Taking kids out of school to go.

[DISNEYNV]

Yes! Do it! We took my daughter out of school three times already for a Disney trip and it was worth it each time. It is so much better to go to Disney in the "off" seasons to avoid the crowds, heat and humidity (to some degree anyway), and to take advantage of great offers and events at Disney. All I had to do was fill out a paper stating when she would be out and for what EDUCATIONAL reasons. Do not put family vacation to Disney though. Just state that its an educational trip to central Florida...museums, zoology, science, world culture, technology, etc. WE are taking both kids out again this May for another trip to the World!!!!! Yes, there is school work to be done during the trip, and she had to write in a journal about the trip as well, but have them work on most of it before going, on the plane (or car, etc.), and on the way home. Writing a few sentences before you head out for fun each day as well.

It is so much easier now while they are younger than having an older child try to complete neccessary school work with all of those text books!! Have fun.

 

[DISNEYNV]

I say go for it. I am a teacher and my son is in 4th grade. We are going in 2 weeks . When we planned I just made sure that it did not interfere with testing dates. His teacher was very understanding and asked if we wanted work ahead of time or when we returned. Since we are not driving I opted for work when we return. No point in pretending that we will actually do it while we are gone. I did use the journal cards that I found on the Creative Disigns board and make him his own journal. He can show his teacher it when he returns.

Great idea with the Journal Cards!!! I just had my daughter write a few sentences and drawings, etc., but will use this for our next trip in May

 

[sturowski]

We have taken my son out in September in kindergarten, 1st grade and will be doing so this upcoming September when he is in 2nd grade and our youngest will be in kindergarten. Our school has been very accommodating with us and is all for family time and family vacations... We love Disney in September and feel that we may not be able to do this once they get a bit older. Have fun.... They gave my son homework to do on the plane ride there and the flight home and we did a small outline about our experiences at Epcot.. It was a fun little project

 

[DollBabyKG]

Go for it! We have taken our son out of school every year for 5 days to go to Disneyland. We love the magic of the parks during the holiday season, and we often have to schedule around the busy season for my husband's job as well as his partner's schedule. Granted he's in 2nd grade and I'm sure it will get harder the older he gets, but I have never had any qualms about it. There is more learning in life than what takes place in the classroom. And the memories he will make spending one on one time with his family will last far longer than a few days of class time. We are diligent on catch up work when we return, and frankly, I've never really cared what his teacher thought of it. Last time I checked, I'm his parent, and it's up to me to decide what's in his best interest. We weren't able to go during the holidays this year, so we will be going at the end of January. It was either Jan or March to coincide with my new work schedule this year, and the arrival of a new baby in July. We just let the school know about 2 weeks ahead of time, and that's that. Judging by the other thread, I'm just lucky we don't live in TX!

 

[AZMermaid]

We are diligent on catch up work when we return, and frankly, I've never really cared what his teacher thought of it. Last time I checked, I'm his parent, and it's up to me to decide what's in his best interest. We weren't able to go during the holidays this year, so we will be going at the end of January. It was either Jan or March to coincide with my new work schedule this year, and the arrival of a new baby in July. We just let the school know about 2 weeks ahead of time, and that's that. Judging by the other thread, I'm just lucky we don't live in TX!

I teach first grade and I generally don't care at all when kids miss. With 26 kids, it's nice when one is gone for a bit! I rarely require make up work, but parents often demand it. My district mandates that it is given after any vacation, not before. But. This attitude is super hurtful and offensive. Your child probably senses that you don't care what the teacher thinks. It is SO much more beneficial when the teacher is seen as a partner in a child's life. It would be as if I said, I am giving him all fs and I don't care what his mom thinks. Uh... I care greatly what my parents think about me and my role in their child's life. I am with them 6 hours a day. I wish that respect went both ways.

 

[shefrn1]

I think it depends a lot in tge child....DD5 is well rounded and a bit ahead of the other kindergartners in her class...I have no problem pulling her out for our trip in March.....we don't go every year... maybe every other year we will evaluate that in the future and if I see they are struggling then maybe we won't go...I think it is a personal choice

 

[SEA333]

So, experiencing things and being with family can only take place during the school year?

