please excuse my son...

[shadonjenon]

hey guys

take a look at the excuse note i wrote for my son for our up coming trip. i tried to be as honest as possible, while still letting her know that i wasn't "asking her permission", but that i did respected her position.

Anyway read it and tell me what you think

This letter is to inform you that our family will be traveling to Orlando, Florida from October 16th-20th and Donovan will not be in class during this time. Please be assured that we take our children’s education very seriously, and that we fully understand the value of your classroom instruction time. With that said, this is a very special trip for our family. It is the first time that we will be able to take a trip that lasts for more than 2 or 3 days. We also have had to take into consideration our daughter Jenesis’ health. Her heart condition prevents her from being able to spend hours in the heat, so we have tried to avoid extended travel during the hot summer months and have chosen to travel during the fall.
During our travels we will be visiting both Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. Both of these parks; while being theme parks; are full of educational interactive attractions. Animal Kingdom focuses on conservation and learning about how animals live and thrive. Epcot is full of opportunities to learn about the science of the human body, technology and realistic reproductions of various countries such as Japan, Mexico, The UK and Germany. While we know this could never replace the instruction time that he will miss, we feel that it does add to his overall educational experience.
It is my hope that you will be agreeable to Donovan taking as much work with him as possible, and maybe even completing an extra assignment or two based on his trip. Please contact me if there are any questions or concerns. I would be more than happy to come in before or after school if you would like to meet face to face concerning this request.

 

[katiesmom2]

As a former teacher, I think this sounds very reasonable. I never had problems with my students taking a week off for a family vacation. Enjoy your trip!

 

[novdisneydreams]

Your letter is concise and very well written I am just wondering why you would have to justify yourself so much. I really think that schools should be more understanding about family vacations. It truly isn't any of their business why this trip is right for your family - you should simply be able to say that you are going and they should assume that you, as a responsible parent, have your reasons. Sorry to vent - this is just something that really bugs me. Incidentally, I used to teach in public school before staying home with my two DSs - so I do see their (the schools) perspective. I just happen to think that they worry too much about what should be a parents decision. Truly, most children would bounce back after taking a week off of school - even a couple of times a year. So I dont see the gripe some schools have with vacations. Any reasonable teacher knows that there is so much learning that can go on outside of the classroom, and family time is priceless. At any rate, it is a very nice letter. I hope that you have a WONDERFUL trip!

 

[princessamie]

Very well put. As a first grade teacher I would have no problem excusing a Disney trip! (But Administration may! ) I think with your view of the importance of education and willingness to make-up any work you should be fine. A teacher would much rather you go in the fall than in the spring when State testing usually takes place! He'll have plenty of time to catch up!

 

[DisneyTeacher]

This letter is to inform you that our family will be traveling to Orlando, Florida from October 16th-20th and Donovan will not be in class during this time. Please be assured that we take our children’s education very seriously, and that we fully understand the value of your classroom instruction time.

For me this would be enough, I see no need for the rest of your letter. I don't see why you need to explain the educational value of WDW, it's a family vacation and that's all you need to say.

 

[Schmeck]

I think it's a fantastic letter. I also understand that while it may be OK for a younger child to miss a week of school without repercussions (sp?) it can be devastating (sp?) to a high school student's grades. Of course, if the family is willing to live with the consequences, that's fine too!

Some schools have policies about attendance because it is tied into their accreditation (sp?) and even their state funding. They have to have strict guidelines in place or else they lose $$$.

My daughter is going to miss a week of high school in January, for a multi-state competition. It's not part of the school sports program, but if they even make a peep about it not being excused, they will get an earful from me about the band trips, the baseball team's trip to Cooperstown, etc. Can't wait!

 

[katiesmom2]

Some schools have policies about attendance because it is tied into their accreditation (sp?) and even their state funding. They have to have strict guidelines in place or else they lose $$$.

This was the case in CA where I taught. It is the job of the teacher to prepare what is called an "independent study" packet of work for your child. This can be submitted to the state so that the school still gets the funding even though the child is on vacation. But....you as the parent must ensure that the work is completed and returned.

 

[shadonjenon]

I completely agree and I don't think i should have to include so much info either

According to a friend of mine who works for the same school system where my kids go to school, "a little "honey" can make this whole thing run alot more smoothly". So I have chosen to just give as much info as possible to satisfy them. Its a small price to pay for my peace of mind. It makes my life easier when I don't have to worry about weither my kids will get all of their make-up work or not. I don't want to leave with that hanging over my head.

