pulling your child out of school

[annej]

Perfectly said, Gaiusrex!!

 

[goofy4tink]

While I tend to agree with most of you, I think it all depends on the particular child and the school district. I have taken my dd out of kindergaten for a week, out of first grade for a week and then second grade for a week. This was usually in the fall months, late Oct. Now, last Dec I took her out for 4 days. She's in fourth grade now. You would have thought she had missed 3 weeks based on amount of make up work they gave her. She, at this point, is not a good enough student to miss more than 2-3 days at a time. If her grades really improve, especially math, then we can take those off-time vacations.

Our school will not give out work before hand. It all has to be done when the child returns to school. Obviously they don't want you to be missing school. Yes, family time is very important. But, what happens to the kid who misses that important key math point and starts to fall behind and never catches up? That could impact his future for quite a long time. So, yes, we like to visit WDW in early Nov., but for the time being we have to go at the more crowded times. We go as late in August as we can, just before school starts here in Mass. THat way a lot of the other schools are back in session already.

 

[Skatermom23]

Originally posted by goofy4tink
[. But, what happens to the kid who misses that important key math point and starts to fall behind and never catches up? That could impact his future for quite a long time.

I teach it to them! Half the time, that's what happens now. They learn something in class and don't quite get it so they come home and ask me.

 

[goofy4tink]

Originally posted by Skatermom23

Originally posted by goofy4tink
[. But, what happens to the kid who misses that important key math point and starts to fall behind and never catches up? That could impact his future for quite a long time.

I teach it to them! Half the time, that's what happens now. They learn something in class and don't quite get it so they come home and ask me.

While normally I would say that is the way to go....at this point in my dd's math class, I'm never sure I understand what they are doing!!! She is learning stuff in a whole different way than I learned back in the dark ages. So, I try to help. But sometimes I just don't get it

 

[wendyl]

School Board Attendance policies really shouldn't be a reason for a family not to enjoy a vacation that they will remember all their lives---go and enjoy yourself---

BUT: as parents you MUST be aware of the impact. The Original Poster was asking about Middle and High School. As a Math Teacher , let me tell you---a week of missed school at that age is VERY significant. Parents and students need to realize HOW much information they will be missing out on, and they need to be prepared to put in lots of extra hours making it all up. Tutors may need to be hired to catch up---DON'T BLAME THE TEACHER. As long as everyone is committed to that---it should be fine.

 

[Planogirl]

I see nothing wrong with people taking their kids out of school but I don't do it. I don't want our WDW vacation to be particularly educational just fun and relaxing. DS deserves a break too after all.

Besides we get plenty of breaks throughout the year.

 

[laceemouse]

I agree with goofy4tink. When people say "I missed and it didn't hurt me" well, most schools are very different now than when we were kids. My 7th grader has tougher stuff than I did in High School! Also, in our school district if you are smart you get put into advanced classes and the workload is tremendous. We took our kids out a few times in elementary school, but now that the oldest is Jr. High and the second one will be next year we will not do it again. I can't imagine a High School now adays where a kid could miss an entire week and not really miss anything. We have very highly rated schools here, that is what we wanted, so we have to follow their guidelines. They frown upon vacations during school at ANY age, and they don't really do anything to help you make up the work. A kids grades would suffer, so we travel summer or Spring Break.

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

Its funny people on this thread are worried about teachers being upset and school district policies. Few seem to be worried about thier child, and the bind you may or may not be putting them in. In middle school and high school, each course is like a job to adults. Missing a week of each can bury even the most gifted student. When we miss work, Usually there is someone to cover, or fill in a schedule (emphisis on Usually intended to keep everyone who doesn't have someone to cover for them from repying). Children in school don't have that option.

I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but if you do, worry about your child, not how much trouble you may get in, or how to get out of it. Have a frank conversation with each teacher, take a close look at the course schedule, and don't forget the extra-curricular activites. Those may mean more to you children then you think.

 

[suerob]

We pulled our DD out of school in December for a trip. She is only in first grade but the attendance policy is the same for all grades. I think it's kind of ridiculous that they only allow ten abscences for the year. I am lucky that my child does not get sick often but I have another DD starting in the fall and she tends to be sick more often. I think there should be an attendance policy but I think ten is not enough days. I believe that we should be able to take our kids out of school for family trips as long as they are doing well and they take their work with them. My daughter has only missed 5 days of school, 4 of which were at Disney and I don't feel the least bit guilty. She is in the top of her class and I really don't care if others thing I'm doing the wrong thing. So, to answer your question, it depends on your child and the attendance policy at your school. But I say why not take kids on a family trip during the school year.

