School excuse wording

[chartle]

OK. As long as there is no mayo involved. I hate mayo.

Miracle Whip OK

 

[acebatonfan]

This is coming from a highschool student. If you do not want to face the hassle of an educational trip form (my middle school gave me a pretty big hassle even though I was going in the second week of school.) simply give them an excuse that your child was sick. The day before you are scheduling to take them out of school, have your children cough and sniffle a bit more than usual, just to make it seem a bit more obvious that he or she might be out of school from sickness. Just remember that after this vacation, keep a track of how many days your children are out for the rest of the year. I, personally, had a call from the school saying I had "excessive absences" for only missing ten days throughout the school year for sickness.

 

[rgf207]

so....teach your kids that lying is OK as long as you get something you want.

Great advice

 

[Don Disney]

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.

I agree with you.The Government should have been more concerned about the "deregulation" of the banks/loaning agencies that nearly caused the total collapse of our economy-instead of "regulating"wether,and how long,we should be able to take our children out of school for a family vacation! I do however understand that it is each parents duty to do what is in the best interest of THEIR children;everyones situation/children are different-some can miss school,and be able to do well,and others don't do well,even when attending school without missing a single day-go figure? We plan on taking our DD's out for 5 days-just like last year,and will writea basic letter informing them of their absence.They did'nt give us any problem,but we did receive a letter from the "truancy police".I was pepared to defend our decision,but never had to-they never said or did anything. The only problem in our situation is that the max days that can be missed is 11-excused or unexcused;which to me is utterly ridiculous!!!

 

[Don Disney]

My family and I including my DS9 will be going to WDW next week. He will miss three days. I am a RN and due to the type of nursing I can not take off and go on vacations especially at holiday times. Holidays and the weeks surrounding them are the times we are not allowed under any circumstances to be allowed off. Summer is also busiest since kids are all out of school.

I send the school a note stating the dates DS will be absent, but I STILL get calls asking me if I knew my son was absent on each daywhile IN Disney!! I even remind them I sent a note and spoke with the teacher.this does NOT mean the absences will be excused though. The teachers allow work and tests missed to be made up. Tests will be made up instead of going to recess. DS happily does so to get to go to WDW.

Where we are, the school limits absences to 10 unexcused a school year and once you reach 7 unexcused absences the district attorney calls and sends you a letter. Almost an investigation. This seems a bit exaggerate, but i think its mostly for those who keep kids out all the time.

I have nothing to hide. I teach my kids to be honest. We are going to WDW now because my job as a nurse doesnt allow for it during holiday periods or summers bc that is when it is busiest at my job. He will make up the work at home with the guidance and help of my husband and I. Ill gladly take the responsibility for taking him out and making up the work, just excuse the absences. He never misses otherwise thankfully!! I have no problem with this but trust me, it does not happen often!! Its the whole "one bad apple ruins it for the bunch".


Btw, i am surprised more healthcare workers have not chimed in on this.

DW,and myself are healthcare workers-basically the same deal.By the way,where are you?We're in LaPlace!

 

[Kona65]

Dear School,

A. I am taking them out because they are my kids and I choose to.

B. My taxes pay your salary so you answer to me, I don't answer to you.

That will be all

It has to be said by someone, This the biggest bunch of "BS" I think I have ever read on the DisBoard in a long time.

 

[Bummbok]

Dear School,

A. I am taking them out because they are my kids and I choose to.

B. My taxes pay your salary so you answer to me, I don't answer to you.

That will be all

Ohh, do you think that will work with the CPS workers who come to take them away because they've been out too long too?

Please try it and let us know how it goes...

 

[popej1]

We're heading to WDW for Thanksgiving and this is the first time, since kindergarten, that I'll be taking my kids out of school (they're now in high school and middle school). I'm dreading writing that letter and hoping that all of their teachers will be on board and supply them with homework/lessons that need to be completed. My plan is to just tell them that we are spending Thanksgiving with family out of state........after all, Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the gang are family, aren't they?

