Missing school

[disneynewbee]

Just found school policy for south eastern school district in pa where we live and they are allowed 20 excused absences. It says if you are going on a trip you have to fill out a trip form showing how the trip is educational and what the child will be learning and then it will be considered excused. ya I feel so much better.

 

[DisneyDiver]

Originally posted by felixdacat
that darn no child left behind act is what has caused many schools to get real tight about attendance. In our district, scores on tests is the first criteria to "pass" NCLB and the 2nd is
attendance. If you have 7 unexcused absences they call in social workers! The principal also checks to see if you are writing
sick notes for your child on mondays/fridays and may ask for a dr's note if they are frequent.

Our DD just started kindy are we feel forced to start taking
vacation when "everyone else" does.

This is why we took our big trip last may to WDW and DCL

If you live in an area where attendance is not measured for your school, then you probably have more leeway.

sandy

Yikes... your schools in the US sound a bit demented! You can't even get a sick note from the doctor over here, unless you've already been off for a week, as legally, in the UK, you can sign yourself off as ill for 7 days in a row without visiting a doctor.

In addition to the law, at my time at my old school, as long as you had a note from your parents, it was VERY hard for the school to make an issue of a holiday during term time (unless it was over three weeks).

The attitude has changed these days, but there's still nothing they can do if you want to take your child out of school on holiday.

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

Ahh....another thread where someone is seeking affirmation for doing something that is they probably know deep down, is not the right thing to do. No one wants to hear that it isn't really a matter of opinion, its a point of fact. It's truncy and it is illegal.

I really think we need a new forum here on the DIS. We can call it the "DIS Confessional". No dissenting respones allowed. Only replies like the following will be permitted.

- Sure its ok to for your child to miss 5% of the school year so you can go to WDW at a less crowded time.

- Sure its ok to squeeze 6 adults and 3 kids into a room at the AS Movies.

-Sure its ok to shove cardboard in your kids shoes so he can ride Splash Mt.

-Sure its ok for you to use those 2 remaining days on your next door neighbor's brother's 5 day park hopper pass.

-Sure its ok to tell them that your petite 5 year old daughter is only 2 and half.

-Sure its ok that you stay off-site at the Holiday Inn and go swimming at the Grand Floridian pool.

-Sure its ok that you use your DIxie Landings mug from 1987 during this years trip to the Contemporary.

-Sure its ok if your kids use their cousin's annual pass.


I think it's a good idea. People will feel better and it will stop all the bickering on the informational forums.

What do you think?

 

[mrsltg]

Gimme a break. "School" is completely and totally unimportant. Education is what counts, and you can be "educated" without sitting in a classroom.

I will have no qualms, whatsoever, with taking my dd out of school at any time in search of what will be, hands down, a much more enriching and educational experience.

Take your kids out of school. See things that they normally wouldn't see, do things that they normally wouldn't do, and, if you have to, lie about where you've been. They're your kids, not the school systems.

Erin

 

[disneynewbee]

you would see that the reason I am going in off season is for the health of my 2 year old who has had lung surgery and cannot be in the excessive heat that is summer in florida due to doctors orders. Also there are 9 of us on this trip but we have 2 seperate rooms at all star movies and the reason we have five in one room is that one is under 3 and does not count for room capacity. We are not individuals who think we are an exception to rules. Should we never go to disney because my child has a medical condition. You should not be so judgemental when you do not know the facts.

 

[goofy4tink]

We have taken my dd out of school several times over the years. She is now in 5th grade (as of today..yay!!!). But, we've taken two trips to WDW now in August. The heat/humidity has just not agreed with her or me. It literally makes us sick. We did go last Dec and she missed a total of 4 days. She did make up her work when she got back. After our trip two weeks ago I told her that if she got good grades and showed good study skills, I would consider taking her out of class for our next trip.

