School startarting early-the week we planned our trip

[angelat]

So, we have been planning an offsite trip to WDW for 29 Aug - 05 Sep 2009 for a couple of months now. We're driving, not flying so that we can save on the plane tickets, so we don't have to worry about that. But we just found out that our school district will be starting school 31 Aug next school year! DS will be starting 6th grade at the middle school next year. So, I'm not certain how much he might miss that first week at the new school. We planned this week because since we are driving it gives us an extra day (Labor Day) to recouperate once we are home.

So, my question is, have any of you ever taken your children out of school the first week back? Specifically anyone with a child starting a new school??

TIA!

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

Don't do it. He will never catch up academically or socially.

I've taken my kids out of school but it was the last few days. One day in Oct. But you are talking a whole week at the most critical time of year.

Trust me, sixth grade is the most complicated of all the grades, let your child start with everyone else.

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

Don't do it. He will never catch up academically or socially.

I've taken my kids out of school but it was the last few days. One day in Oct. But you are talking a whole week at the most critical time of year.

Trust me, sixth grade is the most complicated of all the grades, let your child start with everyone else.

Uh, don't you think that's a bit much?! He'll never catch up academically or socially?? Please!

OP, go ahead on your trip. As long as your son is a good student, the first few days should not matter much at all. Have a great time!

 

[lastminutemom]

I agree of all the grades to not miss a first week in 6th is it (perhaps 9th or really any year of high school).

So much happens that first week in terms of getting use to middle school, meeting new kids, learning the teacher's expectations, etc.

I would reschedule in a heartbeat.

 

[angelat]

So, what about missing the 2nd or 3rd week? We originally were going to go the 19th -26th before we decided on the Labor Day week. our schools changed two years ago to start after Labor Day (it used to be the week before) But since Labor Day is so late this year, they made the start date in August again. We wanted that extra day for relaxing after driving, but maybe we wont' be able to get it?? What do you all think?

 

[momtwo4]

Honestly, I think your son will be able to catch up academically. But, I would hate to have him miss the first week of Middle school for all the social reasons, learning where to go, teachers expectations, seeing friends again. The first week back is so important, esp in Middle school. I would reschedule your trip a week earlier or further in the year during a short week if you have to. I have two kids starting Middle school in August also, so I know what you are going thru.
Good Luck

 

[summermac]

Can you bump the trip up by a week and maybe a day? So leave Aug 14 instead?

 

[Scurvy]

I am definitely not opposed to taking kids out of school for vacations, but I wouldn't take my son out during the first few weeks of the year, especially at a new school. So much happens in the first few weeks that he could have a hard time catching up. Plus, it's not a great way to make a good impression on a new teacher. Once the students are settled in to their new class and are getting good grades it's much easier to miss school without falling way behind, and most teachers aren't going to think less of you for taking your child out of school for a few days. If at all possible, I would recommend moving your trip up into summer or back until after the first month of school.

 

[angelat]

Ok, first thank you for all of the great advice!
We decided to bump the trip up and go 22-29 Aug. Hopefully we won't be too stressed from the drive home. I'm going to post over on the transportation board and see how long it REALLY takes driving from the poconos. Thanks again everyone!!

 

[wishtdream]

Ok, first thank you for all of the great advice!
We decided to bump the trip up and go 22-29 Aug. Hopefully we won't be too stressed from the drive home. I'm going to post over on the transportation board and see how long it REALLY takes driving from the poconos. Thanks again everyone!!

I am at the jersey shore right near 195 it takes us about 17 hours to get to WDW. it takes us about 3 hours to get to your area. so worst case for you would be 20 hours?