School excuse wording

[pilferk]

I just write a note saying that my daughter will be out of school on the following dates to join her family on vacation...
And I'll mention it to the teacher during open school night next week...

PRECISELY what we do/did. We go every year, some time between late September and mid-January...because THAT'S when I can travel, around my work schedule. They typically miss 5 to 6 days of school...and they're pretty much the ONLY days they miss, all year.

Our open houses were last Thursday, for my eldest, and last night, for our son. During the open house, I advised both teachers what our plans were, told them I expected to have to help the kids either during vacation or after to catch up, and that we would send a note to school a week prior to departure and another the day we were leaving. Both teachers thanked us for the heads up and were completely OK with it (as has been the case each year we've done this).

But then...our school district is not draconian about attendance policies. The only restriction on attendance falls during Mastery/Standardized testing (March/April), and even then they're pretty understanding about emergencies.

I'm not going to justify or debate my parenting decisions...just as I won't question those made by others. To be brutally honest...I could care less about what others opinion on the subject of "should you/shouldn't you" is. They're not members of my family, our schoolboard, or the school faculty....the people that are effected by the decisions (or have influence on them).

 

[Planogirl]

Any corporation or similar entity has rules and school districts are no different. Trust me, I couldn't walk into my place of employment and announce that I was going to be out next week and our school district is no different. If DS was out then it would be unexcused and definitely not pre-approved. His teachers would in no way be obligated to give him work in advance or even afterward when it comes right down to it. We knew the rules going in and I feel that we had no right to expect the rules to be bent for us.

These arguments amuse me. Everyone's circumstances are different and everyone's values are different too.

 

[bakenatj]

I just have to through my two cents in here.

Unfortunately this subject has nothing to do with education and everything to do with politics. The government in recent history has felt the need to tell us how we should raise or children and they are putting regulations to do so in the schools systems. They don't think us average Americans know how to properly raise our children, so they will regulate us for our own good....

Politicians wonder why more and more parents are home schooling. They can't figure out that we are sick of them deciding what is best for our OWN families. Get a hint Government, we don't need you telling us if we can take OUR children out to go on a family vacation. Regulation overload!!

Lucky as of now, there is no issue with this where I live. The moment I do my kids will not be attending the public school system.

 

[Magpie]

Any corporation or similar entity has rules and school districts are no different. Trust me, I couldn't walk into my place of employment and announce that I was going to be out next week and our school district is no different. If DS was out then it would be unexcused and definitely not pre-approved. His teachers would in no way be obligated to give him work in advance or even afterward when it comes right down to it. We knew the rules going in and I feel that we had no right to expect the rules to be bent for us.

These arguments amuse me. Everyone's circumstances are different and everyone's values are different too.

I'm with you until the part about "values".

Yes, everyone's circumstances are different. Our school district is very free and easy about attendance, to the point where I've actually had the spec ed resource teacher tell ME that it was time to pull my son out for a mental health break (aka "family vacation"). I feel fortunate that our schools' funding isn't tied to how many student butts are parked in seats at the beginning of each day. I know many families aren't so lucky.

But values? No one wins when the argument turns to debating "values". People can pull their kids out and STILL value hard work and commitment and responsibility. People can leave their kids in and STILL value family togetherness and work/life balance. There is no way you can possibly judge another person's "values" on the basis of whether or not they take their kid out of school for family vacations.

 

[princessdi]

I'm sorry, but I totally disagree. Your husband chose to became a teacher and with becoming a teacher, all of the things the job requires. He knew ahead of time what the requirements would be and still chose the profession. It requires that you provide assignments to children who are out of school. Frankly, I don't believe it is the teacher's business as to why the child is not in school, as long as the student is not suffering in the grade department. The very well paid teachers in our district thought nothing of shutting down the school for 2 weeks last year by striking about their healthcare premiums. I fail to see a difference between teachers striking about salary/premiums and children going on vacation during the school year because that is when their parents are able to take vacation.....it's both financially based.
Please don't act as if teachers are anymore overstressed or overworked than any other employed person. I find it insulting, as do many others. I have a job to do, and I do it without complaining every step of the way. It isn't too much to ask of others to do the same.

