Please proof read my letter to the school!

[Disney1fan2002]

We are going on the member cruise Sept. 4-8 and then spending the rest of the week in WDW. My kids will go to school their 1st 3 days, and miss the 4 days after Labor Day. My little guy is going to miss his 1st day of kindergarten.

I am not sending a letter to the school. I will talk to each teacher individually, and if they won't send work ahead, which they probably won't, it is a school policy, then the kids will write in a journal.

I know you are probably feeling guilty about taking your DD out of school, I know I am a little, but don't fret over a letter.

 

[taxmom04]

We are taking our 3 children, 9,11,and 13 out of school the end of Nov. for our first trip to WDW. My girls' principal goes to our church and I asked him about taking them out and he didn't have a problem. He said we do need to send a note as soon as possible though.
Most school districts are so strict about attendance policies because funding is passed down based on attendance, not enrollment.
You sometimes wonder if the pressure is because they care about the children or because of the money.
I especially get concerned because our school system is getting so tight on excellent students, those who rarely miss and make honor roll grades. Makes you wonder.
I'm still the parent - I pay their salaries.
They want doctor excuses for sickness but sometimes you have a stomach virus and you don't necessarily need to go to visit a Dr.
Sorry about venting but I just learned that funding is based on attendance,in our area at least, and not on enrollment.

 

[ChristmasElf]

It is ALL about the money. I have gone to take my dd out of school for a dentist appointment. I made the appt early in the day so she wouldn't miss too much. The office lady looked at me and said "could you wait until 10:30 so that we can get credit for her being here?"

And while I do appreciate your thoughts Dr P., I do think family vacations ARE important as no one knows what tomorrow holds for us.

 

[Doctor P]

I, too, believe that family vacations are important. Just not during school time.

 

[auntpolly]

I think she just asked to proofread the letter, not for editorial comments...

Do you really have to write a letter. I think I'd just go in and talk to people face to face, but maybe you're required to write one?

 

[PaulaSue]

bumping this too, to read later for ideas.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

I always say "we'll be out of town" as opposed to "we'll be on a family vacation".

 

[bigmac5]

I always say "we'll be out of town" as opposed to "we'll be on a family vacation".

I just think it is a total shame that your school boards give you such a hard time that you feel you can't tell the whole truth(and hence unable to spread your happiness)

 

[allie&mattsmom]

I just think it is a total shame that your school boards give you such a hard time that you feel you can't tell the whole truth(and hence unable to spread your happiness)

Well, let me clarify. We under no circumstance lie. When & if (sometimes they do - sometimes they don't) the teacher asks my kids where they are going they always tell the truth. In fact two weeks ago we just got back from Universal Studios (both DD's & DS's teachers asked where we were going) and both of my kids brought their teachers back gifts from Universal. Before we left, my DS's teacher told him to make sure to ride the Hulk for her.

 

[POB14]

Every time this topic comes up, we get a bunch of justifications for breaking the law. In many (not all) states and school districts, this constitutes truancy.

Name one. Name a state where missing a few days of school for a vacation is "breaking the law." It may be technically "truancy", but it's not illegal. Chronic truancy is illegal. I know, I've prosecuted it.

Our school's policy:

Although the school personnel recognizes the value of family travel time together, it also realizes that some children cannot afford to miss classes for an extended period. Written notice in advance of the absence is required. School work can be made up when the children return to school.​

Too bad the school is encouraging us to be "irresponsible" and "bad role models."

We're off to break the law in two and a half weeks; our first grader will miss two half days of school for our first Disney trip. I'll let you all know if I need bail money.

 

[j's m]

I just searched for this thread because I remembered reading examples of letters. I have to put it in writing to DS's middle school principal two weeks ahead of time. I also have to e-mail all of his teachers asking for the work. It was easier in elementary school.

He'll miss 2 days of school, the rest of our week falls during Jersey week, when they're off. I tried for him not to miss any school, but the airfare was $500 more, so I figured 2 missed days is better than spending $500 extra.

Thanks for the ideas.