Missing school

[gracey712]

We're headed to wdw oct 7, how much notice should I give the school? I was planning on sending their notes the first day, is that too soon?

 

[mrsmom]

I gave my children's school three weeks notice , so they can get their make -up work ready for us to take with the kids, But i did remind them the week of us leaving ,so we would have the work. Have FUN!!!
Kim

 

[ntburns22]

Maybe wait until you get your parent handbook. So you know what exactly they want from you. My DD's school only needs 5 days notice. But I still plan on sending her note in 2-3 weeks in advance.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

As a teacher, I think two weeks is perfect. Most teachers only have solid plans about a week out, but they will try for longer when asked. Also, be certain to have your kids ask about anything else when they come back too! (many people forget this!)

A few more points: It is very hard to know exactly how long a lesson is going to take, especially when unexpected things happen. In all school districts across the country that are already in session, I can guarentee the hurricane had an impact on what teachers were able to cover this past week. (though maybe less so at the elementary level) Lessons get changed. For example, SS teachers might have done a spontaneous lesson on hurricanes, or the geography of the Gulf, to address questons that there students had. But even during normal times, some lessons take longer from year to year.

The two things (some of the few things) that really drives us crazy is when parents give us less than 24 hours to gather work, or when the kids don't do the work that is given.
It is a big deal to gather a week's worth of work for your child. It is very time consuming, and it means that we have to neglect the needs of all the other kids. Many parents don't understand that we can't just stop class to gather work. We have to do it during our planning time, and many teachers only get one a day. So if my planning is from 7:30 - 8:30, and you call at 10 am, I may not be able to gather the work until the following morning, especially if we have a staff meeting after school.

 

[ckmoore]

I did not post this question, but I want to thank you for your response. I am planning on taking my children out of school next year and am already fearing the exchange with the teachers. I have read so many negative comments from other teachers and it is unfortunate. I appreciate honest and helpful comments from a teacher. Thanks again.

 

[kizmac]

Our school likes to have 2 weeks notice. I sent the forms in this past Friday for our trip coming up the end of Sept. They called on Friday afternoon to approve my daughters leave and called yesterday to approve my other kids. (Two different schools)

Check your schools handbook for their guidelines on vacations. I'd say that 2-3 weeks notice is good.

 

[daisyduck123]

I am a 1st grade teacher & I agree with what was stated above...2 weeks is fine for your trip notice. On the 1st day of school I would not send the teacher any kind of note about an upcoming trip. That is the last thing we want to hear about when we are trying to learn 2 dozen new names & faces. There is much to much to worry about and the teacher will just put the note aside. If a parent sent me a note like that on the 1st day it would make me think that she thinks I don't have much to do that day.

 

[Chris]

At our school, actually it is a Town wide thing, they will not give work ahead of time for vacations. The children have to make it up when they get back from vacation and play catch up. They really frown on taking them out of school for vacation. That's not to say I wouldnt'/haven't done it, just there rule!!
When my son was in the hospital though for surgery, they gave us work ahead of time.

 

[angiedora]

I understand about dreading talking to the teacher about missing school. I dreaded it too. We are leaving tomorrow after school (I should be packing!). I told our teachers 2 weeks ago and they gave me the work Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. My children have finished about 1/3 of it so far. (3rd and 5th grade) Their teachers were so kind about our trip. They actually sounded excited for them. Wheew! What a relief!