 

[kldmom2000]

I wrote a similar (but shorter) letter a couple of weeks ago as both of my girls have had to endure quite a bit medically the past year-my DH can't take time off (self-employed) during the regular school vacations and we just really needed some quality family time. Our school district is VERY strict about unexcused absences (10 or more is an automatic repeat of that grade level!) Thankfully both her teacher and principal were very understanding and I'm making it a point to get doctor's notes for all the times I have to pull my 1st grader out for MD specialist appointments so that hopefully they'll be considered excused (even though she doesn't miss a full day on those days).... Good luck to you and hope you have a magical trip!

 

[DiznEeyore]

Our school district is VERY strict about unexcused absences (10 or more is an automatic repeat of that grade level!)

Wow! That is OUTRAGEOUS! I missed at least 20 days EVERY year all the way through school and never, at any time, had anything less than an A- average.

The thought of making a child repeat a grade simply due to attendance and in spite of grades is ridiculous. That HAS to be tied to funding.

 

[Brooknwdw]

I wrote a shorter but similar letter myself and gave it to 2nd grade teacher, five 4th grade teachers, and a copy to the office.

I did not name where we were going in the letters, however I have spoken in person with all teachers and told them what we are doing.

I believe I said something along the lines of "I would love for _______ to have as much work ahead of time as possible. However I know you are busy and your time is limited,so if this is not possible, I understand".

That way, It does not sound demanding..they can give me the work ahead of time or not.

I think the most important thing about taking the kids out of school for UNexcused absenses is to KNOW your school's policy!

Also..the 10 unexcused absenses thing...my school has that, too, and we are using 6 of them for this trip.
Okay?? They have four more they won't be using. Any other absenses for the rest of the year would be excused..sickness, etc. Therefore that doesn't bother me in the least.

 

[shadonjenon]

I wrote a shorter but similar letter myself and gave it to 2nd grade teacher, five 4th grade teachers, and a copy to the office.

I did not name where we were going in the letters, however I have spoken in person with all teachers and told them what we are doing.

I believe I said something along the lines of "I would love for _______ to have as much work ahead of time as possible. However I know you are busy and your time is limited,so if this is not possible, I understand".

That way, It does not sound demanding..they can give me the work ahead of time or not.

I think the most important thing about taking the kids out of school for UNexcused absenses is to KNOW your school's policy!

Also..the 10 unexcused absenses thing...my school has that, too, and we are using 6 of them for this trip.
Okay?? They have four more they won't be using. Any other absenses for the rest of the year would be excused..sickness, etc. Therefore that doesn't bother me in the least.

I thought about not saying exactly where we would be going, but I knew that my kids would be talking about it no matter how many times I reminded them not to. They are just too excited I also thought that I could play up the "educational value" for disney.

It is definately a shame all the hoops they make you jump through. I mean my goodness they are my kids If they were failing I could understand, but they are all honor roll students.

 

[mum of two pirates]

I talked to the Princ. last year and she said no prob. have fun, Family vacations are so important. My kids will be gone for 18 days. I talked to my 8 yo teacher the other day and mentioned homework. She said don't worry about it as I don't send busy work for the sake of work, I will only send important stuff. I said thats fine but I won't be taking it. This is a vacation, nobody takes work on it. He will have all of christmass break to d it when we get back. We have Thanksgiving vacation then they will go to school One day, we leave. When we get back they will have two days of school. Pick up there homework they missed and then have christmass break. Its just the way it worked out. I do plan on having then collect things from all the worlds in epcot to show the class. My 7 yo wants to collect candy.

 

[maxtomsmom]

I think it's a fantastic letter. I also understand that while it may be OK for a younger child to miss a week of school without repercussions (sp?) it can be devastating (sp?) to a high school student's grades. Of course, if the family is willing to live with the consequences, that's fine too!

Some schools have policies about attendance because it is tied into their accreditation (sp?) and even their state funding. They have to have strict guidelines in place or else they lose $$$.

My daughter is going to miss a week of high school in January, for a multi-state competition. It's not part of the school sports program, but if they even make a peep about it not being excused, they will get an earful from me about the band trips, the baseball team's trip to Cooperstown, etc. Can't wait!

Don't you wish the Disboards had spell checkers? BTW all the sp? appeared correct to me, but then again I was never known to win a spelling contest!

 

[daisyduck123]

Our school district is VERY strict about unexcused absences (10 or more is an automatic repeat of that grade level!)

