School excuse wording

[ccgirl]

I don't mind my tax dollars being spent on any children to be educated despite their parents. But I don't need to be hassled by the school about a family vacation either.... Really 2 separate issues. What happens where I live is there are limited spaces available for public pre-school. Students with an IEP who could benefit from pre-school are bumped to the end of the list because non-English speaking children are given higher priority for those limited pre-school student admissions (not IEP services). The priority levels are not secret -- poor children #1, non-English speaking #2, children with IEP #3 (if any room left). To make sure my son got the pre-school services that would help him, he went to a private preschool at a huge cost (and a 2nd mortgage). Well worth it too. Unfortunately, the teaching that goes on in his kindergarten class is well below his ability. Time for another 2nd mortgage......

It seems your point was limited to preschool then. I could make the same "argument" as you then. I have always had to pay. Why?? Because my children don't have an IEP and I do not meet the income guidelines. My son goes to a Public Integrated preschool as a peer model. I have to pay tuition and he cannot take the bus, even though the IEP students can. Guess what? I'm all for it. I thank God that I do not meet the financial guidelines for free preschool and my child does not have an IEP. I agree with offering free preschool to those that need it most. Preschool is not a requirement around here, and I don't think K is either (even though it is provided and free). Most preschools are tuition based around here. The very few public preschool programs are either for the very needy (financial or IEP) or for those that were chosen as peer models. I might be crazy but I think all children deserve a public education.

Just as the rules for teachers are not the same between districts, neither are the rules for students. My nephews school all vacations are unexcused but he gets 10 unexcused days a year. Sick days are excused (with a dr's note). I think the OP probably got what she needed. Her district requires an educational letter and she was looking for ways to word a letter.

OP - if you have not completed the letter yet; what subjects does your child take? That can help us give better suggestions if they are still needed.

 

[Running_Bell]

My point is... if I want to take my child out of school to go to Disney, it's my business and I shouldn't have to give the school any excuse. If you or other posters don't think it's right to take your child out of school for vacation, then don't. That's your business.

I AGREE 100%

We traditionally take vacation in either Sept. or October every year... we always take the kids out of school for 5 days. We usually try to pick a week where there is a holiday like labor day... or a teachers work day so that they may only miss 4 days. But, I've never thought twice about it. We always let the principal and teachers know way ahead of time. The kids take work in advance or make up work when they return and they know it is their responsibility to catch up .. not the teachers. Funny thing is... we make a bigger deal out of it than the teachers do. The kids always voted to miss school and work hard to make everything up... versus taking a vacation when it's hotter, more crowded, and more expensive.

Both my kids were/are (son graduated last year) in honors courses, sports, dance, ROTC, band and missing some days caused no issue and never disrupted the teacher agenda because the kids were accountable for their missing work. Each parent knows what their child is capable of. I don't think the OP or others were saying kids can miss school and never make up work.

Some of you, however, are so judgemental... it really is not that big of a deal, seriously. Time goes by so fast and kids grow up tooooo fast... loosen up. I am adamant that my kids have a good work eithic... but they will never receive the 100% Attendance Award.

 

[ccgirl]

Judgmental goes both ways. Op asked for suggestions how to word an educational reasons letter as that is what her district requires. Others came on here saying they didn't care they wouldn't fill out the letter. There were judgemental people on both sides.

You are right, parents know their children best and know the guidelines in advance. I never saw a big issue with pulling my children out either as it was allowed, nothing extra was required, the teacher did not have to do any extra work as all work done was collected in her cubby and she did upon returning from vacation.

 

[Wadecool]

Wow. I don't even know where to begin with this post. I'll limit my response to: I'm sure there are plenty of places on the Internet to discuss your various political and religious paranoias and persuasions... but this ain't one them.

I know, right? I thought for a moment I had accidentally tuned in to the Glen Beck program.

 

[Wadecool]

I don't mind my tax dollars being spent on any children to be educated despite their parents. But I don't need to be hassled by the school about a family vacation either.... Really 2 separate issues. What happens where I live is there are limited spaces available for public pre-school. Students with an IEP who could benefit from pre-school are bumped to the end of the list because non-English speaking children are given higher priority for those limited pre-school student admissions (not IEP services). The priority levels are not secret -- poor children #1, non-English speaking #2, children with IEP #3 (if any room left). To make sure my son got the pre-school services that would help him, he went to a private preschool at a huge cost (and a 2nd mortgage). Well worth it too. Unfortunately, the teaching that goes on in his kindergarten class is well below his ability. Time for another 2nd mortgage......