This whole thing about time in school, being mandated by the state drives me nuts. My nephew, 9, is going to a private school outside of Boston. Now, he doesn't start school until Sept 13 and he gets out of school right after Memorial Day, early June. Seems they don't have to answer to the state. So, does this mean he is getting a substandard education? Don't think so. His two Harvard educated parents certainly won't sit still for that!!! So, if my child is doing well in school, getting good grades, and is prepared to make up her work...why can't she miss 5 days for a family vacation? There are a ton of kids who miss 2-3 days a month due to illness. She has about 3 sick days a year.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by mrsltg
Gimme a break. "School" is completely and totally unimportant. Education is what counts, and you can be "educated" without sitting in a classroom.

I will have no qualms, whatsoever, with taking my dd out of school at any time in search of what will be, hands down, a much more enriching and educational experience.

Take your kids out of school. See things that they normally wouldn't see, do things that they normally wouldn't do, and, if you have to, lie about where you've been. They're your kids, not the school systems.

Erin

I just don't understand this attitude. If you feel this way, why bother to enroll your child in school?

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

My twins missed 4 days of kindergarten last year for a trip to Universal Studios and will miss 3 days for WDW this year. We're going during Veteran's Day this year since they already have 2 days off that week.

Before my kids started preschool DH and I decided that they would not miss school for vacations. Well, never say never because your life can change in 1 phone call.

March 16, 2003 6:15am got a phone call from DMIL that DFIL had collapsed at work and could DH go to the hospital with her. It turned out DFIL had a massive heart attack at work and died instantly. He was only 59. He had an incredible work ethic that DH has inherited, but now he'll never be able to enjoy retirement and his grandchildren. DH has a high stress upper management position and ended up working 6 days/week last summer with his only day off doing our yard work as well as his mothers. Adding to that the neighbors from hell, I couldn't let my children go outside, and we decided that we needed a vacation. So, we took the kids out for Universal and MVMCP. We took DMIL and she had a blast with our then 5 year old twins.

We moved earlier this year, it was either that or get a restraining order against the neighbors. Now that the yard is finally in we planned a trip to WDW in November and are taking DMIL again.

I realized how important my family is and that we need to spend time together. DH job has not allowed him to take a summer vacation for the last 4 years. So, should we not take a vacation? No way! Is my childrens school attendance going to affect their chances of getting into Harvard? Probably not. So, as long as I'm not pulling them out too long that they are having trouble catching up then I'll continue to do so. The time I have with them is precious and there's a little less every day.

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

Originally posted by disneynewbee
you would see that the reason I am going in off season is for the health of my 2 year old who has had lung surgery and cannot be in the excessive heat that is summer in florida due to doctors orders. Also there are 9 of us on this trip but we have 2 seperate rooms at all star movies and the reason we have five in one room is that one is under 3 and does not count for room capacity. We are not individuals who think we are an exception to rules. Should we never go to disney because my child has a medical condition. You should not be so judgemental when you do not know the facts.

Assuming this was a response to my reply...

I did read that your child has a medical condition, and for that I am sorry. I have 2 kids with less severe maladies and I know it is trying. I did not pick up on the fact you had 9 people in two rooms. That was dumb luck. And btw as long as you adhere to the occupancy restrictions, its not the issue.

My point is that replies that start out with "I think" or "IMO" or irrelavent, because its not a matter if someone thinks its ok. The fact is, if it violates the law, its not. Do people do things that are not ok. Sure. Everyday. Every second of every day. Regardles the are still not ok.

If there was a thread that asked "Is it ok if I just take $100 worth of stuff from the Disney Store without paying". And then there was a response that said. "I think thats ok, if you really want it, and you don't have the money." You, me and everyone would think that is the most ludicrous thing ever.

Although stealing in no way compares to skipping school, again thats not my point. My point is, why ask if something that is wrong; is ok?

 

[Madi100]

I've been reading posts like this since I joined the DIS. The people that are completely against taking kids out of school, I believe, fall into one of the following categories:

1. They have no children.
2. They haven't had children at home since about 1980.
3. Their own children are not allowed to miss school so therefore, no other child should be allowed either.