I always found that to be the saddest excuse ever. There are any number of reasons to do this from scheduling constraints to financial, to just plain selfishly wishing for the best possible weather and low crowds. Whatever your reason, please just own it and don't make lame excuses. Check with your school first though. It may or may not be a real issue.

My opinion....the PP wasn't saying that family trips can only be experienced during the school year. They were saying that no matter what time of the year, it is as important as school is.

For my family, a less-stressed mom is a better one. I have a demanding job, three kids, live in a crowded suburb of Chicago (uhh...rush hour in this city is enough to put anyone over the edge...if you have never been here, try driving in normal traffic in Chicago just once and you will be scared to drive in rush hour!), all three kids are very involved in competitive sports and activities, which means DH and I are too, and DH and I both WANT to volunteer to be a huge part of our kids' lives, so we coach, volunteer as room parents, help with Girl Scouts, etc. We are around tons of people Every Single Day.

That being said, I make sure to plan my Disney vacation during low-crowd times, like November. That is during school. I cannot get a low-crowd vacation when school is not in session. I am less stressed and more relaxed and so are my type-A kids who also hate waiting in lines and being around crowds.

No excuses here! Totally selfish, family-centered motives! We take trips during the school year WITH the teacher's blessing because I build good relationships with them first. We partner together in my kids' education.

 

[wiigirl]

I agree, family trips are important and if they happen during the school year, so be it! If you need the actual letter I wrote, PM me and I will forward it along to you.

x2 I just make sure school work is caught up on.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

My opinion....the PP wasn't saying that family trips can only be experienced during the school year. They were saying that no matter what time of the year, it is as important as school is.

For my family, a less-stressed mom is a better one. I have a demanding job, three kids, live in a crowded suburb of Chicago (uhh...rush hour in this city is enough to put anyone over the edge...if you have never been here, try driving in normal traffic in Chicago just once and you will be scared to drive in rush hour!), all three kids are very involved in competitive sports and activities, which means DH and I are too, and DH and I both WANT to volunteer to be a huge part of our kids' lives, so we coach, volunteer as room parents, help with Girl Scouts, etc. We are around tons of people Every Single Day.

That being said, I make sure to plan my Disney vacation during low-crowd times, like November. That is during school. I cannot get a low-crowd vacation when school is not in session. I am less stressed and more relaxed and so are my type-A kids who also hate waiting in lines and being around crowds.

No excuses here! Totally selfish, family-centered motives! We take trips during the school year WITH the teacher's blessing because I build good relationships with them first. We partner together in my kids' education.

But you own up to it. That's all I ask. Whenever I hear that comment of "experiences vs school" it always just comes off as as sad excuse from someone with a guilty conscience. And I wish people would stop making the excuse and just be honest about what is going on.

 

[LilyWDW]

Depends on the kid and depends on the school. Know the rules of your school and district and be willing to accept any consequences of your decision. No one can tell you if it is "right" or "wrong" and the experience of one person may have no bearing on your situation.

Now, I have no fundamental issue with it at all... but I don't set the rules.

 

[SEA333]

But you own up to it. That's all I ask. Whenever I hear that comment of "experiences vs school" it always just comes off as as sad excuse from someone with a guilty conscience. And I wish people would stop making the excuse and just be honest about what is going on.

Haha...me too! LOL I think it has to do with the feeling guilty thing...people usually lie to themselves when they feel like they are doing the wrong thing. My MIL tries her hardest to make me feel guilty for things, and it never works LOL And it's because I know that they choices I make when it comes to her are the ones I KNOW are right...if I do not want to spend Labor Day with her because that is the only time to get stuff done around the house, I will tell her that with no guilt attached! It's the same with trips...I have a very strong opinion on the educational value school brings to my kids (and it's a good one!), but I also have a very strong opinion that when I choose to keep them out of school for a trip, sickness, weather conditions, etc, that I am making the right choice, too. Like you say...just own it. It's all about having the confidence to know that you are doing the right thing, the right way. If you are not 100% confident, you should make a different choice!**