So, the million dollar question is: why did YOU bring up that separate issue, and then continue to bloviate about said separate issue??

 

[Wadecool]

1) First, if the moderators think my post is out of line... then the whole thread should be deleted. My original post #261 simply answered the original poster's question. My additional posts were just responses to the personal attacks from you and the other poster. 2) Seriously, mind your own business.

1)Actually, all the mods would have to do is delete your posts, not the entire thread.

2)Apparently, you don't have a very good grasp of how a public internet forum works, do you?

 

[Don Disney]

And I thought I was over-the-top!!! What a relief!

 

[deegack]

Let me step on the soap box for just a minute... to give a short lesson on the Consitution (since we just passed Constitution Day on 9/17). Anyone from Maryland should be fully aware of how the State of MD stomps on it's citizens' constitutional rights every day. In MD, criminals and illegal aliens have rights... law abiding citizens do not.

A WDW vacation is not a documented religious holiday. But the school system has no right to interfere with my consititutional right to nurture and education my children as I see fit. The 1st, 9th, and 10th Amendments guarantee that. Please read the Consitution folks... Remember someone saying, "Give me liberty or give me death"?

The school system violates my consitutional rights by telling me my children have to be in school or my children and/or we the parents will be punished, and limiting the excuses for "lawful absence". Therefore, I give the school system the excuse they demand (religious holiday).

- It's not laughable. Read below for more details.

The 1st Amendment gives me the right to freely exercise my religious beliefs without limit to specific religions or organized religions. Spending this time with family is highly valued by me. The Constitution does not allow the government to restrict what I may consider a "religious holiday".

The school system in MD does not document illegal aliens. Teachers and employees of the school are prohibited from asking about citizenship or legal status. So, it's not laughable. It's the truth. And here's one example of how it is a problem. Parents break the law by being in the U.S. illegally. In our county, non-English speaking children (many of who are illegal) are given priority for pre-school services AHEAD of children with individualized education plans for disabilities. This is because the system needs these children to speak English better so they perform better on the tests in elementary school because school funding is dependent on those test scores. These parents don't pay taxes because they are not authorized to work. So, my taxes pay for all their education and services.

I'm also a teacher. And I value education. I don't mind my tax dollars being spent on helping children of parents who break the law. But I'll be damned if that same school system is going to violate my constitutional rights and punish my child by making his absence "an unlawful absence" when a LOT of school resources are spent helping illegal aliens instead of using those resources to spend more time teaching my son who is a LAWFUL citizen of this country.

Ok.... off the soap box.... everyone have a great trip! I know I'll be enjoying the low crowds next week!

psst a few things wrong with your argument
1) most illegal aliens pay taxes just not under their social security number. Uncle Sam is willing to turn a blind eye when you give them money. They pay social security too and will never collect it. It is that money that will keep the social security system running for the next ten years or so. So next time you see an illegal immigrant thank them, not that you can actually tell what one looks like because they don't have a stamp on their head or anything.
2) most illegal immigrants ebteres the country legally.
3) most children of illegal immigrants were born here and therefore are US citizens just like you even if their native language is not English.
4) you are not obligated to send your children to any school. If you wish pull them out and homeschool them. Then you can take you religious trip to Disney world whenever you want.
5) the US has fallen behind third world countries in math and science. Instead of arguing about a day or two here or there we should be pushing for year round or close to it education for our children so we can catch up to the rest of the world. As it is states only mandate school attendance for 180 days a year. I am sure you can find adequate time to spend with you family even if you have to do something like go to the park or play dress up instead of visiting your church Disney world. I am sure any religion would agree spend the 185 days your child is not in school with that said child will more than meet the family time requirement of your religion .

 

[Planogirl]

Wow, this thread has taken a rather strange turn. And I mean STRANGE! It keeps life interesting though.

 

[Love Tink]

I know, right? I thought for a moment I had accidentally tuned in to the Glen Beck program.

But it would have to be the radio program, because Glenn Beck lost his TV program. Too crazy.

 

[katebeth]

psst a few things wrong with your argument
1) most illegal aliens pay taxes just not under their social security number. Uncle Sam is willing to turn a blind eye when you give them money. They pay social security too and will never collect it. It is that money that will keep the social security system running for the next ten years or so. So next time you see an illegal immigrant thank them, not that you can actually tell what one looks like because they don't have a stamp on their head or anything.
2) most illegal immigrants ebteres the country legally.
3) most children of illegal immigrants were born here and therefore are US citizens just like you even if their native language is not English.
4) you are not obligated to send your children to any school. If you wish pull them out and homeschool them. Then you can take you religious trip to Disney world whenever you want.
5) the US has fallen behind third world countries in math and science. Instead of arguing about a day or two here or there we should be pushing for year round or close to it education for our children so we can catch up to the rest of the world. As it is states only mandate school attendance for 180 days a year. I am sure you can find adequate time to spend with you family even if you have to do something like go to the park or play dress up instead of visiting your church Disney world. I am sure any religion would agree spend the 185 days your child is not in school with that said child will more than meet the family time requirement of your religion .

