Opinion Request on WHEN to pull kids out of school

[Funfire240]

I know this topic has been discussed over and over and I'm not looking for advice on whether or not to pull them out. We have already decided that we will be pulling DD out for a week next year in the 1st grade, it's just a matter of when. And that's what I'm looking for opinions on.

She's our first to enter school. We already decided we would pull her out for Disney because DH is self-employed with his main business occurring in the spring/summer months so it's almost impossible to take a week's vacation during the summer. Spring break wouldn't work because the main part of his business is usually starting in full swing then and then Christmas holidays we have too many family obligations to attend to.

So, we have considered the first week in November since she'll already have Tuesday and Thursday off that week and would only miss 3 days. We also are considering September as that has been when we have gone the past few years (with the exception of this year - yes I'm already going into withdrawal )

Anyways, after my rambling - would you think it's better to pull her out the week of November or move to September when it's closer to the beginning of the year when they really haven't been in school to long to really get going on things? Or would you scratch both and go more towards the end of the school year?

I'm just looking for some friendly advice on timing on when it seems better to take them out. TIA! (Any teachers out there, please tell me your thoughts as well as to how it seems to work better for the kids).

 

[amomma23]

I know this topic has been discussed over and over and I'm not looking for advice on whether or not to pull them out. We have already decided that we will be pulling DD out for a week next year in the 1st grade, it's just a matter of when. And that's what I'm looking for opinions on.

She's our first to enter school. We already decided we would pull her out for Disney because DH is self-employed with his main business occurring in the spring/summer months so it's almost impossible to take a week's vacation during the summer. Spring break wouldn't work because the main part of his business is usually starting in full swing then and then Christmas holidays we have too many family obligations to attend to.

So, we have considered the first week in November since she'll already have Tuesday and Thursday off that week and would only miss 3 days. We also are considering September as that has been when we have gone the past few years (with the exception of this year - yes I'm already going into withdrawal )

Anyways, after my rambling - would you think it's better to pull her out the week of November or move to September when it's closer to the beginning of the year when they really haven't been in school to long to really get going on things? Or would you scratch both and go more towards the end of the school year?

I'm just looking for some friendly advice on timing on when it seems better to take them out. TIA! (Any teachers out there, please tell me your thoughts as well as to how it seems to work better for the kids).

DH is teacher. We take our kids out mid-late September, every other year. It seems to work well for us. We like that they are able to get acquainted with the new teacher and class expectations. The content at the beginning is still a lot of review, so it seems easier to catch up when we return. I think either month would be fine.

 

[Freesia123]

The answer to this is very simple. Call the school and ask them. As a teacher, end of September is the best choice for me, as children have their routines down and although we are into the "meat" of the curriculum, we aren't into the heavy duty stuff just yet. November is often end of term and standardized testing but it depends on your school. If you could time it for just after term end it would be a good alternative. Call the school and ask, not only will you get a personaliséd answer for your child, you'll get much more collaboration with advance work etc by not springing it on them last minute.

 

[Alesia]

The answer to this is very simple. Call the school and ask them. As a teacher, end of September is the best choice for me, as children have their routines down and although we are into the "meat" of the curriculum, we aren't into the heavy duty stuff just yet. November is often end of term and standardized testing but it depends on your school. If you could time it for just after term end it would be a good alternative. Call the school and ask, not only will you get a personaliséd answer for your child, you'll get much more collaboration with advance work etc by not springing it on them last minute.

Agreed. Every school is different.

 

[scrapquitler]

I know this topic has been discussed over and over and I'm not looking for advice on whether or not to pull them out. We have already decided that we will be pulling DD out for a week next year in the 1st grade, it's just a matter of when. And that's what I'm looking for opinions on.

She's our first to enter school. We already decided we would pull her out for Disney because DH is self-employed with his main business occurring in the spring/summer months so it's almost impossible to take a week's vacation during the summer. Spring break wouldn't work because the main part of his business is usually starting in full swing then and then Christmas holidays we have too many family obligations to attend to.

