Need help writing letter to Principal

[OceanStateKelly]

I always send a short note to the teacher dates will be away, We take are Vacations when schools on and we do some traveling with my daughter's gymnastics, never had any problems. DD has been out of school 12 days and only one day was a sick day.

 

[meandtheguys2]

There is no wasy I would go into the "learning' experiences in a WDW vacation. That is just foolishness.

 

[KimD]

Now that is reasonable.

I can't take my kids out of school during this time of year because there are only 2 & 1/2 weeks left of school.

Too much going on for them this time of year.

Have a great trip.

I know, I was really happy that they started working with families and I think this is a fair solution for all. I also think there are so many people that take off for long periods of time around here so they had to do something so they don't lose funding. I know some kids who go back to their home country for a month at a time so it is helpful.

Wow, only 2 1/2 weeks to go! We still have more than a month! I picked this time because it was after state testing and before finals for my DS and before the summer crowds start .

Thank you so much, we will!!!

 

[LadyShea]

There is no wasy I would go into the "learning' experiences in a WDW vacation. That is just foolishness.

Some districts, apparently, require a "proposal" of the educational opportunities and/or a report for any vacation absences in order to get them excused.

 

[james'mommy]

We've taken my DS out of kindergarten several times (I know I'm a bad parent). We've never needed a note before hand. We always make sure to tell his teacher ahead of time so that she knows the school nurse doesn't need to call us (apparently this is required if the kids are absent for a few days and the school was aware before hand) He does need a note to go back to school though. We usually just say James was out of school from x-x for family vacation blah blah blah. No problems at all.

 

[adell557]

Am I the only one who thinks that it is ABSURD that fully grown adults, who have given birth to and rasied their own children for the past several years, just fine, have to ask permission to take their OWN children on vacation???

Not flaming anyone or anything. I just wonder sometimes why people are so complacent about being told what their family can and cannot do by the public school system?? Just bringing it up b/c I think someone needs to.....

I am a teacher in the public school system, if a student was going to miss and they let me know if advance, and the child is a good student, I never had a problem.

The problem comes whent eh student is already struggling and they are going to miss a week to ten days. It can really hurt the academic process, in turn worst case scenario, retention. However it is rare, but as a bereaucratic system, they have to cover their butts, by letting you know they won't excuse the abscences, then giving them ample reason to retain if they like. Scary huh!!

 

[adell557]

2nd grade teacher here, simple is best don't go into all the stuff they will learn. The letter is purely standard protocol, not b/c the principal or teacher REALLY wants to know.

Say the dates your child will miss due to family vacation, AND here is the important part, ****you have already spoke with the teacher and made arrangements for missed work and will have your child complete it during their absence.

All we want to know is they will be caught up and come back ready, not behind.

 

[tinkercrazy]

We take our children out of school for Disney EVERY YEAR and it has been excused every time. I just write a note pretty basic and to the point,and also add all the diffrent ways Disney is eduacationsl and the kids usually get by with a small report.Look this is how we feel about it ...Our family's Disnyana started after my dd13 trip in 01' with make a wish, she absolutley LOVES disney and we LOVE our family time when we are there,we are TRULY BLESSED to have this time together and, let's face it, no matter what has happened in your lives all of our time together is precious and were never promised tommorow so,school can wait a week for my famiily's special "magical memories" together

 

[CampbellScot]

I would have to agree that I was surprised when I mentioned it to the my DD's teacher about our vacation that she told me I needed to write a letter to the principal - which is why this whole thread started. On the other hand - while I dont agree I should need to ask permission I do understand why the schools are cracking down. We are holding our principals and teachers responsible for a certain level and quality of teaching. It obviously is hard to do that when a % of the school population doesnt take attendance seriously. Unfortunately rules are put in place for the minority and its the majority that suffers.

I'd have to agree with those who have said to keep it short and sweet. Don't volunteer information...just the dates you will be gone and perhaps requesting any school work that may be missed be sent in packet form.

If they ask for more, go from there...but start short and sweet!

HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[RobinFabulous]

We live in an area where there are a lot of No Child Left Behind Schools that have been taken over by the state because of the testing, (not our school though) I, personally, don't intend to say anything. My youngest (special needs) will be in kindergarten again, and I ran it past his teacher who had NO PROBLEM. My oldest (gifted) will be able to make up the work. We're going the last week before Christmas, which is a lot of wasted time, parties, Polar Express Day, etc. My baby will be in preschool which I'm paying for. I'm going to ask my sister's (HS senior) teacher to let her take finals early.

If I were to write a letter all of their days would be unexcused and they would not be allowed to make up the work.

They are my children, and therefore in the end it is my decision.

 

[jessp1021]

Our school system requires that I write a note and explain why he will be missing school.. although last year when I did the principal still called everyday to let me know that he wasn't at school....

 

[nemomama]

There is no wasy I would go into the "learning' experiences in a WDW vacation. That is just foolishness.

I absolutely agree!

 

[mousescrapper]

we took our then 6 yr old twins out of school from Kindergarten for a week, and wrote a note to each teacher and the principal.

I felt no problems with the whole things now did I get any flack from anyone...now I wouldn't do it now that they're in 3rd grade, but felt it was fine then.

In regard to learning experiences, I disagree there are plenty, you can make it what you want.

Here is what I wrote 3 yrs ago...


To principal,

I’m writing to inform you that my husband and I will be taking our children, name and name, in Mrs. F and Mrs. W AM Kindergarten classes (respectively) for 6 days in May. The dates are Monday, May 2 through Friday, May 6 and Monday, May 9th. They will be back in school on Tuesday, May 10th.

We are taking them on a surprise trip to Walt Disney World in Florida with extended family for their upcoming 6th Birthday. This has been a family vacation long in the works with 13 family members going. The twins have no idea, and we’d thank you for your discretion in helping to keep this a surprise.

I also am writing similar letters to each of their teachers, and asking for any possible homework assignments in advance on top of asking for an extra week’s worth of their regular take home work. My husband and I will also be encouraging them both to keep a daily journal of their experiences and memories of this trip. I will share them with each of their teachers, upon our return.

Please feel free to call or email me with any questions or concerns.


Sincerely,


Mrs. name


they did do journals some of their own writing and some dictation, we didn't do all 10 days, but several place hand-drawn pictures, they're keepsakes now. They'll looking forward agian to do journals I downloaded off mousesavors

I think 1 of the teachers gave me some 'homework' like packets for both of the kids to do. It worked out fine. On our rest day, I did laundry and have a great pic of my DD doing 'homework'

good luck, don't sweat it!