As a 6th grade science teacher, my only concern is that the parents don't always understand that it's not as easy as "send the work they need to do". We have been in school 4 weeks, and in that time there has been exactly 1 day that I could give make-up work for a student to do. We do class activities, labs, cooperative group discussions, etc. NOT worksheets or assignments from a book. My students don't even have textbooks. If they aren't there they miss what we are doing that day and it can't be "made up". For a day or two that is ok but any longer than that and it puts them pretty far behind, especially if it is a brand new concept they are missing. I'm not saying not to take them out (I'm taking my own kids out for 1 day for travel to WDW) but just understand that it may be hard for them to catch up when they get back once they reach middle school age if they are out for several days.

 

[bwilcox]

Ever since NCLB, teachers hav become babysitters who teach a standardized test.

Not the good ones, and in my experience, there are FAR more good ones than bad ones. I've also seen plenty of private schools that looked good on the outside, but were subpar when you look at the academics. Before buying our house, we researched schools and bought in an area with a great public school, which we love.

 

[OnlyDisney]

How about, "Dear School Administrators,
We are taking our kids out of school for ____ days from ___ (Month) to ____ (Month) so that the family can enjoy lower crowds and less expensive lodging at Walt Disney World, in Florida. The educational lessons of this family vacation will include:
1) economics - the importance of maximizing savings on family vacations
2) geography - the location, weather, and municipal infrastructure of Orlando, Florida
3) math - how quickly costs can add up for food, lodging and souvenirs
4) sociology - the diverse nature of people who attend theme parks
5) psychology - methods used by Disney to induce higher spending in their theme parks
6) English - grammatically correct signs and warnings on thrill rides
7) history - many Disney rides are based on myths and legends, and several are based on bona fide historical American artifacts and personalities
8) physics - actually experiencing positive and negative G-forces on several thrill rides
9) science - discovering the effects of dehydration and lack of sleep
10) foreign languages - hearing several languages in use by actual foreigners
11) biology - seeing, smelling, and possibly depositing stomach contents on the sidewalk after thrill rides
12) engineering - viewing and actually riding highly engineered thrill rides
13) astrology - examining and describing stars seen on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" in DHS
14) art - experiencing actual animation instruction and getting a back-lot view of motion picture production
15) phys ed - walking approximately seven miles per day.

I hope you agree that, based on this ___ week visit, my children should be awarded a bachelor's degree in General Studies from the nearest state college. If that is not possible, please provide instructions on how my children can complete any additional requirements of their regularly scheduled classes (as if their classes could possibly cover anything remotely as comprehensive as this vacation will expose them to!).

Very truly yours,
Mrs X"

That should get the ball rolling for you...

I love this!
I can't believe you need to get permission to take a family vacation. Thank goodness I homeschool...permission automatically approved!

 

[Mama Who]

To Whom It Concerns,

ChildOMine will not be in school from Date to date.

Sincerely,

Mother of Child


Really, that's all I ever gave a school. Not their business. I decided if it was reasonable for my child to skip school, I did not need permission or validation. Unless a child is old enough to need buy in from the teachers to preserve a grade, I see no reason to give details.

 

[bwilcox]

To Whom It Concerns,

ChildOMine will not be in school from Date to date.

Sincerely,

Mother of Child


Really, that's all I ever gave a school. Not their business. I decided if it was reasonable for my child to skip school, I did not need permission or validation. Unless a child is old enough to need buy in from the teachers to preserve a grade, I see no reason to give details.

That's fine, as long as you are prepared to accept the consequences of the absences. Schools have the right (by law) to set attendance guidelines and the consequences of unexcused absences, like zeros or citations. These rules should be clearly spelled out in the parent handbook. When you sign your child up for public school, you are agreeing to that district's policies, including attendance. If you don't like the policies, you are free to seek other options.

 

[princessdi]

DW,and myself are healthcare workers-basically the same deal.By the way,where are you?We're in LaPlace!

Baton Rouge.... Its a small world huh?!? ok sorry- had to add that!!

 

[Mama Who]

That's fine, as long as you are prepared to accept the consequences of the absences. Schools have the right (by law) to set attendance guidelines and the consequences of unexcused absences, like zeros or citations. These rules should be clearly spelled out in the parent handbook. When you sign your child up for public school, you are agreeing to that district's policies, including attendance. If you don't like the policies, you are free to seek other options.