We never missed school. NEVER. If we did because we were sick, we had to be in bed. If you are sick you are too sick to do anything. So, we are not following in the footsteps of our parents. In January of 2003 we decided we were going to go to go to WDW in January of 2004. So we start planning. We knew good and well that DD would have to miss days of school from kindergarten. We didn't think it was a big deal because she had been reading since she was 4, and she could probably not only missing a week of kindergarten but a year, and she could come back and not show any ill effects. Well, that's exactly what happened, she went to K-orientation, and they decided she wouldn't learn a single thing in kindergarten, and they put her in 1st grade. Then I was concerned out our trip. So, we talked to her teacher at conferences well prepared for the lecture that we would receive. Didn't happen. Her reply was a very enthusiast "GREAT" She was so excited for us and told us how important family vacations are. She had no make-up work, just had to write in a journal everyday.

We have a great school. It is small. I believe our school has children, not numbers for revenue. And, I believe that makes all of the difference in the world. We take our vacations in the Fall/Winter for completely selfish reasons. I don't like the extreme heat or crowds. Not going to take a vacation around either if I can help it.

 

[I_Know_You2!]

M100, you forgot the parents who just feel it is necessary to follow all rules all the time. Regardless as to whether they are the best rules for any given circumstance! There sure are some anal people around.

BTW, not nec. speaking of anyone in this thread. I've just seen a lot of arguments for and against!

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by Madi100
I've been reading posts like this since I joined the DIS. The people that are completely against taking kids out of school, I believe, fall into one of the following categories:

1. They have no children.
2. They haven't had children at home since about 1980.
3. Their own children are not allowed to miss school so therefore, no other child should be allowed either.

I don't fall into any of these categories.

I'm sure if I couldn't take time off when my son was out of school, I'd feel differently. I just can't imagine pulling my son out of school just to save money on a vacation.

I'd save money on the trip, we'd have a great vacation, and my son would end up with Ds and Fs in all of his classes. My son's school will not allow them to make up missed classwork and homework if you're out for a vacation.

If I take the trip during school break, it'll cost me more money, we'd have a great vacation, and my son's grades won't suffer.

For us it boils down to what's more important, money or my son's grades? It doesn't matter if we go value season or peak season, we'll still have a great time.

I'd like to see schools excuse those families that have to take vacations during the school year due to work schedules or health issues. Those that what to go just because should have to deal with the consequences.

 

[Madi100]

Originally posted by I_Know_You2!
M100, you forgot the parents who just feel it is necessary to follow all rules all the time. Regardless as to whether they are the best rules for any given circumstance! There sure are some anal people around.

BTW, not nec. speaking of anyone in this thread. I've just seen a lot of arguments for and against!

I guess it's not about rules. A lot schools let children leave for vacations. There would be no breaking rules there. Obviously, if our school had a rule that we couldn't take her out of school, we wouldn't.

 

[Madi100]

Originally posted by disneyjunkie
I don't fall into any of these categories.

I'm sure if I couldn't take time off when my son was out of school, I'd feel differently. I just can't imagine pulling my son out of school just to save money on a vacation.

I'd save money on the trip, we'd have a great vacation, and my son would end up with Ds and Fs in all of his classes. My son's school will not allow them to make up missed classwork and homework if you're out for a vacation.

If I take the trip during school break, it'll cost me more money, we'd have a great vacation, and my son's grades won't suffer.

For us it boils down to what's more important, money or my son's grades? It doesn't matter if we go value season or peak season, we'll still have a great time.

I'd like to see schools excuse those families that have to take vacations during the school year due to work schedules or health issues. Those that what to go just because should have to deal with the consequences.

Fortunately, right now my daughter can handle being away from school and not fall behind. If that is ever a problem in the future, we won't go. That is a personal circumstance, though. It shouldn't put everyone in the category of "You shouldn't be allowed to take family vacations during school." That has to be a personal decision.

I know that there were numerous times in HIGH SCHOOL that I was gone from school for a couple days for band trips, history trips, honor bands, BPA trips, yearbook trips, newspaper trips..... When I was in sports at least once a week I got out of school early to travel to a game. It was always the same class. While I was in a school activities, I was still missing other classes that I had to make up. The school didn't have a problem with that. So, I'm not sure why it's any different for a family vacation. If you would add up the amount of days that I missed it would more than outdo the vacation days.