 

[WendyWorld]

That's what I like about Montessori, the kdis work at their own pace. My 2nd grade has already finsihed Harry Potter book 1 this year and has been working on long division for the past two months. I am defenitely not worried about her "missing" anything.

 

[shady]

When writing the note for you child. Simply write that he/she will be absent with your knowledge and approval. Dont explain anything further. As far as the school is concerned, that should be enough to be and excused absense.

 

[ChairborneRangr]

This is my experience, my theory, my view... I don't expect ANYONE to follow me

In the spring 1977 I was in 7th grade. My dad was a Beechcraft (airplane) salesman. He earned a trip to the annual sales meeting that was being held in the Contemporary Resort. We went as a family. Since we were going anyway, we brought my grandparents. We visted relatives all along the way. We went to Boise Idaho, Colorado Springs Colorado, Hayes Kansas (my gma and gpa Hays were the ones with us), Atlanta Georgia, Tampa Florida, Disneyworld, then we went up the eastern seaboard seeing historic sites inclusing Williamsburg, and Washington D.C. We were gone three weeks spanning spring break. We actually missed 9 days in school. It was a fantastic trip, and one of the highlights of my school years. My grades DID suffer. I got a C in english and science (just barely). But, I wouldn't trade it for the world! I ended up with a 3.34gpa out of high school, a 3.43 out of Oregon State University graduating with honors in Computer Science, and 3.93 out of Colorado Technical University with a Master's Degree in Computer Science. If I had not gone on the trip I would've done better in my classes in 7th grade. But... and I sincerely mean this... WHO CARES!?!

This was one of the many reasons I always knew that I mattered to my mom and dad.

I have kept my kids out of school on occasion to go on trips, do things as a family, even for a "mental health" day if I felt like they really needed it. We have traveled through Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and a little of New York. Internationally various members of my family have been to Canada (all), Bahamas, France, England, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Grades are important, but quality time as a family, and "survival skills" you pick up traveling are just as important. My son is graduating this year and is already accepted in to Colorado Tech.

My theory: It's what you make of it. If you just drag your kids along and plan and do everything for them, they are probably better off in school. If you make things adventures and involve them all along the way, the learning experience is tremendous. Oh, my other theory is that it is the parents job to teach the kids how to read and to foster a reading environment. Kids that read well, and have learned how to learn are unstoppable. It's the whole give someone a fish, versus teach someone to fish thing.

AND it very much depends on your kids. We have modified as necessary as each of our 4 kids grow up through different stages in life. They are very different each requiring some consideration for their strengths and weaknesses. If I had a child with ADD I would have to work on providing a more consistent environment.

 

[marmar]

This is one of those topics that can get very heated.


I personally am of the opposite opinion of most people and definitely in the minority. I also know this belief was taught to me by my father. When I was growing up he used to say school was my job. There was no valid reason to miss unless I was sick. His job had scheduled vacation days and so did mine.... period... no negotiation allowed. Even Dr & dentist visits were only scheduled during non school time or over our recess or lunch times.

Pulling a kid out of school shows that you put other things ahead of his education, which may be correct and appropriate. But is he realizing that the priority is "family" or does he think the priority is "fun"? My daughter was a competitive skater. She had numerous friends that were pulled out of school for skating competitions. To her & her friends this meant that their parents thought skating was more important than school. and since they were allowed to quit skating, why shouldn't they be allowed to quit school. That led to some exciting discussions with 16 year olds. JUSt Be aware of the message you are sending your child.


My school district is one of those "awful" ones that makes family vacations unexcused absenses. It seems sort of natural that these folks would think my childs education was a priority to all of us. For younger kids missing a few days doesn't have much effect, other than lots of hard work making up. But in Middle School & high school a certain number of unexcused absenses will not allow you to exempt out of a final, or allow you to participate in certain extracurricular activities. BTW: My daughter's trip to the Presidential Inauguration with the Government teacher was also counted as an "unexcused" absence by the school.


Investigate the rammifications.
Analyze your priorities.
Make sure your children are not interpretting that having a good time is more important than getting an education.
Stand by your decision.

 

[puffkin]

In our area, it is all about money. The schools are cutting back on unexcused absenses because they lose funding from the state. They want your kid there so they get their money. Many districts have implemented policies allowing only so many days, ect.