1. As long as "illegal" immigrants are here illegally, then they are breaking the law...period!! I don't care what they do or don't pay

2. If most "illegal" immigrants are her legally.....Wouldn't they just be called immigrants

3. And many are also illegal

4. As a teacher, I am offended that just anyone can "teach" a child...I had to go to school for 4 years to become a teacher..."homeschooling" is not what is best for some children

5. STOP comparing the United States education to other countries...It is like comparing apples and oranges. We are a melting pot society that is WONDERFUL to offer public education to EVERYONE...The key word is everyone. No matter what the language, disability, ethnicity, religion etc...everyone is entitled.... it is not an excuse, it is the facts. We will never compare to other countries that don't have the same obstacles.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Wow, this thread has taken a rather strange turn. And I mean STRANGE! It keeps life interesting though.

I know. I don't think I have seen so many political posts in one day on the DIS between this thread and the Avatar threads.

I guess it's just another DISboard guideline that is ignored.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

OK... so I went a bit off topic professing my constitutional rights as a defense for taking DS out of school to go to Disney.....

My point is I shouldn't have to make up an excuse. I told DS's teacher before school started that we were going to Disney World and she didn't seem to care. But, technically... I could be taken to court and fined or put in jail for allowing DS to miss school. Would the courts do that for 1 vacation? No. At least I hope they don't consider that serious truancy when some parents don't send their kids to school at all (and don't homeschool either).

Of course, it is a personal decision about taking kids out of school for vacation. I make sure DS gets educated outside of school... because his education is primarily my responsibility. School is just 1 resource to help me. At least half of his time in school is spent doing non-educational activities. He is not going to suffer from missing 4 days of kindergarten. It's not going to be the downfall of society nor will it cause the U.S. to fall behind India and China in math and science skills......

If they ever made school mandatory for all-year, I'll home school. The schools in MD are supposed to be some of the best. But there are still many problems with the public schools. During the summer, DS is doing different educational activities that enrich his education. I will not take that away from him.

Immigration is a hot debate that obviously won't be solved on a disboards thread...

Are we having fun yet? Now, I really got to get back to packing! Now tuning back to Disney....

 

[larryz]

4. As a teacher, I am offended that just anyone can "teach" a child...I had to go to school for 4 years to become a teacher...

Wow. You're good. I had to go to school for 17+ years before I could teach my kids...

..."homeschooling" is not what is best for some children

If that's true, then public "education" is not what is best for some children.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Just to lighten things up.... I thought this was funny... and it stars Alice, the Mad Hatter, and friends...

The Mad Tea Party on You Tube

 

[nytimez]

OK... so I went a bit off topic professing my constitutional rights as a defense for taking DS out of school to go to Disney.....

[snip]

Are we having fun yet? Now, I really got to get back to packing! Now tuning back to Disney....

I have to admit, your post was the most entertaining one in the entire thread. I mean, really - a Constitutional right to go to Disney World? And a liberal conspiracy to deprive you of said right?

That's comedy gold, my friend.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I have to admit, your post was the most entertaining one in the entire thread. I mean, really - a Constitutional right to go to Disney World? And a liberal conspiracy to deprive you of said right?

That's comedy gold, my friend.

I missed my calling as a stand-up!

 

[FairydustyPrincesses]

I'm sorry but the fact that you have to come on here for advice on how to word something to be approved so that you can take your own child on vacation shows how far the state has overstePpdd it's bounds into our lives. Ridiculous!

Hope you are granted your vacation. Sorry you have to jump through hoops to do so.

 

[Wadecool]

Immigration is a hot debate that obviously won't be solved on a disboards thread...

So why bring it up in the first place, since it has absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand??

 

[Planogirl]

I'm way behind. I missed the part of the Constitution that guarantees everyone the right to go to WDW during school days. Of course, you could always stretch the true meaning of the amendments to cover pretty much every topic you can imagine. However, I'm sure that plenty of legal minds have already dealt with most of this.

I agree with the teacher that said not EVERY child is a good candidate for homeschooling. Many children might do better with homeschooling too though. There is no one size fits all.

So, has the OP ever said how she plans to word her letter?