Missing school ... how much notice to give?

[alleghator]

My husband is a college professor, and as lowest-man on the totem pole, he has to teach during winter term and summers. Suffice it to say, I greatly value my children's education and understand the inconvenience for both the teacher and the students involved (I am a full-time substitute teacher, myself) ... but we have chosen to plan our children's first Disney World trip during my husband's Spring Break, March 2006. My children will be missing school (4-yr old preschool for my son, 1st grade for my daughter).

How far in advance should we tell their teachers? I was thinking of mentioning it in my usual introductory letter at the start of the year, but am wondering if that's a bit premature. I don't want it to color the teachers' opinions of my children or just be irritating ("March? Why is she telling me this, now?").

For those of you who have taken your children out of school for a week trip to Disney World ... how far in advance did you notify your children's teachers, and what arrangements were made for make-up work, etc.?

--Heidi

 

[tinaluis]

I agree with you about not letting the teacher know too soon. I try to let the teacher know in person, usually at a Parent/Teacher Conference or Open House, but I have also sent a letter with my girls as well. I usually let them know about 1 month before the vacation and then send in a reminder the week before we leave. As far as making up work, I state in the letter that my DDs will make up whatever work is allowed and I will personally see to it that they complete all assignments. All of their teachers, so far, have been very positive. Good luck!

 

[angel's momma]

Our school district has a policy for this & it's written in our school handbook. Our's is very lenient, but I've read that some schools are very strict, so you should check.

I did the same as tinaluis, told the teacher a month before, then sent the required notes to teacher & principal a week before. For our school, make up work is due the day the student returns to school.

 

[crazymomof4]

Our district's attendance policy requires that notice be given to the principal and the teacher(s) two weeks in advance. Since we will be leaving on Sept 13th I will be mailing my notification letters to the school office even before our school sessions begin. I just want to make sure that my post marks show I sent them 2 weeks before the trip.

Actually, this policy seems odd given that it is AGAINST school policy to send work with a vacationing student........they get the make-up work when they arrive home. So, it's not like the teachers need 2 weeks to assemble the work packet for the student before they leave.

 

[kidzmom3]

your lucky your school will even let you have a work packet. At our school they will not let you make up any missed work.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

I would mention it in person the first meeting that you happen to have with each teacher after the Christmas holiday. I would then send a letter about two weeks before the trip reminding them that your child will be absent during the chosen dates. I would ask in the 1st graders letter that any make-up work that they wish your child to do be sent home as early as possible. Reasure the teacher that you will make sure that your child takes care of any work and that you will reinforce any new concepts indroduced during the trip. When we took DS out in 1st grade, his teacher said forget the work and have fun. That has been pretty much the deal every year but one! Be sure you do not ask permission but state very politely the fact your child will be absent. For the preschool child all you would need to do it to let the teacher know that she will be absent. Do realize that your kids will most likely tell the teachers before you do but your notification needs to take place just the same. We have never regreted taking DS out and we plan to do it once last time next year in 7th grade!

Jordans mom