Parents who take their kids out of school to go to WDW..

[mrs. magnolia]

I am taking my second grader out of school for one week to go to WDW...she hasn't missed any days this year, and we are going after her standardized test. However, her teacher has been teaching school for 38 years, and I am thinking she may not think it is a great idea. My question is do lots of people do this? I guess I am looking for a little support..he he!

 

[budbeerlady]

Take her out!!!! We took Dd (5) out of K and we will be doing the same with 1st grade in Dec. We took some grief from family about it but the teacher was very accomodating about it. She did have a ton of work to do that she had missed. But we got it all done and sent it back to the teacher when we got back. We will continue to do this probley untill high school. Kids learn alot on vacation and family time is just as important. I look at it this way, such a short time of their life is spent as children enjoy it while you can. Everyone will argue about it and wether it is good or bad. But do what you feel comfortable with. Have a great trip your DD will love it!!

 

[daisyduck123]

All I'm going to say is "I'm doing it".

We're taking DD11 (7th gd) & DS7 (2nd gd) out for a trip from Jan. 21-31.

P.S. I'm a teacher at DS's school. I have one 1st grade student who is leaving today for a week at Disney.


Have a great time!

 

[DisneyNutMary]

I have taken my kids out of school for one day, up to one week for family vacations.
The first time was right after 9/11, when I needed to be away from the insanity of NYC, and most recently they missed the first 2 days of school this year, and will be missing a day- possibly 2 in March.
There has been no negative impact on their school work- or school social life, and they both came back with great stories to share with their classmates, and lots of ideas for creative writing assignments.

 

[kdtwiss]

let's see - what essential teaching will your child miss in one week in second grade? I am guessing nothing that will have adverse effects on the rest of her life. On the other hand, I do believe spending enjoyable time together as a family when our little ones are still little is crucial! When they are little we are building the foundation of a relationship that will shape our children's entire lives. I think as long as you explain that taking a vacation during school does not mean school is not important - you are fine! Have a blast.My oldest ds is autistic, and the only time we will EVER go on vaca is OFF times. He could not handle the crowds at they typical school vacation times. I am bracing myself for years of disapproving teachers, but ultimately, this is MY family and my decision.
Bracing self now for disapproving disers.............

 

[Evil Queen]

I usually take my youngest out for up to 1 week.

He is great on his grades and knowsas long as his grades stay good, this is a doable feat.

His teaher this year was impressed with his being able to keep up.

 

[mrs. magnolia]

I do believe spending enjoyable time together as a family when our little ones are still little is crucial! When they are little we are building the foundation of a relationship that will shape our children's entire lives. ....

That quote speaks to me...thanks to all for the support I was looking for!

 

[katiesmom2]

I taught 1st grade and 5th grade for 10 years. I'd say at least one family a year pulled their child out for vacation. I don't see anything wrong with it, as long as the child makes up the work they are mising when they are gone. Good thinking to wait until after standardized testing! Our school district in CA required us to do a very detailed sheet documenting what the child was to work on, objectives, etc. They had to have something to do daily in each of the subject areas. It made me crazy! In 1st grade for example, I wouldn't have expected a child to do math, reading, spelling, social studies, science, writing every day of vacation, but I was told I had to require that.

My parents used to pull us out a few times a year for family vacation and it didn't affect me one bit. Of course, my mom worked with me on my school work - I can stil remember sitting in our Florida condo working at the table. As long as parents are willing to do this, I don't see a concern.

Family time is important! Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Stacerita]

I would take her out. You said she hasn't missed any school and she is only in second grade. Ive taken the sweetpea out many times and it hasn't caused any problems. And trust me, she will remember that we went somewhere over what went on in math that week. Spending time with the family is more valuable than what she can do in one week of class. Do try to arange to get her work so she wont have to worry about being behind. But I would do it.

 

[isla bonita]

I take my kids out every year for our family vacation. I talk to the teacher at the first conference and inform them that we will be doing so. I do not ask permission. I feel this way there is nothing more inportant then our family. School is important but not as. Families in Europe have approx. 35 days vaca a year. We wonder why we have so much divorce and problems with our family units. I think we do not have enough time to be one. I know in our family my husband has no vaca because he is in a union that usually gets laid off. He dosn't so he has to just not work one week. My children do not see him all summer when it is ideal for them to do so . We make up for thet by our vaca's

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Nobody has the right to tell me how to parent. As long as I am not breaking any rules (ex., total days unexcused absence) then they need to mind their own business.