So, we have considered the first week in November since she'll already have Tuesday and Thursday off that week and would only miss 3 days. We also are considering September as that has been when we have gone the past few years (with the exception of this year - yes I'm already going into withdrawal )

Anyways, after my rambling - would you think it's better to pull her out the week of November or move to September when it's closer to the beginning of the year when they really haven't been in school to long to really get going on things? Or would you scratch both and go more towards the end of the school year?

I'm just looking for some friendly advice on timing on when it seems better to take them out. TIA! (Any teachers out there, please tell me your thoughts as well as to how it seems to work better for the kids).

Personally, given the two options you stated, I would do November. Be aware that a it might not be completely optimal crowd wise (watch the posts, you'll see a lot of references to "Jersey Week" a lot of areas of the Northeast beyond New Jersey have a long week weekend in November around Election Day and Veterans day).

As for September, how far into your school year are you talking about? Mid-September for us is the second/third week of school. If your school starts in early August, that's not the case, and it would make a difference in my decision... I would NOT take my child out during the first three or four weeks of school because that is the adjustment period and the time when the teachers are evaluating the students and planning based on the student's abilities. If mid-September is already week 6 of school for you, then yes, that would be a time that I would take my child out.

But rather than either November or September, I would go in early October, I think it's better crowd and weather wise, and there's the bonus of MNSSHP.

 

[shoney]

I would lean to the 3 days in November. I have done that before!

we also have extended Memorial Day weekend into a week. That one was never a problem when they were younger (up to 5th grade). They weren't learning anything new and were never given make up work.....just told to have a great time! One of my DS's did miss field day one year! after that I check the school calendar more closely!


Mine are in Middle school now, so pulling out isn't so easy anymore! I miss those days!!!!

 

[shm_helene]

I think checking with your school would be good. Now, I wouldn't be able to wait but the best time for me as a teacher would be the last week of school - for us that's the first week of June. Our grades are due before that so not a lot of significant things happen then. I would just make sure that when you go isn't near the end of a marking period so that they aren't missing graded work just before grades are due.

 

[lrtravelsite]

I know this topic has been discussed over and over and I'm not looking for advice on whether or not to pull them out. We have already decided that we will be pulling DD out for a week next year in the 1st grade, it's just a matter of when. And that's what I'm looking for opinions on.

She's our first to enter school. We already decided we would pull her out for Disney because DH is self-employed with his main business occurring in the spring/summer months so it's almost impossible to take a week's vacation during the summer. Spring break wouldn't work because the main part of his business is usually starting in full swing then and then Christmas holidays we have too many family obligations to attend to.

So, we have considered the first week in November since she'll already have Tuesday and Thursday off that week and would only miss 3 days. We also are considering September as that has been when we have gone the past few years (with the exception of this year - yes I'm already going into withdrawal )

Anyways, after my rambling - would you think it's better to pull her out the week of November or move to September when it's closer to the beginning of the year when they really haven't been in school to long to really get going on things? Or would you scratch both and go more towards the end of the school year?

I'm just looking for some friendly advice on timing on when it seems better to take them out. TIA! (Any teachers out there, please tell me your thoughts as well as to how it seems to work better for the kids).

Well if pulling them out is not the question. I would say September. Rates are great by that time. If has to do with crowds I would say I visited the parks last January and it was terrific! So if you have the chance to plan for January 18-25ish, you won"t regret it!

 

[Mama Who]

Honestly, at this age I don't think it matters much. She doesn't have midterms or papers due or any of that stuff, so as long as you don't miss state testing (because the schools sometimes get hysterical about that) she'll be fine.

 

[DopeyDame]

When does school start and when in September were you thinking of pulling her out? I'd want to make sure she's been in school for a good long while (more than a month) before taking her out, especially since it's 1st grade. You want her really settled in and over the hump of the transition before missing school. For that reason, I'd lean toward November. If you're school starts in mid-August, though, and you're planning late September, then that's probably a great option.

