School absence letter for cruise

[rkandmjsmommy]

Whole family just got food poisoning. The kids missed 1 day of school and it was counted as unexcused because we did not go to the doctor and bring a note from him (actually the dr. said to give it a couple of days before coming in). I wonder what they would mark a cruise as .

that seems a bit crazy...but whatever, to be honest i really dont care what they mark the cruise as...it was a wonderful experience for our kids, our family, we saw amazing places, had a GREAT time! Like a previous poster said, the kids wont remember What they learned in school Oct 1 but they will remember swimming with a 14 month old dolphin, snorkeling in the bluest water and enjoying time with family and friends! My hope is everyone gets to experience this in their lifetime!

 

[dvc4life]

We have been taking our girls out of school in October for the last 3-4 years. We always try to do it at the end of 1st quarter when they have parent/teacher conferences. They get out of school 2 days early and no school on that Friday. So usually it is a light work load at school that week. And our teachers don't even know what their schedules are until like a couple of days before we leave. So our girls can't get their homework to far in advance. And they have had no trouble catching up once we return. Our oldest is in 10th grade and the youngest in 7th. The only flack we get is from our oldests Music teacher. He told us we need to rearrange our vacation schedule. Well, my DH was in the military for 26 years and traveled alot and October was the month that best suited his schedule for a family vacation. And now that we have started, we love to go to Disney in October. So, we do what is best for our family. And the school does approve the absences. But, I usually get a letter saying that the kids need to attend school regularly to give them the best educational experience they need, blah, blah, blah. Well, both girls are on the honor roll. Do I need to say more. So do what is best for your family. After all, they are our kids not the school districts.

 

[Maryrn11168]

We have been pulling our kids out for a few days a year for vacations since we bougth DVC in 2002. What are they going to do with an an "unexcused" absence-put it on your PERMENENT record!!! Teachers theatened that when I was in school years ago. I have a college degree and a good job!! Not sure what happened to the permenent record!!!! Has anyone ever seen theirs!!!

 

[Alexander]

We have been pulling our kids out for a few days a year for vacations since we bougth DVC in 2002. What are they going to do with an an "unexcused" absence-put it on your PERMENENT record!!! Teachers theatened that when I was in school years ago. I have a college degree and a good job!! Not sure what happened to the permenent record!!!! Has anyone ever seen theirs!!!

Oh No! Not the Permanent Record! Well, there goes college admissions!

Honestly, the power they try to throw around to scare people! How many of you have even seen your kids permanent records--good grief, it's a lousy piece of paper with some numbers and letters on it! All that really matters to the schools is that the kids pass those stupid tests so they (the schools) aren't put on the "School In Need of Improvement" list and how much state and federal funding they're going to get.

I skipped almost my entire senior year of school, that would totally be illegal absences--went to college--have a master's degree and a great paying job. I'm sure my permanent record has lots of "black marks" on it.

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

Last year our school board "tightened" the policy on trips for kids during the school year. I was a little nervous to take DS out - he was a freshman. I called the assistant principal and voiced my concerns about whether or not it would be excused with the changes in the policy. Her comment - "A cruise, how wonderful - what an exciting AND and educational experience it will be for him!" All of his teachers agreed! He is an honor student and doesn't have to work too hard for his grades!

This year it was my other son's turn to cruise...his grades are pretty good but he has to work very hard to keep them up there! But all of the teacher's signed for his excused absence and all of them had the same comments - "What a wonderful opportunity!"

I'm glad the teachers here approve of family travel!!

 

[gamomof2]

How do you plan a vacation around a school calendar that changes EVERY SINGLE YEAR? Fall, Winter and spring breaks are never the same weeks. Summer vacation has changed the last 3 years. Having to book DCL at least a year if not more for an affordable rate can't work if you don't know when you're able to go. If we could have the same calendar at least 2 years in a row it would help.