And, it would be nice if we could allow families that can only take vacation in the winter. But, that would open up a whole new can of worms. What about the kids who can't go on vacation during the summer because of swimming, soccer, baseball, piano, etc., etc., etc. I just really hate to see people flamed for wanting to take a family vacation if their kids miss school. It is a personal decision, not a ethical, moral, poor parenting one.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

Originally posted by BoyLovesBuzz
Ahh....another thread where someone is seeking affirmation for doing something that is they probably know deep down, is not the right thing to do. No one wants to hear that it isn't really a matter of opinion, its a point of fact. It's truncy and it is illegal.

I really think we need a new forum here on the DIS. We can call it the "DIS Confessional". No dissenting respones allowed. Only replies like the following will be permitted.

- Sure its ok to for your child to miss 5% of the school year so you can go to WDW at a less crowded time.

- Sure its ok to squeeze 6 adults and 3 kids into a room at the AS Movies.

-Sure its ok to shove cardboard in your kids shoes so he can ride Splash Mt.

-Sure its ok for you to use those 2 remaining days on your next door neighbor's brother's 5 day park hopper pass.

-Sure its ok to tell them that your petite 5 year old daughter is only 2 and half.

-Sure its ok that you stay off-site at the Holiday Inn and go swimming at the Grand Floridian pool.

-Sure its ok that you use your DIxie Landings mug from 1987 during this years trip to the Contemporary.

-Sure its ok if your kids use their cousin's annual pass.


I think it's a good idea. People will feel better and it will stop all the bickering on the informational forums.

What do you think?

That's what I think..

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

Originally posted by I_Know_You2!
M100, you forgot the parents who just feel it is necessary to follow all rules all the time. Regardless as to whether they are the best rules for any given circumstance! There sure are some anal people around.

BTW, not nec. speaking of anyone in this thread. I've just seen a lot of arguments for and against!

So people who choose to obey the law are anal?

 

[Marla Hellwig]

my daughter just missed her first 4 days of school this year and she was able to get all of her missed homework done the first night we were back.

8th grade here

 

[I_Know_You2!]

Originally posted by BoyLovesBuzz
So people who choose to obey the law are anal?

I could name a few!

Many laws and rules have been changed due to people taking a stand. And for the record, I don't see kids performing any better as the schools decrease recess and increase homework.

 

[turnlisa]

My 2 cents on the subject are simple: it's your choice. The way you feel about it is also your choice. I took my DS out of school last year and all the people on the board made me worry about it. When it came time to tell the teacher, she asked if she could go!

As a child, I never missed school and my parents couldn't afford to take us on vacation. Now I have two children of my own and they are only little for a short time. We choose to take them out of school so that they can spend time with us. My DH travels all the time and I am often a single parent. I love being able to give them this time to be a kid and spend time with their family. Yes, we take vacations during the summer and spring also but our trip in November is very special to all of us. As I said, I am not asking any of you to condone it. It's a choice thing! I have lost a lot of family members and to me it is more important to store memories than worry about homework for a few days.

 

[disneynewbee]

When I origionally started this post it was to ask if anyones school gave them a hard time not if it was ok. I had already saw a previous post where someone asked if it was ok and it had gotten pretty ugly. I know for me it is ok and for others it is not. When my daughter was born she was very sick and I almost lost her at that time I realized how fragile and important the little bit of time we have on this earth is. So do I want to put textbook schooling over learning with family. NO. Is textbook learning important. YES. Never said it was not but 2 wks is only 2 wks she can make up the work and still learn it and also learn what we can learn as a family on vacation. I'm sure anyone who has been in a situation such as mine can appriciate the importants of two wks of family bonding as they understand life is too important to pass it up. And yes you can bond in the summer also but not if your child is ill, or if you are pale skinned and get very sick from the sun, or if you work a job that does not allow summers off. When I put my values and life goals in order of priority family comes number 1 every time although I understand others may choose to set there priorities different and I respect that. So in the end I do not care if anyone else other than my family and the schools think it is ok because that is all that matters in the end. I checked with the schools and they say it is ok. So it's ok for us.