Spoke to principal- I'm not a happy camper-- update post 155

[Disney_Angel]

THAT IS JUST RUDE!!!!!! And insulting!!!!!!! We are here to HELP YOUR KIDS!!!!!!! If you don't want to follow the rules that is your problem. It seems to me to boil down to athority issues. There have to be rules an limits in order for organized society to exist. EVERYONE is subject ot those rules not just when it is convinent for you! School boards are not out to dupe taxpayers and neither are teacher's unions. Teacher's unions exist to help people like my co-worker who was sued by a parent of a child that attacked him and another student in the classroom. They sued b/c he dared restrain thier child to keep her from hurting other students. Apparently the rules didn't apply to her, she could do whatever she wanted. He would have had to pay thousands in attorney fees to defend himself for a bogus charge from parents trying to milk the system for money without the union. That is duping the taxparyers. Trying to give your children the best education possible is not. How dare you attack the people who are trying to help your childern?

I think you have just proven my point...thank you!
We should politely agree to disagree

 

[dfarner]

Friends took their 3 kids on their 1st vacation ever...the kids were 11,10,8. The chose the Disney Cruise but picked Jersey Week because our school is also off election day and the kids only missed 2 days of school.

I feel for the OP not being on a vacation in 6 years. But if i had 6 years to plan one i think the timing could have been a little better. 2 weeks of missed school is pretty much unheard of.

 

[mjantz]

Yes, of course. You get the concept! Therefore you don't have to be sick of hearing about Disney anymore, b/c you get that the whole WORLD is full of things that are educational. All you have to do is pay attention.

True but I've rarely seen anyone post 'I'm thinking about taking the kids out of school to go to Washington DC for a week'. Yes I realize this is a Disney-related board, but there seems to be this opinion that if you say you're going to WDW the whole world should just roll over & say 'Well, it is WDW so of course its OK. If it were something silly like D.C. we'd say no but since its Disney we'll certainly allow it.' That's my problem. That the world is suppose to stop spinning & the planets align & everyone roll over & let whoever do whatever they want regarding taking their kids out of school because its Disney.

I love Disney too. But my childs education comes first. And as I said before, state tests or no state tests, 2 weeks would put them tremendously behind.

 

[eliza61]

Must be that I've missed all the millions of post here on the Dis that ask about all the wonderful world history lessons to be had in Epcot or in all the TGM or resort questions not one of them mentioned taking a break from the parks to do a report.

Sorry Bumbershoot,
gotta disagree with you on this one. We take our families to Disneyworld because it's out and out fun. Not saying you can't learn a thing or two there but there's a reason Disney's not advertising the fine educational experience to be had.

 

[connie1042]

I have no idea about missing a test. But many years ago we were on a Make a Wish trip for my daughter. She had two older brothers. They were in 8th and 10th grade I believe. We took them all out of school. At conferences that fall, I was told not to take the oldest out of school, because he would miss to much. My response was, his sister may not be here next year and the week we spend as a family is mush more important then any school work he would miss. That pretty much shut her up. We took the trip, had a great time. Daughter has done great, is now married and has 2 children. Our middle son was killed in a car accident at the age of 16. That was truly the last family vacation we ever took. Go, have fun, and don't worry about testing. If they want it done bad enough, they will find a way to get it done.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

In my opinion, this is what this discussion boils down to: If you want to send your child to a public school, play by the rules. If you're so adamently against standardized testing and policies for unexcused absences, find an alternative private school or homeschool your child. It's that simple.

 

[princessmom29]

Simply because you can't or don't want to or don't know how to create education around a trip to Disney doesn't mean others don't. Didn't you see the reply by a poster about the 3 or 4 units of study she's doing with her child at Epcot alone? Simply because you can't believe it doesn't mean it's not true for everyone.



Yes, of course. You get the concept! Therefore you don't have to be sick of hearing about Disney anymore, b/c you get that the whole WORLD is full of things that are educational. All you have to do is pay attention.




The person you quoted isn't being helped by teachers. She's teaching her child, and very well it seems, without the help of your fellow teachers. Did you read what she's doing with her daughter while at WDW? That would be more memorable, more informational, and something that would have stuck, than ANY day in school that I EVER had.