Being a RN, I COMPLETELY say amen to this response!!

 

[CdnCarrie]

Does anyone really do homework at Disney? I mean really? My parents took me out of elementary school a few times for Disney trips when I was a kid, but did I sit in our room at the Poly at 10pm after MK fireworks and do homework every night? No, I did not.

It either got done in the car on the way home or after I got home.

My grade one kid was required to write couple sentences each day about what he did. So yes he did it nightly before he forgot.

I remember sitting on a balcony in a hotel in Honolulu wrighting out a book report on Death of a Salesman in grade 12.

 

[Brian Noble]

I'm with you until the part about "values".

If you choose to pull your kids out (or choose not to) it *does* say something about how you "value" time in school vs. how you "value" other things. What, exactly, it says depends on your circumstances.

If you truly cannot get vacation time from your job during *any* time your kids are off school, then it is a question of "vacation time with family" vs. "time in school."

However, most people are not quite so limited. Kids are typically out of school for 14-15 weeks over the course of the year, plus various long weekends, etc. For most people it is possible to schedule time away from work during one or more of those times. And, at that point the thing you are valuing is lower cost, lower crowds, and/or better weather vs. time in school.

Furthermore there are (shockingly!) other places you can go to avoid some of these problems. WDW is too hot and crowded in the summer? The upper midwest has plenty of lovely lakes (including some Great ones) that aren't super crowded and have lovely weather. You can make a nice vacation out of a trip there. They don't have Splash Mountain, but you can't have it all.

 

[pilferk]

Does anyone really do homework at Disney? I mean really? My parents took me out of elementary school a few times for Disney trips when I was a kid, but did I sit in our room at the Poly at 10pm after MK fireworks and do homework every night? No, I did not.

It either got done in the car on the way home or after I got home.

Our kids know that the expectation is that the work that was sent is done BEFORE we get home. That means doing some on the way down, some while we're there, and MAYBE some on the way home. But I'd say, for the most part, they do about 85% while we're at WDW. A little in the morning before breakfast. A little at night, before bed. More on our "off day" that we schedule smack dab in the middle of every trip.

But the short answer is: Yes. Some kids do homework while at WDW.

 

[wen8jr]

So... your job requires you to come in early and stay late, after working hours, to redo what you did last week? Your job requires you to do the very exact same meeting, project, whatever because coworkers who are expected/required to be present or participate choose not to because there is something else they'd rather be doing? Your job requires you to have projects finished a week in advance of when you are actually presenting it? Of course, you buy all your own office supplies, paper, pens, laptop/computer, etc., too? I am guessing you also listen to your clients, distributors, suppliers, whatever yell at you and be insulting and tell you you ruined their business's future, too? I find it insulting that you lump teachers all together, and seemingly have no respect for the profession.

I actually laughed at loud at this post. It amuses me that a lot of teachers think that they are overworked and no one else out there is. Do you seriously think teachers have the only professions that are demanding!? I'm sorry, but that is not the real world at all. Personally, my job and my husband's has many of those aspects you mention and much more which requires long hours, weekends, travel, working holidays, etc. and that is year long, not just during times when students are attending school. And I don't consider mine the worst...there are EMTs, firefighters, police, hospital staff and even those workers in retail (and yes even at Disney!) that work through weekends, holidays and school breaks. So when do they get to take a vacation? Most likely when school is in session just like I have to do if I chose to take one.

Also, respect should not automatically be expected from anyone in any profession. It should be earned. Do I ask my child to be respectful to elders and teachers, yes because he is a child. But as my child's teacher, courtesy and consideration is what you will get from me intially. The respect will come when it is earned and you have shown me that you have the ability to teach my child. After all, I'm a tax paying adult, you are working to teach my child and I am not one of your students.

 

[rgf207]

Let's not make this a teacher bashing thread.