What do you imagine the consequences of the OP pulling her kid out for two half days will be? I'm guessing it will be right about what they were every time I pulled my kid out- being not a single thing.

 

[Pikezh638]

I saw what someone else posted and I have to agree.. I think something along the lines of,

"
I am checking out X child for X days.

Don't like it ? Tough.
"

Just make sure they don't miss more than required and get all their homework

Heh a little off topic, but when I was in high school I used to sign myself out, my name is the same as my dad's name so I wasn't reeaaaaaaaaaaally forging his signature.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I agree with you.The Government should have been more concerned about the "deregulation" of the banks/loaning agencies that nearly caused the total collapse of our economy-instead of "regulating"wether,and how long,we should be able to take our children out of school for a family vacation! I do however understand that it is each parents duty to do what is in the best interest of THEIR children;everyones situation/children are different-some can miss school,and be able to do well,and others don't do well,even when attending school without missing a single day-go figure? We plan on taking our DD's out for 5 days-just like last year,and will writea basic letter informing them of their absence.They did'nt give us any problem,but we did receive a letter from the "truancy police".I was pepared to defend our decision,but never had to-they never said or did anything. The only problem in our situation is that the max days that can be missed is 11-excused or unexcused;which to me is utterly ridiculous!!!

It's my understanding that school policies vary by district. I don't think the government is regulating this for each local school. Some schools have very lax policies and others very strict policies. Bringing up the regulation of banks seems like a red herring argument IMO. It has absolutely nothing to do with the multitude of local school district policies. I'm sure we can all think of a 1,000 different things our government should be doing differently. This isn't a political discussion board last I checked.

As a parent of a 38 y/o, a 35 y/o and an almost 18 y/o, I also spend every day teaching. But, that isn't going to amount to a hill of beans when my 18 y/o can't figure out the stuff that was covered in her Algebra ll class while she was in WDW.

Here's the thing. Every parent should be able to decide when they vacation as a family. And they should be able to decide if missing school is going to be an issue for their kids. Most school systems have either a handbook or other guidelines that outline what is expected. School systems differ....so while one parent may 'have' to have a reason to take their child out of school for vacation, another parent at a different school may not have to.

My issue??? The prevailing mentality that 'my family deserves to vacation whenever we want. Our kids learn all sorts of great stuff at WDW so they aren't really missing that much by not being in school. And we ask for all their assignments before we leave anyway, It's our right to get those homework assignments early.'

Just drives me nutty. THe entire holier than thou attitude here is nuts. I don't particularly care if you take your kids out of school. As long as you are knowledgable about your particular school districts are, and you are within those guidelines, fine, have a ball.

It's all about choices...we all make choices, and we have to live with the ramifications of those choices.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

This is a great approach. I'm going to ask my kid's teacher to come over and do the laundry. I pay her salary, after all!

and while we are at it, I think I will ask the local Police Dept to walk my dogs and local Fire Dept to BBQ my hamburgers for me to assure I don't burn anything... after all, I pay their salaries too..

 

[bwilcox]

What do you imagine the consequences of the OP pulling her kid out for two half days will be? I'm guessing it will be right about what they were every time I pulled my kid out- being not a single thing.

I would guess 2 days wouldn't be a big deal; my post wasn't directed at the OP but at the people who say "It's my kid and I'll do what I want." That's fine as long as you understand that you agreed to the school districts' rules when you enrolled your child. Some districts are stricter, some are more lenient. Your district was apparently one of the more lenient ones. In the city I used to live in, more than 3 unexcused absences results in the parents having to show up in court. And it was strictly enforced.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Fl law.... now mind you, my district has the policy of 19 for the year, but the State law is as follows.....


Truancy

It is the law in the State of Florida that all persons under the age of 18 attend school until they graduate or until their eighteenth birthday. Many people believe that a child is only required to attend school until their sixteenth birthday. This is incorrect. Florida Statutes, Section 232.01 requires school attendance until the child is eighteen years old. To withdraw from school at 16 or 17, the child must follow the procedures established by the local school board.