 

[MSSANDRA]

For 1st grade, I would choose the weather and crowd level you want at WDW and go with that week! Very little testing in 1st grade. There will be some end- year, so maybe avoid May. I would also avoid first two or three weeks so she can get established. We like Mid-January for low crowds but weather can be cold. I think September is still HOT but you can swim and crowds are low then too. We pulled through middle school.....Early December or Mid January.

 

[mm1971]

I know this topic has been discussed over and over and I'm not looking for advice on whether or not to pull them out. We have already decided that we will be pulling DD out for a week next year in the 1st grade, it's just a matter of when. And that's what I'm looking for opinions on.

She's our first to enter school. We already decided we would pull her out for Disney because DH is self-employed with his main business occurring in the spring/summer months so it's almost impossible to take a week's vacation during the summer. Spring break wouldn't work because the main part of his business is usually starting in full swing then and then Christmas holidays we have too many family obligations to attend to.

So, we have considered the first week in November since she'll already have Tuesday and Thursday off that week and would only miss 3 days. We also are considering September as that has been when we have gone the past few years (with the exception of this year - yes I'm already going into withdrawal )

Anyways, after my rambling - would you think it's better to pull her out the week of November or move to September when it's closer to the beginning of the year when they really haven't been in school to long to really get going on things? Or would you scratch both and go more towards the end of the school year?

I'm just looking for some friendly advice on timing on when it seems better to take them out. TIA! (Any teachers out there, please tell me your thoughts as well as to how it seems to work better for the kids).

First two weeks of October. The weather is a awesome, food and wine festival is in gear, and the Halloween party is a "must do". Our favorite time of year. Sadly, DS is now in middle school and we decided it best not to pull him out. We went in either October or beginning of December the last 6 years. Heading down late August to melt in the sun and visit Mickey. Just couldn't stay away.

If your only choices are November or September, I would go with November. Whatever time you decide, have a great time.

 

[RedHeadedFairy]

Last fall we took DD out of 3rd grade for a Disney trip. Things really start ramping up academically this year, so I was concerned about the lost time but determined to fit a trip in.

Our school year starts in early August so we hit the end of the 1st quarter in mid-October-ish & the end of the period generally has some teacher duty days or hurricane makeup days built in.

The week we settled on ended up being the first week of the 2nd quarter, early enough that she had plenty of time to make up work & there was little to no chance of her missing any testing. (although we did let her teacher know ahead of time just in case) Since it butted up against the end of the 1st quarter with 2 days already scheduled for no school, she only missed 2 days of classes & barely noticed the time out. (our trip was 6 days)

It worked out great for us, especially since DD is a rule-follower to a fault & the idea of taking days off for vacation bothered her a lot. What kid argues AGAINST a Disney trip because they don't want to miss school??? Mine!

 

[chekhovgirl]

As a teacher, I would say November because I wouldn't want to pull my child out of school shortly after they started. I would check with the school, as others mentioned in case there is testing or other important events going on.

 

[Funfire240]

Thanks everyone! Her school year next year will start on Aug. 20. We would probably look towards going the last week in Sept. if we choose that since that's when we've gone the past few years. MNSSHP is a must in her opinion.
The problem I found with the first week of Nov is we would almost definitely have to fly to catch the last MNSSHP party on Nov. 1 if it works that way next year.
I was looking at our handbook and it said to avoid October testing for family vacations (they allow 10 days a year for 1 vacation time period each school year) and since I won't know until closer when that will be I want to try to avoid that time.
DH said he might be able to make August work if we wanted to go before she started but I have a feeling we may end up with late Sept. if that works.
I still have some time and am just trying to put the feelers out on what to do.
I plan on calling the school about other questions so I may add this in to my list of questions for their opinion.

