believe that we should strike, so any missed days, I agree should be given back to students, but I am in the minority unfortunately with that line of thinking. Along the same lines, it upsets me that most parents don't see it as a big deal to take their elementary level kids out of school for long periods of time as I am guessing you feel that your kids don't learn much in elementary school. Yikes! I am a high school teacher, but I must say, our elementary colleagues work extremely hard each and every day to educate your children as their education is VERY important - even in kindergarten! The last post just made it clear that it's only a big deal in high school - I must say that this is a very upsetting view seeing as how most parents scream bloody murder when we go on strike or have PA Days, but yet, you want to take kids out of school when it's convenient for you - in my opinion, this is hypocritical to say the least!

Lastly, as a big WDW freak, I think we need to be realistic in our view that a WDW world vacation is "educational" to most people. Most people I know don't go for the "educational" aspects at all - so I am commending those of you who have posted as it seems like you really have thought through assignments and such for your kids to do while away. Epcot & Animal Kingdom are the most educational of the bunch, but I hear lots of parents say they skip these parks as their kids find them boring, so realistically, most parents aren't going to WDW for educational purposes, but for leisure. Going to Ottawa or Europe is educational, but I wouldn't necessary lump WDW into the list of educational places to visit. That being said, sharing vacations with family is important, so children who are able to experience the joys of vacationing are very lucky indeed!

Don't want to offend anyone, but as a teacher & parent, I have read a few unsettling opinions in regards to this topic in respect to how important education is. As a teacher I take offence to the fact that some of you have blatantly said that it's no big deal for kids to miss school. In essence you are saying that my job as an educator is no big deal, and that hurts since your children by far spend the majority of their day with my colleagues and I and believe me, despite the fact that it's one of the most difficult & challenging jobs out there, it is also by far one of the most rewarding!

Tiger