 

[MNWDWMANIAC]

How do you plan a vacation around a school calendar that changes EVERY SINGLE YEAR? Fall, Winter and spring breaks are never the same weeks. Summer vacation has changed the last 3 years. Having to book DCL at least a year if not more for an affordable rate can't work if you don't know when you're able to go. If we could have the same calendar at least 2 years in a row it would help.

Fortunately for us our schools put out the calendar for the next three years

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Like many other things, the decision to pull a child out of school or not is a personal decision and depends on both the child and the family. My only recommendation is not to write a letter, but to speak personally to the teachers and school administrators.

With respect to calendar changes. Our district changed the calendar for 2008/09 last spring!! Instead of missing the first 3 1/2 days of school, they ended up missing the first 8 1/2 days of school this year while we were on the EB Repo!

For our two youngest, the principal gave us their math books ahead of time and they had the suggested sections completed before leaving on the cruise. We also had the kids read most everyday while on the cruise.

After getting back, we immediately spoke with all of the teachers (we didn't even know who they were before we left!). They were all very understanding and the kids received excused absences on their assignments. A month and half later, they are all receiving the highest grades possible and at Parent-teacher conferences this past week, we heard nothing but praise for how the kids are performing and behaving.

Like many others, our kids perform well in school so missing a few days isn't that big a deal. However, if our kids were struggling, I think we'd think twice before pulling them out.

One other difference is that we're very involved parents in our schools. The teachers and administrators know us, especially my DW, and know that we will do what it takes to make sure our kids are getting the most out of school.

For our next cruise, we don't plan to pull the kids out of school but will cruise in early June. Yes, it's more expensive but our oldest will be starting high school after our next cruise so don't want to pull him out anymore.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Sorry, double post.

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

How do you plan a vacation around a school calendar that changes EVERY SINGLE YEAR? Fall, Winter and spring breaks are never the same weeks. Summer vacation has changed the last 3 years. Having to book DCL at least a year if not more for an affordable rate can't work if you don't know when you're able to go. If we could have the same calendar at least 2 years in a row it would help.

I've oftened wondered how so many people CAN manage to book something a year in advance! Not us! We have to pay the higher rates to be able to book later. All I've been able to say is "we're planning to cruise in the fall." I had to wait until September to make sure DS was doing okay in his first year of high school (which he is), my work schedule (I can't be guaranteed time off until about a month in advance ) and that DH can arrange his schedule to be flexible while I'm gone so he can be here for our other two DSs!

As a result I've only had my reservations for about three weeks!

I admire those of you who are organized enough to be able to reserve so far out!

 

[rantnnravin]

If anyone is in a super-strict district that gives you a hard time (due to funding) sign the child out of school, (tell them you'll be home-schooling or moving - both true) and sign them back in when you return.

If I weren't a teacher, I'd cruise/vacation at the least expensive times myself. My DD8 already says being in school is easier than spending an hour with me because "Mom makes everything hard work"

 

[frdeb1999]

Deffinately a very personal preference. That being said....we contacted our dd's schools last year already to make sure our Dec cruise for this year would'nt be a huge problem. They said as long as parents are up front and let them know ahead of time they have no problems with it. My kids never miss school normally, but life is just too short not to do things while you can and make the most of it.

 

[SILLYANDI]

I drove by an elementary school in our town today and their marque read

"346 absences so far this year...Cost to the school $10,120".

I thought that was pretty bold of them considering they don't address what caused the absences (it's not my childrens' school but a friend tells me they had a nasty bout of lice & flu)-maybe if they weren't so money focused they would be more reasonable about absences & parents wouldn't be sending their sick kids to school and infecting other children?!


Our school had the nerve to send out a letter at the beginning of the school year (last year) asking parents who vacation during school to "pay" the school what they would be missing out (even though they require you to sign a homeschooling contract before you leave and therefore they still get paid). When I brought that to the principal's attention she was glib and said "well we want to deter as many people from going as we can so that we don't have to waste time processing paperwork" She didn't bother sending it out this year-I'm thinking because no one bothered to pay. (BTW we didn't take our kids out of school so it wasn't an issue for us-but it concerned me that they would try to milk money from the families).
Just my 2 cents..