I am under the opinion that if it is a once in a while thing, it is fine, depending on your kid. If you go yearly, the teachers might get a little tired of your child missing school. Especially in middle/high school, I would try to schedule around days off to minimize the amount of school your child misses. You might have a few more crowds, but it won't be as bad as the summer! Finally, I would also encourage your kids to keep quiet about going away on vacation and missing school with their friends and stuff. I would imagine that gets extremely disruptive and may cause some problems with the other kids or their parents.

 

[CharlesandCamilla]

My 16 yo used to pride herself on perfect attendance. It was something her mother taught her. But now my wife sees there is more to life than perfect attendance and my daughter has proven that there isn't a connection between attendance and grades. Hers are the same whether or not she's in class. I'd never pull my kids out of school for two weeks of vacation. But I won't pass up opportunities to have fun unless the kids have important things going on in class. That is, of coures, if my principal will approve my days off.

 

[Chicago526]

I say, to heck with the school!!! Homework and tests can be made up, but childhood memories CAN NOT be! You kids won't be kids much longer, spend as much time with them NOW as you can!!! Being together as a family is more important than a week of school! My parents pulled my brothers and I out for a week trip to WDW when I was 8. It was the best week of my childhood (no kidding!). I wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world!

Once your oldest is in college, trying to get the whole family down there will be impossible. Do it now while you can!!!

But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong!

 

[erinz]

Everyone, Thank you SO MUCH for your replies! Both sides were represented in a real helpful way. And I can see the value in each of them.

So, what my plan is, is to take a number of things into consideration before making my decision. 1) How is my daughter doing in school at the time, and would she be willing/capable to work overtime to make up what she missed. I'm not too worried since she is extremely bright....but I understand that the make up work could be overwhelming anyway. 2) How her teacher feels about it 3) What the school policy is.

I totally agree that making fun memories as a family is EXTREMELY important! And I plan on making that a high priority.

Luckily I won't need to worry about it until the trip after next. We'll be going to WDW the second week of December of her 6th grade year (2005) and I will feel NO guilt about that!

 

[Jen D]

We're taking our dd out in September-- she will be in the second grade. This is probably the last year we will do this. Frankly, I'm not going to fool myself about the reasons I'm doing it... we get plenty of family time at home and I don't find a WDW trip to be particularly educational--- we have a great time, but there are plenty of other places to go for an "educational" vacation-- we're going in September because it is an easier and cheaper vacation, and summer is not a convenient time for us. I also know that my dd isn't going to suffer much because for better or worse, September is a lot of review in her school. However, she is getting older, and I think this will be the last year we would take her out of school for a whole week-- school gets a little harder every year, and then they have to prepare for the all-important exams...

In future years we will probably brave the crowds and the higher prices and go during winter break. I'm always dying to get away in February anyway.

I'm worried about this trip too, just because dd will only be in school a week and a half before we leave. I'm not really worried about her keeping up, but I don't like getting off on the wrong foot with the teacher. The main reason I'm sticking to the dates is because it is our 10th anniversary.

I do think this is a personal isssue, and everyone has to decide what is best for their family and child, and circumstances vary greatly...

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

In my DD's school policy it says that APPROVED VACATIONS are excused absences. So I talked to the teachers ahead of time and get approval. I also try and work around end of the 1st quarter each year cause they are off on a Thursday and Friday. So I booked out Magic Cruise that week for 2005 and she will only miss 3 days of school.....


I know alot of people look down on pulling the kids out,but I think life experience is important.

My DD's teacher this year was thrilled that I was taking her on the Wonder. She said she will learn and experience more the week with me than at school that week. When we got back the teacher said they took a couple hours out of one day and let JoJo stand up in front of the class and talk about the Cruise and WDW and what she saw and did....She said the kids loved it and asked questions....

As long as she is doing well in school I will pull her out a few day to vacation.... As a single Mom I can not afford the summer rates for the cruises and It is just not fun at WDW in the heat and crowds...... Just my opinion......

 

[Maridw]

At my DD's High School, they have what is called a school leave form that must be filled out prior to taking the time off. It has a place for the dates and the reason for taking the leave.

We have used this when we have planned our vacation for a time when she is in school. Usually the teachers are very good and most have given her the assignments prior to going on the trip and others have given them to her when she returns with a week to get them turned in, on top of the current assignments. Right now she is in the Technology Academy and most of her classes are computer related. She is at the point where she only has a couple core classes a year. So far she hasn't had any trouble keeping up or making up the missed work along with keeping her gpa up.

I would check into this policy when your children get into middle and high school. They might have a similar policy.