OP! Keep figuring it out with the principal. It's crazy that a convo just a few months ago in May is being changed so much by this new principal in August.

yes I read her posts but the point is that teachers are there to help children and we really don't care for being called stupid which is what is happening here. Saying that what we do in the classroom has no value is a slap in the face and frankly so is saying that homescholing is always a better option. It is not the best plan for every child and you are not better than everyone else b/c you do it. I have seen too many socially and emotionally stunted teenagers with woefully inadequate acedimic skills who are the product of homeschool to ever be convinced that is is the best choice for every child. I really see it as just an excuse to feel superior to all the other parents b/c you home school. That is the attitude I get from all the parents I know who homeschool. I really get sick of the whole "I'm better than you and you really should be doing this for your kids" routine. I was the product of public schools and I did just fine thank you. My parents had to work, and certianly couldn't afford private school. I went to college on a full academic scholarship and graduated with honors. None of the over 400 homeschool kids from our district did that the year I graduated. The quality of education in all public schools is not substandard. I give my chemistry and physics students learning opportunities that are simply not possible with home school. They get hands on experience with technology that is not accessible to homeschoolers or is prohibitively expensive. I also make it my goal before they leave me to teach them to really think and problem solve, not just regurgitate answers.

 

[amytheobald]

It's really not about the standardized test. If what every one is saying about learning occurs outside of the classroom. How about starting by teaching our kids that they don't lie & cheat to get their own way. How about teaching them that some times responsibilities (school, work) comes first. or that we accept the responsibility of our actions, if you cut school you will flunk or that some times we have to follow rules. If missing standardized test doesn't jeopardize your education, then missing or postponing Disneyworld vacation will not emotionally scar a child either.
How about we all start arbitarily breaking rules that we think don't effect us. Heck why should I have to take the SAT's or better yet I shouldn't have to take my state boards, I did my time in med school....

To all the teachers, God bless ya!! We are so screwed up in our priorities.

I think attending to a families needs to spend time together away from everyday life including school, work etc... is a lesson in responsibility. OP met her responsibility by discussing plans with last years principal, now it has become a power struggle for the new principal. She will further exemplify responsibility to her son when she makes sure he makes up the test/ class work he misses. Of course there are times in life when school/work comes first...sounds like it has for the last 6 years in the OP's life!

I think it is annoying that every year every school district imposes more and more rules, which are generally aimed at the least competent parents...and in turn it makes ordinary every day life difficult for all of the parents. My children were sent to me from God for me to raise, I allow the school to assist in academically educate them, but IMHO every year they try to encroach more and more on what is their territory. I also however believe that my childs academic education is but a small percentage of the education I am responsible as a parent to provide...and NO I don't homeschool. I just wish the school board would leave those of us who are doing our jobs alone!

 

[Belle & Ariel]

The first post states that the original principal had no problem with the boy missing school and agreed to do the testing on a Saturday. The mom made plans based on this and we shouldn't fault her.
If your boss okayed your vacation and you paid and planned it and another boss came along and protested, what would you do? I'm betting you would say it had been approved and you would go.
Schools are used to kids missing for vacations. We have homeschooled since 1993 (2 are now in college). I have noticed a continual rise in the number of kids vacationing and cruising during school times.
I think the OP should go and have a great time.
Princessmom,
I would hope that a teacher would have more compassion for children than to judge homeschoolers as being unsocialized and emotionally stunted. Children of all types are found in public, private, and homeschools.
Homeschoolers in our state have done so well on ACT tests that a disproportionate number of homeschoolers were getting top scholarships, so they made extra requirements for them to "level out the playing field". I do not think I am better because I homeschool, I just do what is best for my children. Our school district treated kids like guinea pigs--try this method a few years and when it fails, try another method, abandon it for another new method. Many teachers there refuse to put their kids in public schools, so there is a problem.

 

[princessmom29]

I think you have just proven my point...thank you!
We should politely agree to disagree

It is hard to politely disagree with someone who is rude! And as for proving your point I realize that you would see it that way, but what would you do if you were a teacher? I wager you would join the union. Philosophical ideals don't mean much when you are faced with a hositle child who has been taught they don't have to follow rules by someone who resents athority, and then faced with their even more hostile parents who have the same attitude you do that I am stupid and out to get everything I can by duping the taxpayers. Teaching you child this stuff is the reason schools are in the state they are not stupid lazy greedy teachers!

 

[BelleMcNally]

Look, no one from the school is going to come and confiscate this family's park tickets. In fact, it's been stated that they're perfectly welcome to take off for 2 weeks--with the full knowledge that the OP's son will then be required to attend Summer school.

If the vacation is truly important, then take it. But also be prepared for the consequences that accompany that decision.

That's true responsibility.