Oh my goodness!! If my family were in your school district, both of my kids would be repeating last year. DD12 & DS8 both missed 11 school days due to Disney vacations last Jan. & May. If we ever move, I guess we'll have to check on the new school district's attendance policy before buying a house there. Good grief!!

 

[Off2DisIGo]

I think it's ridiculous when you have to justify decisions you make about YOUR child and YOUR family.

The policy re: unexcused absences in GA has gotten out-of-control. All students missing more than 5 unexcused days "are declared as truants by law." (quoting our school system handbook) At 8 unexcused absences, "Social Services provides data to court for judicial proceedings to begin." Parent/guardian "shall be guilty of a misdemeanor" and will be fined or imprisoned for up to 30 dys.

There is a very short list of accepted excuses (illness, death in family, etc) and your child cannot make up work missed for unexcused absences. NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

[glass slipper girl]

My 1st grader attends a Charter School in GA and I agree the policy is VERY strict. My son will miss 3 days this school year for vacation in February 07. Our handbook says on your 6th unexcused absence day you are reported to the school social worker and required to meet with her to determine what happens next. On the 8th unexcused day you are reported to DFACS.

I guess maybe private schools have a different policy. We have friends who took their son out of kindergarten at a private school for 20 days to go to California (where both parents are from) and house sit for her parents while they were in Eurpoe. They went to Disneyland and visited a bunch of family while they were there. He missed another 5 days for a family vacation too. This year their son has missed 6 days for a WDW trip and will miss another 5 for a trip to visit friends somewhere out of state, 3 days for Mom and Son to go with Dad on a business trip to DC (which could easily be considered educational of course!) and then another 20 days for going out to California. I mentioned to his Mom I was surprised the school let them do that but she said they had no issue at all with it last year so she wasn't expecting an issue this year either. I was surprised to hear that given that we are reported to DFACS after 8 days!

One funny thing is that I am at the end of my pregnancy with our 3rd child. The school has a policy that you can not change your "end of the day getting home" arrangements without a written note and that kids can not be picked up early from school unless the receive a written note by 9 am. I went by the school to talk to the admin people and say that we do respect their policy on that and understand why they do it that way but that I wanted them to see that I am VERY pregnant so that in the next couple of weeks there is a possibility that we will have to make some last minute changes for DS if I go into labor. I explained that DS has asked to be in the delivery room and his father and I are OK with that provided that everything is going OK (I've had VERY easy deliveries with both of my kids). Our plan was to have him picked up and brought to the hospital once we had been there for a while, I had my epidural and there wouldn't be quite as much waiting for the show to start time. The admin lady tells me she was pretty sure that would be an unexcused absence if he missed the whole day or was picked up before 11 am. LOL I am sure I could challenge that with the principal if I wanted to as being there for his brother's birth is something I could argue would be an educational experience. (DS would be watching from the G-rated "A Baby Story" sort of angle but I do believe it would still be an educational experience for him).

 

[DaisyD]

For me this would be enough, I see no need for the rest of your letter. I don't see why you need to explain the educational value of WDW, it's a family vacation and that's all you need to say.

I agree. The rest just sounds like a bunch of you know what. I just sent in our letter and it states that we are going on a family vacation and DD will miss these particular school days. She will be back on such and such a date. That is it! I don't even write in the letter where we are going because they don't need to know although I'm sure DD has told everyone within earsshot that we live in WDW!

 

[shadonjenon]

I agree. The rest just sounds like a bunch of you know what. I just sent in our letter and it states that we are going on a family vacation and DD will miss these particular school days. She will be back on such and such a date. That is it! I don't even write in the letter where we are going because they don't need to know although I'm sure DD has told everyone within earsshot that we live in WDW!

Well aren't you sweet

The FACT is that my daughter DOES have a heart condition (which I have mentioned on these boards in the past) her heart rate is about 1/2 of what a normal 7 year old should be! And it IS a factor in our decision on when we vacation. Im glad that you can send a note that is more streight to the point, but as I stated I talked to a teacher in our school system before hand and she said the the more info you can give up front the better. I am pretty confident that my request will go through with out any problems or extra who, what, when, why, or how's.

But thanks anyway for your comments.

 

[beattyfamily]

My note was very short and sweet:

Dear Mrs. Teacher:

My DD will be out of school from Oct 23 thru Oct 27 and will return Monday, Oct 30.

Thank you,
Her Mom

That's it! No explanation and no asking for work before the trip. My DD will make up all work upon returning as soon as possible.