 

[ariane37]

Do 1st graders take state tests by you? Here in NY they don't start until 3rd grade........

 

[victoriavictorious]

I'm pulling my son out in Sept. He will be just starting 1st grade here, as school doesn't start until the last week in august. I figure that they will still be reviewing stuff from Kindergarten and not much new stuff will come up. I plan on getting all missed work from the teacher and doing it in the car on the way there.

 

[Alesia]

Keep in mind that the funding for most schools is determined by the number of students in the classroom during a specific time frame near the beginning of the year. Taking your kids out at the beginning of the year can impact your school's funding. Always call the school and ask.

 

[DisneyBliss7]

We are going 9/28-10/5 this fall. I babysit for a teacher and she said end of September is the best time to take them out of school

 

[NC Disney Fan]

I know this topic has been discussed over and over and I'm not looking for advice on whether or not to pull them out. We have already decided that we will be pulling DD out for a week next year in the 1st grade, it's just a matter of when. And that's what I'm looking for opinions on.

She's our first to enter school. We already decided we would pull her out for Disney because DH is self-employed with his main business occurring in the spring/summer months so it's almost impossible to take a week's vacation during the summer. Spring break wouldn't work because the main part of his business is usually starting in full swing then and then Christmas holidays we have too many family obligations to attend to.

So, we have considered the first week in November since she'll already have Tuesday and Thursday off that week and would only miss 3 days. We also are considering September as that has been when we have gone the past few years (with the exception of this year - yes I'm already going into withdrawal )

Anyways, after my rambling - would you think it's better to pull her out the week of November or move to September when it's closer to the beginning of the year when they really haven't been in school to long to really get going on things? Or would you scratch both and go more towards the end of the school year?

I'm just looking for some friendly advice on timing on when it seems better to take them out. TIA! (Any teachers out there, please tell me your thoughts as well as to how it seems to work better for the kids).

I know your pain on this decision. I lamented about it when we first planned our Disney trip that we take for 9 nights every year. The first year we went, our youngest daughter was in 1st grade. This past year, the girls are in 4th and 7th. But what has guided us is the free dining that is offered (It has just become available yesterday if you want to book it!!!)

The free dining has always been centered around September. The reason is, it is one of the slowest times of year so they do this to bulk up the attendance. The free dining is huge! We have been able to try all the restaurants that we would never have considered paying for out of pocket. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is with kids so you can go to things like Cinderella's castle, Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare. The costs would be huge without free dining but yet your young kids these are great events.

Now the question is when. I actually have pulled my kids in Sept every year but had to pull them in November due to me breaking my back that year. This is what I found. If you pull the student out about one month after the start of school, it is the perfect time. Here is why--for the first month or so, most of what they do is review. There are normally no huge projects coming due and the absence does not cause as much disruption as it is mostly a review period without being entrenched in new material. We have truly found this to be the case in all grades over the years. When we went in November, it was much harder due being in the 2/3's of the semester. They miss more in my opinion.

Having traveled at both these times, I found them both to be fairly lower in attendance so they were both good times in terms of crowds.

Here is something to consider with small ones. I know that my girls LOVE the pool as we live in the mountains. If you travel in November, there is a good chance it will be cool--at least cool enough at night that the pools may not be very pleasing to go into. When we went in Nov. 2 years ago, we had some days we were in jeans and jackets a couple in capris. It is just very up in the air as to the weather and if you enjoy lounging by the pool, then September is the time. The weather in later Sept. (we normally start our vacation about Sept. 20th) is about mid to high 80's. It is warm enough at night to do night swimming as well.

The free dining being offered right now is from beginning of Sept to Sept 25th (your vacation just has to start by then). I would seriously look into it! And if you are even thinking about it, go ahead and book a package before they book up (the deposit is 100% refundable). Also, get your dining reservations ASAP becuase regardless of time, the restaurants book up--especially during free dining.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you want any other questions answered.