 

[princessmom29]

Look, no one from the school is going to come and confiscate this family's park tickets. In fact, it's been stated that they're perfectly welcome to take off for 2 weeks--with the full knowledge that the OP's son will then be required to attend Summer school.

If the vacation is truly important, then take it. But also be prepared for the consequences that accompany that decision.

That's true responsibility.

Well said!!!!

 

[amytheobald]

Look, no one from the school is going to come and confiscate this family's park tickets. In fact, it's been stated that they're perfectly welcome to take off for 2 weeks--with the full knowledge that the OP's son will then be required to attend Summer school.

If the vacation is truly important, then take it. But also be prepared for the consequences that accompany that decision.

That's true responsibility.

That consequence however was not on the table when the OP first booked the vacation, had it been then I would agree! I see this as an inflexible principal who is trying to prove a point.

 

[lisadr]

First of all, not wanting to speak about something I was unfamiliar with, I looked up this ISTEP test. Let me say that it is a crock -much like the lovely "No child left behind" act I am sure it sprang from. The test given in the fall and spring is to "track a childs' progress", But it is given in mid Sept. and the school doesn't get the results until Late Nov.??? Soooo what are the teachers doing until then? AND then when they do get the results they have until March (when the spring test is given) to correct any "problems" and "weaknesses" in the childs' education? Riiight! So what I am supposed to believe is that each teacher sits down and creates a special learning plan tailored to each child in their class to correct any problems that might be illuminated by the ISTEP? I have been in my DD classroom and with 23 kids my daughters teacher(who I LOVED) was lucky to get them all to finish a project on time.

I also saw on the website that if a child fails the test-"Students who do not pass ISTEP+ are entitled to extra help and instructional time to address any areas of need." That is a direct quote taken from the website. I don't see anything about failing the grade and having to take summer school. Is this not a test to gauge what a child has learned from the previous year? Well if the child passed the grade isn't is obvious they learned what the should have? If not why wouldn't you fail them? And what does it say about the effectiveness of the school/teacher?

I really think that the principal is throwing you a smokescreen. With these new tests the pressure is on for them to show results and I think it is pissing off a lot of educators. I am in no way saying there aren't amazing teachers and educators out there-but we all know there are a lot of teachers who are putting in their 20-I know, I am going to school to be a teacher and I meet a lot of people who are merely punching a clock. AND I know there are a tons of teachers fighting an uphill battle with apathetic parents who take little responsibility in their childs' education as well.

But I can say from personal experience - Standardized tests really only tell if you are good at test taking-I should know -failed one only to take a jr. mensa test the next week and be accepted at 10 yrs old-and then was placed in the TAG(talented and gifted) in my school. So you had a kid who, according to the test, should be failing(I was a straight A student) and who needed help(which I did not).

One more point I have to make as a mother. Last year when they "discovered" my daughter was 2 grades ahead in both reading and math-I had to push for her to be given more challenging work in school-and do you know what I was told? It would be unfair to the rest of the class to take the time to give your daughter special attention. This was by the principal. So I spoke directly to her amazing teacher and explained that although I work with her at home on more challenging assignments, I was worried about her class time. She sat down with me and worked out a schedule where my daughter was given higher level math and reading assignments to work on in class. So where was all that test magic then???

Well to all this I say -give the OP a break and stop attacking her. If she feels she is doing the right thing for her child ans her family-NO ONE has the right to question her. Forget the money, forget the test-childhood is precious and to sacrifice that time together is silly. I know I am gonna get FLAMED for that one-but OH well-it won't be the 1st OR last time either

 

[mjantz]

Look, no one from the school is going to come and confiscate this family's park tickets. In fact, it's been stated that they're perfectly welcome to take off for 2 weeks--with the full knowledge that the OP's son will then be required to attend Summer school.

If the vacation is truly important, then take it. But also be prepared for the consequences that accompany that decision.

That's true responsibility.

While I agree, I do wonder what the OPs child is going to think when they come back to 2 weeks worth of homework. My kids have been in school about a week & my oldest (5th grade) has already had 3-4 nights of Math homework & I expect its going to start increasing for all subjects starting next week. If my DS came home from 2 weeks at WDW to find 1.5-2hrs of homework per night for the next 2 weeks, he would not be happy & would probably feel the vacation had not been worth it. Nor would he be happy to have to spend weeks in summer school.