 

[nytimez]

I actually laughed at loud at this post. It amuses me that a lot of teachers think that they are overworked and no one else out there is. Do you seriously think teachers have the only professions that are demanding!? I'm sorry, but that is not the real world at all. Personally, my job and my husband's has many of those aspects you mention and much more which requires long hours, weekends, travel, working holidays, etc. and that is year long, not just during times when students are attending school. And I don't consider mine the worst...there are EMTs, firefighters, police, hospital staff and even those workers in retail (and yes even at Disney!) that work through weekends, holidays and school breaks. So when do they get to take a vacation? Most likely when school is in session just like I have to do if I chose to take one.

Also, respect should not automatically be expected from anyone in any profession. It should be earned. Do I ask my child to be respectful to elders and teachers, yes because he is a child. But as my child's teacher, courtesy and consideration is what you will get from me intially. The respect will come when it is earned and you have shown me that you have the ability to teach my child. After all, I'm a tax paying adult, you are working to teach my child and I am not one of your students.

Not sure what your point is. Lots of people in lots of professions work very hard -- and no matter what your job is, no one likes extra and unnecessary work being thrown their way, especially if they already work hard.

By the way, your child's teacher is a tax paying adult as well. All of us -- except for maybe GE -- pay taxes. Paying taxes doesn't give anyone the high ground, except perhaps in a debate between people who pay taxes and people who dodge them.

 

[Bummbok]

I suspect the PP was trying to illustrate the point that what a person thinks someone should do (as it relates to their job) and what they are required to do might not be the same thing. What's required may in fact be less work than expected by someone not in that person's chain of command. If my job's posted hours were from 7-4 and I wanted to leave at 4 but you "customer" expected me to be there until 4:30 for something caused by you who's right? Me who wants to go home on time, by my agreement with my employer, and be with my family, or the "customer", who caused the issue to begin with? You could argue the "customer" is always right...but what if the contract between the employee and employer says the employee leaves at 4, forcing him/her to stay past 4 could have some interesting ramifications.

I think we all have in our mind what an idea "insert random job here" should do to be counted as a good whatever, but what they are required to do is probably not the same thing as what we'd like them to.

 

[Arielle22]

So... your job requires you to come in early and stay late, after working hours, to redo what you did last week? Your job requires you to do the very exact same meeting, project, whatever because coworkers who are expected/required to be present or participate choose not to because there is something else they'd rather be doing? Your job requires you to have projects finished a week in advance of when you are actually presenting it? Of course, you buy all your own office supplies, paper, pens, laptop/computer, etc., too? I am guessing you also listen to your clients, distributors, suppliers, whatever yell at you and be insulting and tell you you ruined their business's future, too? I find it insulting that you lump teachers all together, and seemingly have no respect for the profession.

My job requires me to be in meetings about the same issue that doesn't get resolved so we call another meeting and sit there rehashing what was already done. Many of my coworkers travel so I spend my time repeating conversations with others.

When I go on vacation I have to bring my laptop for both myself and my husband in case of an emergency at work. I have stepped off the plane, turned on my cell and had to handle business. Do you do that? I get paid no additional because I am an exempt employee. I may not even get a thanks but if I didn't respond I would have trouble at work when I returned.

I have been yelled at by emplpyees and former employees telling me I am a liar and they will get me. I have had to be walked to my car after threats.

I finish my projects and then wait until my managers can fit me into their schedule to present it. It could be weeks and then I don't remember details so I have to review everything before presenting it.

I have great respect for teachers. My mom was one and my sister in law teaches in a poor urban area. Every year I stock up on back to school sales to give her items for the classroom.

Every job has its ups and downs. Just because a person has an issue with a teacher or teachers in a particular school does not mean she does not respect teachers.

What you listed in your post as examples are actually common in offices.

 

[pilferk]

My job requires me to be in meetings about the same issue that doesn't get resolved so we call another meeting and sit there rehashing what was already done. Many of my coworkers travel so I spend my time repeating conversations with others.

When I go on vacation I have to bring my laptop for both myself and my husband in case of an emergency at work. I have stepped off the plane, turned on my cell and had to handle business. Do you do that? I get paid no additional because I am an exempt employee. I may not even get a thanks but if I didn't respond I would have trouble at work when I returned.

I have been yelled at by emplpyees and former employees telling me I am a liar and they will get me. I have had to be walked to my car after threats.