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Our school funding comes directly from our outrageous property taxes and student absences have no impact whatsoever on their revenue. Our teachers are very understanding about the importance of family vacation. Every year we are told at Back to School night by the teachers or, now that ds is in middle school with multiple teachers, by the principal what procedure to follow if you're taking a vacation during the school year. Last year ds's 2nd grade teacher told us, "We always took our children on vacation with us. They are now both in law school. If you get the opportunity to visit WDW, go for it!"
This year at BTS night for new middle school students the principal told us, "If you're taking a vacation during the school year, no need to email 6 teachers. Just email your child's advisor and they'll direct it to your child's teachers." I wanted to stand up and clap at that point but dh and my better judgement kept me quietly seated.

Our district's drop out rate is 0.7% and 95% continue on to college so that's not a fear in our administration.

I always request the work before we leave and make sure it's completed by the time they go back. I also try to choose a week that includes days off to keep time missed to a minimum. They are both above grade level in reading and math. I would not even consider it if either child were struggling. I can't predict the future but I'd imagine this will become more difficult once our older ds reaches high school. Might as well make some happy memories with their grandparents now.

I don't try to sugar-coat or BS in my letters and just keep to the facts. They already know it's educational as far as life experience so no need to babble.

Dear Mrs. Teacher,
Mickey will be absent from school from Fri Nov. 21 until Wed. Nov. 26 for a Disney Cruise with extended family. He will return on Mon Dec. 1.
Please send any missed work that he needs to complete in advance if possible and I will see to it that he completes it. If you have any questions I can be reached at (123) 456-7890.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Mouse

Have a great trip.

 

[Marciern22]

You know what they can do with their "Permanent Records"?...Put them in Davy Jones Locker.
In real life...Nobody cares about your "Permanent Record".
Enjoy Life!! Take the kids and RUUUUNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

You know what they can do with their "Permanent Records"?...Put them in Davy Jones Locker.
In real life...Nobody cares about your "Permanent Record".
Enjoy Life!! Take the kids and RUUUUNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!

LOL! ya gotta love that PERMANENT RECORD crap!! Know what's on mine? In 4th grade my teacher said I spend too much time socializing. (I didn't even know what the word meant.)

and here I am still on the Dis instead of vacuuming and organizing my desk like I planned...

 

[stephent2008]

As a teacher in the UK - I would need to have this letter forwarded to our local authority who would then contact the parents. A vacation is deemed to not be a suitable excuse for missing school, hence breaking the law.

If your vacatio has had it's dates changed and this has been beyond your control - that is generaly fine. A family reunion is also normaly fine - a vacation is not.

This may work in the US, but certainly not in Scotland or the rest of the UK. Just an FYI - our local authority is having a 'clamp down' on absence.

If you are going down this route, I recomend arranging a suitable ammount of homework with the class teacher prior to leaving. Also meet with the class teacher to discuss what the child will be missing, and arrange to have 'home school' lessons to meet these areas of the curriculum.

 

[rantnnravin]

As a teacher in the UK - I would need to have this letter forwarded to our local authority who would then contact the parents. A vacation is deemed to not be a suitable excuse for missing school, hence breaking the law.

If your vacatio has had it's dates changed and this has been beyond your control - that is generaly fine. A family reunion is also normaly fine - a vacation is not.

This may work in the US, but certainly not in Scotland or the rest of the UK. Just an FYI - our local authority is having a 'clamp down' on absence.

If you are going down this route, I recomend arranging a suitable ammount of homework with the class teacher prior to leaving. Also meet with the class teacher to discuss what the child will be missing, and arrange to have 'home school' lessons to meet these areas of the curriculum.

but don't your workers get 6 weeks of regular vacation time?
folks in the US, only get 1-2 weeks depending on the job and workers with seniority get to choose the dates first - so they get the school vacation times and everyone else has to work around them.
what does the school schedule look like? you don't do Aug-June, right? aren't you year round with several extended breaks in between?