Chapter 984 of the Florida Statutes, in conjunction with Chapter 232 sets out the procedures, which must be followed to bring a child who is habitually truant before the court. A "habitual truant" is defines in Section 984.03(29) as a child who is subject to compulsory school attendance and who has 15 unexcused absences within 90 days with or without the knowledge or consent of the parents or legal guardians. The school may take action to remedy the problem before the child has missed this many days. The school may provide intervention after three unexcused absences.

If a child is truant, the local school board is required to notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and the Department has the authority under Florida Statutes, Section 322.09 to not issue a driver's license or to suspend the driver's license of the child who is not attending school.

Under Chapters 232 and 984, the school will provide interventions as necessary to attempt to remedy the truancy. If those interventions fail, or if the child or parent or the guardian do not cooperate with the school's efforts to remedy the problem, the school and the Department of Juvenile Justice may investigate the problem. After a joint meeting, the school and the Department of Juvenile Justice may recommend services to the child and family to remedy the conditions that are contributing to the truant behavior or refer them to appropriate community agencies for economic services or counseling. The failure or refusal of a parent or legal guardian or child to participate or make a good effort to participate in the services or the failure of the child to stop the truant behavior after services have been offered, will result in the child and parent or legal guardian being summoned to appear in the Juvenile Court on a Petition for a child in Need of Services under Chapter 984, Florida Statutes.

So your child, you do what you want.. don't think so!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

In some districts, and possibly most of them, this is not true---not if the absence is unexcused. In almost any district, it needn't be done in advance if doing so is an unreasonable burden (i.e. the assignment is not ready yet).

I love WDW. I really do. I love taking my kids to WDW. I love doing that when there aren't tons of other people doing that.

But, lets be honest here: it's vacation, not a semester abroad. Are there "learning opportunities"? Sure. Is it "an educational trip"? I think if we looked hard in the mirror, we'd agree that no, it is not. Now, some teachers/administrators might be willing to call it educational in a wink-wink nudge-nudge sort of way to work within the bounds of a district's (or state's) enrollment policy, but that's a different question.

I have taken my DS out of school for a few days for several WDW vacations. I know all about the controversy on the DISBoards that this awakens, but I still feel that the time spent together as a family for just a few days has a far greater impact on my son than a few days in school. We are going again in October and he will miss 4 days of school as an 8th grader. He is rarely sick, so he hardly ever misses any other school days. I figure this will be our last chance to visit WDW during the slower times, since he will be in high school next year, but I have never regretted taking him out of school for a few days during his elementary and middle school years. The family bonding time has been well worth the time needed to catch up in school. Our district teachers have been nothing less than supportive and understanding.

We've taken our kids out of school for vacations in the past too. That is, until our kids asked us not to do it anymore as it was too overwhelming for them. So many parents seem to forget that it can be hard on the kids, but I digress.

My point in responding to your post is that is your October vacation the only "family time" you get? If so, that's too bad. We get family time throughout the year each and every day and weekend. When we travel in the summer, we get family time. It was great this past trip having my parents join us in the summer. Our kids loved spending time with their grandparents who they rarely get to see anymore. It was nice seeing teens who enjoy spending time with us old folks.

Family time is available at WDW whether you vacation in June or October, Christmas Break or early May, Spring Break or early December. If you have to visit WDW for family time, I feel sorry for the children involved.

My point is that so many of us make excuses of why we pull kids out of school. Who cares? Just take them out and enjoy it if it works best for your kids, yourselves and your school. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for everyone. I get tired of the "WDW is educational" and "family time is more important than school" excuses. So because we travel in the summer, we don't value family time or think education is important??? Most people take vacations in the off-season to take advantage of low crowds, better weather and LOW PRICES! Granted, there are some jobs that don't allow travelling when school is in session and they have to travel when school is in session. That's fine as long as it works for your family and school.

This past Easter, we picked up my parents from the airport. My oldest son saw a family at the baggage claim area that had obviously just returned from WDW. His first reaction was to be jealous, but then he said to me, "I'm glad we didn't just return from WDW as I'd have to make up too much homework and I would have missed my track meet. When we go in June, I can relax and not worry about making up homework, tests, labs, etc." Obviously, I'm paraphrasing, but that was his general reaction. He was glad not to go when school is in session as he didn't want to be stressed out about it. YMMV