I finish my projects and then wait until my managers can fit me into their schedule to present it. It could be weeks and then I don't remember details so I have to review everything before presenting it.

No horse in the race, or comment on the points included in these posts, but:

If your location wasn't "Boston, MA", I would seriously suspect you were working in one of the offices next to mine. You just described my typical work day/week/month (less, maybe, the threats) AND vacation "work commitments".

 

[Wadecool]

Not sure what your point is. Lots of people in lots of professions work very hard -- and no matter what your job is, no one likes extra and unnecessary work being thrown their way, especially if they already work hard.

By the way, your child's teacher is a tax paying adult as well. All of us -- except for maybe GE -- pay taxes. Paying taxes doesn't give anyone the high ground, except perhaps in a debate between people who pay taxes and people who dodge them.

Well said!

 

[thebigdisneydaddy]

No horse in the race, or comment on the points included in these posts, but:

If your location wasn't "Boston, MA", I would seriously suspect you were working in one of the offices next to mine. You just described my typical work day/week/month (less, maybe, the threats) AND vacation "work commitments".

Ditto during my last trip to disney I logged about 10 hours worth of meetings using my cell phone and laptop due to issues back in the office.

I will say the wife had threatened me about it first, so much of this was done hiding in the hotel bathroom where she wouldn't see me.

 

[DizBelle]

We are taking our children, Dd17, Ddbf 17 & Ds 9, out of school for 7 days. Family vacation and family time are just as important as school time. We sent pre-excused absence forms to school stating we are going on a family vavation and to please provide homework. My son's teacher thought it was great and he can keep a journal. My Dd & her Bf got hassled but they are seniors and if they don't have it down by now they never will. Both are AP & honor students and will take homework. Our jobs make it impossible to do summer travel so this is my only option. I feel that I am the parent and have the right to take them out as long as they still perform in school.

Good luck,

Judy

You forgot the option of not going.

 

[DizBelle]

I would say in our school district it is all about money. We used to get grief when we took our child out for a week and the feed back we got from the school was that it was disruptive to the learning process. Once the district enacted the "independent study program" (essentially a program where the child received a packet of work that they did on the trip that allows the school to still receive funding), well that was the last we heard from them. it was never about the learning process, it was about the money.

Our old district had "ski week" in early February that was a week off in the middle of the term so that parents would use that week for vacations instead of taking the kids out of school. it really worked well, and the attendance problems were greatly reduced. it was similar to Jersey Week. If all school districts did this and staggered the week, we would not even be talking about this.

They do do this. It's called spring break.

 

[Arielle22]

Ditto during my last trip to disney I logged about 10 hours worth of meetings using my cell phone and laptop due to issues back in the office.

I will say the wife had threatened me about it first, so much of this was done hiding in the hotel bathroom where she wouldn't see me.

I think there are many people who would see themselves in my post. I am in HR and recently read an article about the blurring of work/home lines due to technology.

I also handle biweekly payroll so every other week is unavailable for me for vacation. So is the end of the year and beginning of the year. My boss is a single mom and she takes the end of August off due to childcare so I can't go then either. Then we have to take in account any projects and deadlines DH has.

Just because the school is closed for weeks based on their schedule doesn't mean it works for parents.

 

[pilferk]

I think there are many people who would see themselves in my post. I am in HR and recently read an article about the blurring of work/home lines due to technology.

I also handle biweekly payroll so every other week is unavailable for me for vacation. So is the end of the year and beginning of the year. My boss is a single mom and she takes the end of August off due to childcare so I can't go then either. Then we have to take in account any projects and deadlines DH has.

Just because the school is closed for weeks based on their schedule doesn't mean it works for parents.

I'm an IT-type guy working in a healthcare setting.

I can travel from late September til very early January (right up to AROUND the MLK holiday). That's it. Mid Jan- late Feb is annual reporting. March/April is out due to work travel. May - mid September is "busy season" around here.

So we go when I can go. And I could, honestly, care less what anyone outside "the circle" (family, school faculty, school board, and school administration) thinks about it. It's really none of their business.

You do what's right for your family and what the school system can live with/accept.