New attendance policies at our school this year ..grrr

[Chicago526]

Okay, I'm one of these "poor abused kids" that was pulled out of school for a whole week to go to WDW in 1983.

My mother cleared it with my teacher, and got all my work ahead of time, she did the same with my brothers. I was 7, DB1 was about 13 and DB2 was about 11. We had to do each days work after we got back to the hotel each night before my brothers and I went to the arcade. I came back to school like I didn't miss a thing! I even did a "show and tell" about my trip to the class (great public speaking experiance!). My brothers also went back to classes, no problems.

It didn't hurt us ONE BIT and the memories of that trip have lasted me a life time, it was the best family vacation we ever took. The time we spent together as a family was more important than spending time in class that week.

That said, I do see the school districts point when too many family vacations are excused. I remember kids when I was in school that missed A LOT of days for vacations, much more than just 1 week. They'd take a week in the winter, and in the spring, and long weekends in between. Now I do agree, that is too much.

But a single week out of school, when the work is done ahead of time (giving the teacher plenty of notice), I don't see a problem with that.

I think the school districts need to be able to look at each individual situation, and judge them accordingly. If it's the famlies 2nd or 3rd trip in year, then no. If the child's parent is going off to war, then of course! If the child is struggleing in school, then maybe not. No family, child, or situation is the same, so blanket policies, either too light or too stringent, don't really help anybody.

 

[kasar]

There are many reasons why a child should be able to miss school to spend time with their family (the case of the dad going off to war is a great example - a no brainer there - or in the case of a sick or dying grandparent, etc.). A trip to an amusement park, in my opinion, is not one of them.

We have wonderful family memories that we'll always cherish. Some of our family's happiest times have been spent at WDW. But around here, school days are spent in school and vacation days and long weekends are for "fun" things. Just our family's opinion (well maybe not the short members of the family!).

 

[christineann]

Private schools have attendance policies, too, and I don't know of any that allow a kid 15 unexcused absences. At our school, if a student misses a day even for illness, the parent is required to call the school and let the office know the child will be out of school. The child is not allowed to return to class without a written excuse. Most of the high school classes are on or near college level, so the kids would rather not miss class anyway because of the extra work to catch up.

There is a running joke at my office that the employees who stay home because they partied too much or don't feel like coming to to work are probably the ones who were absent from school for the same reasons. A child needs to assume responsibility for his/her actions, and if he/she doesn't begin to do so in school, won't it be more difficult to do so as an adult?

 

[septbride2002]

dzneprincess,
The fact of the matter is they are your kids and you know them best. So I would ignore everyone's opinions here and do what you think is right for you and your family. I hope that you get some clarification from the princpal in the school and that it works out for you and your family.

I do not have children - but when I do I will probably occasionally pull them out of school to do family things. My opinion on the Public School System here is Missouri is that they assign so much homework right now (based on cousins, neices, and nephews) that it is almost impossible to have family time anyway. Yes I think school is important - and if I had a child who was struggling then I would not pull them out. However - considering when I do have kids I would know them best and would also know what is the best for them.

As for anyone who is confused the OP AGREES that 15 days is more then enough unexcused absence time. She is concerned about the 5 day policy.

As for everyone so quick to jump on the OP's case about her vacation schedule - keep in mind we do not know all the details and would be foolish to criticize with only half the information. I have a feeling you will end up with egg on your face for rushing to a rash decision.

Thanks,
Amanda

 

[LisaGoeke]

Amanda, I replied to one of your posts on MC last week and after reading your post I got a little worried myself.

I did talk to the school and they said all I need to do is write a letter to the principal ahead of time with all the information and have her approve it. It will still be an absence, but an excused one.

I also talked to another administrator and even though the calendar is not yet out for the 05-06 school year, I was told it is highly possible that our cycle break will be almost the same dates as this year, which means no school missed at all!

I'm happy to hear that you've talked to your school and that it won't be a problem either!

 

[dzneprincess]

That is great news Lisa!!!!!!!!
I notice from your pic that you have 3 boys and a girl, as well! What work,eh?