ETA:

Well to all this I say -give the OP a break and stop attacking her. If she feels she is doing the right thing for her child ans her family-NO ONE has the right to question her. Forget the money, forget the test-childhood is precious and to sacrifice that time together is silly. I know I am gonna get FLAMED for that one-but OH well-it won't be the 1st OR last time either

The thing is, she did ask & post it on a public message board. None of us hunted her down & forced her to tell us what was going on. If you post something you know might be controversial on a public forum you have to expect that people are going to disagree with you.

 

[JustinsMama]

It's spelled aUthority.

 

[BelleMcNally]

While I agree, I do wonder what the OPs child is going to think when they come back to 2 weeks worth of homework. My kids have been in school about a week & my oldest (5th grade) has already had 3-4 nights of Math homework & I expect its going to start increasing for all subjects starting next week. If my DS came home from 2 weeks at WDW to find 1.5-2hrs of homework per night for the next 2 weeks, he would not be happy & would probably feel the vacation had not been worth it. Nor would he be happy to have to spend weeks in summer school.

Personally? I totally agree with you. I think two weeks is an unreasonable amount of time to take a child of that age out of school. But if the OP and her son are good with it, so be it. It wouldn't be my choice but it's not wrong per se.

Now, lying or this idea that everyone is entitled to do whatever feels best to them whilst avoiding all consequences...? Totally different story.

But, then again, I've been reading the DIS for long enough now that I should know better. People are ALWAYS entitled to a Disney vacation; dubious finances and other obligations be darned!

 

[BelleBeast]

Where's the OP? Did they hear back yet?

 

[princessmom29]

It's spelled aUthority.

I don't teach english, and that's pretty petty. I think I can still make a vaild point even with a misspelled word or two.

 

[kyhardy]

I have no idea about missing a test. But many years ago we were on a Make a Wish trip for my daughter. She had two older brothers. They were in 8th and 10th grade I believe. We took them all out of school. At conferences that fall, I was told not to take the oldest out of school, because he would miss to much. My response was, his sister may not be here next year and the week we spend as a family is mush more important then any school work he would miss. That pretty much shut her up. We took the trip, had a great time. Daughter has done great, is now married and has 2 children. Our middle son was killed in a car accident at the age of 16. That was truly the last family vacation we ever took. Go, have fun, and don't worry about testing. If they want it done bad enough, they will find a way to get it done.

Your story so illustrates the truth of life. I am so sorry for your loss. We are so worried about pushing our kids to achieve and get ahead that we often are forgetting to teach them what's most important. Family values, standing up for what you believe in, thinking for yourself & not just mindlessly following society and their norms.

I greatly value education. My kids roll their eyes & mouth along everytime I say, "the greatest thing I can buy for my children is the opportunity for a good education." We pay for private elementary & middle school for our children, but HS is public only where we live. We also take our children out for trips... to Disney, the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend for our annual family reunion in Va., etc. The private school teachers are great and willing to work with us to keep DD9 caught up. As a matter of fact she is already working on school work for the week we will be in Disney this year. She usually is caught up when she returns except for any tests or quizzes missed, which she stays in during recess to make-up. If they had concerns with her ability to catch up easily I would respect their opinion and reconsider the timing of the trip, because I know they truly take the time to get to know my daughter and what her strengths and weaknesses are. We do everything we can to make this less of a burden on her teacher, because we appreciate their understanding & extra effort for our family. DD9 understands that to go to Disney during school she will have to work a little harder before her trip. This is worth it to her.

DS16 is a junior in HS, & we have found public schools unwilling to help with make-up of anykind. (for illness, or trips) They don't seem as concerned with my child's education as they are their schedules, rules etc. DS really was shocked by the difference in his teachers when he went to HS. However, we teach our kids life isn't always the way you would like it and you have to overcome obstacles. Hard teacher, teacher who doesn't seem able or willing to help you? Don't cry about the teacher, you won't learn that way. We teach it is up to them to find a way to excel in spite of those problems. Now that doesn't mean we don't help them. He can come to us or grandparents for help (he has actually come to respect that his parents do indeed have brains. A fact most teenagers would swear is impossible) He studies with friends and we would get a tutor if ever needed. When he succeeds in a hard class he feels even better because he found a solution to his problems. DS has several honors classes that are demanding and he doesn't feel a trip to Disney is worth the extra effort this year, so he will be staying home with G-ma & G-pa this trip. (We did take a nice family beach vacation this summer, so he wasn't left out of family fun)

Sorry about the rant. I just STRONGLY believe that childhood's most important lessons are taught at home with family and that over the course our lifetime the majority of our education comes from life and not schools. I would NEVER believe that a school system knows what is right for my child better than I.