DS11 is in 6th grade this year. This is the first time that any teacher has commented about taking him out. Mind you they never said not to, she is just very passive aggressive & made a comment.

Schools need to promote & celebrate "family time". Particularly in this day & age when we are all always running off in opposite directions to one activity/job/etc. or another.

No flames. Just my opinion.

 

[meggamo]

I'm not a parent, so I can't take that perspective, but I'm only 20, so it wasn't THAT long ago that I was just a child. I can remember numerous occasions that my friends' parents would take them out of school for vacation. The only reason my family did not do this is because my parents both work at a school, and they had limited vacation days and summers off, so summer vacation was the norm for us. But you should definitely do it. I agree with the person that said schools should promote family time.

 

[MandM521]

My son isn't in school yet, but I remember when I was in 3rd grade my parents took me out for a week. My teacher was very accomodating, even adjusting some homework assignments. I think my parents still have my "Disney journal" that my teacher required me to write. There are so many different ways to teach and learn that I don't think missing 1 week of school is going to be detrimental. Go and have fun!

 

[janice1234]

i have taken my kids to disney 3 times in early december. december 04 was our last disney december trip. my kids teachers were always very helpful in giving homework assignments. our last family december trip was awesome, but unfortunately my son did not make up all of his assignments(freshman h.s.) so needless to say we vacation now in august. i would recommend early december the parks are beautiful, and i am sure you will have a magical vacation. good luck in your decision.

 

[mommyceratops]

Do it! The best time to go to Disney is when school is in session. (less crowded!) We are taking my son out for a week in a couple weeks to go. His teacher didn't mind. He has to talk about his trip but he will do that anyway!

 

[MBW]

Eldest DD homeschools, but DS1 is 7 (2nd gr) and DS2 is in K. Because the boys have autism, I won't take them during the busiest times, as it would be a great deal harder for them with the crowds and long waits (even with a GAC.) So we go when it's less busy, generally in the fall. Unfortunately, we were moving the week we were scheduled to go in early December, so I just rescheduled for the week after President's week and before March vacations. Hopefully, it won't be too bad.

It really is so much more enjoyable when the attendance is low - last time we were there as a family was 9/13/01 - 9/19/01, and the park was nearly empty - even walked onto Dumbo. I don't imagine it will ever be that empty again, barring another major disaster (knock on wood.)

 

[pawsitivemom]

I'm taking my DS (14) out of school for at least a week and a day ....baybe 2 days. He is in gr 9....first year high school. My Nephew is coming too. He's in grade 7.

 

[javamom]

Well, I think that I am going to take all three of mine out of school. But I figure since we are planning to go the week before their Christmas vacation anyway, they can get any work they need to do (if any) and can do it when we get back home for Disney the next week when they are off anyhow.

 

[3kidsmommy]

I just had to respond to this post...although I would have NO problem at all taking my 3 out for vacation, their school really makes a point of tellign you that it will not be tolerated. My kids are not able to make up work if they are out for an unexcused abscense. This is a public school system in KY. A vacation is an unexcused abscense according to them. NOW...like other posters I have a son with autism. It would be so much easier on him to go during off times. However, because I would have to pull my 5th grader and 1st grader along with him, I can't chance it. So, we have to go during the first week of April---the kids spring break!

 

[Mommy Poppins]

I'm taking mine out from April 21 - May 6. They will miss 10 days of school. My DH has been deployed since October, 2004 and will return in the next few weeks. Our school district has a policy of five excused days for family vacation. So, my 4th grader and my 1st grader will each have 5 days of unexcused absences. We will get a nasty letter from the school district. I talked with the principal of the school and he said "GO!" The kids' teachers all say "GO!" They will have the kids make up only the work that is mandatory. They all believe that the kids need this time with their dad (we are also renewing our wedding vows on this trip).

Take your kids out of school and go on vacation. Bottom line is that they are YOUR kids. As someone who has been missing a big part of their family for a long time, family time is important and you never know when it might be taken away from you. Building a close relationship with your children when they are young, leads to better relationships as they get older.

Have a great time!