**(and when I say "you", I mean parents/people in general, not just the PP LOL)

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Haha...me too! LOL I think it has to do with the feeling guilty thing...people usually lie to themselves when they feel like they are doing the wrong thing. My MIL tries her hardest to make me feel guilty for things, and it never works LOL And it's because I know that they choices I make when it comes to her are the ones I KNOW are right...if I do not want to spend Labor Day with her because that is the only time to get stuff done around the house, I will tell her that with no guilt attached! It's the same with trips...I have a very strong opinion on the educational value school brings to my kids (and it's a good one!), but I also have a very strong opinion that when I choose to keep them out of school for a trip, sickness, weather conditions, etc, that I am making the right choice, too. Like you say...just own it. It's all about having the confidence to know that you are doing the right thing, the right way. If you are not 100% confident, you should make a different choice!**

**(and when I say "you", I mean parents/people in general, not just the PP LOL)

 

[Fantastic4]

We went this last Sept for 10 days. We talked to their teachers and got the homework (1st and 3rd grades) their teachers were great about it. We did get a letter from the school stating they'd be keeping an eye on their progress after having so many unexcused absences but I am very involved in their school and communicate with their teachers all the time so it was worth it to us. I'd do it again and likely will. I'd rather deal with the schools then crowds and cost of peak times!

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

If you are going to take the child out of school to go I would suggest you wait and go in late October. The heat is September is still stifling hot. Don't be fooled that September is only 90 degrees as opposed to 95 in August. The heat and humidity is oppressive.

My brother use to live in St Cloud and I have been to His house in September on numerous different years and every September we have been there it was close to 90 every day or better.

Google historical weather in Orlando for the month of September and go back and look for the last couple of years. Just sayin'. If you are worried about heat you won't get much relief in September.

I have been to Disney twice during late October and the weather was perfect both trips. Mid 70's to around 80ish. Nothing hotter. I higly recommend October or even the first of November.

If you go in October you can go to MNSSHP and if you wait and go in November you can go to MVMCP.

Next time we go I am timing it to where we can go to MNSSHP and MVMCP in the same trip.

But when a kid in in lower grades/elementary school they wo't get far behind missing time for vacation. Two times so far we have taken the kids out of school. Once was for 7 days for an 11 day vacation and the second time was for 5 days for a 9 day vacation.

The next time we go back in 2015 they will all be in high school where it is harder to miss and get caught up and we will be missing 6 or 7 days then.

When I took the kids out of school for the trips I sent a note to the teacher at the beginning of the year telling her when we would be missing. Then about 2 weeks prior to leaving I sent a reminder note. We have been very lucky that both times we took them out they never made them do any make up work at all and didn't give them zeros for the missed work.

I know we will not be that lucky in high school.

I haven't read any of the responses on here so far but usually in a thread about this subject it is usually pretty divided. About half and half. Some say go for it take them out and the others say oh no I would never take little Johnny out of school.

 

[Biff88]

So, experiencing things and being with family can only take place during the school year?

I always found that to be the saddest excuse ever. There are any number of reasons to do this from scheduling constraints to financial, to just plain selfishly wishing for the best possible weather and low crowds. Whatever your reason, please just own it and don't make lame excuses. Check with your school first though. It may or may not be a real issue.

I don't think the other poster said or suggested what you interpreted at all. They didn't imply that there weren't other times to go; just that the vacation they chose to take was as important as a week of school.

I also don't think that is a sad excuse, and in fact, I don't think any of us should need an excuse at all. It shouldn't be any of the school's business why I selected the timing that I did for my vacation.

Maybe there are other relatives attending who work in a service industry that doesn't permit them to take vacation while school's out. Maybe a parent has a health condition that is exacerbated by heat and humidity, or the stress of crowds. Maybe we can only afford the vacation during off-peak times. Maybe we just want to enjoy a less crowded vacation. The real point is that the reason shouldn't matter. If we decide that a family vacation is more important than a week of school, that should be our business. If our child starts to fall behind an appropriate level of education (as determined by objective testing), then the government can get involved.

To suggest that someone should "own it" implies that they've done something for which they need to account. That should not be the case. Unfortunately though, that is the case in far too many public school districts.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

But you own up to it. That's all I ask. Whenever I hear that comment of "experiences vs school" it always just comes off as as sad excuse from someone with a guilty conscience. And I wish people would stop making the excuse and just be honest about what is going on.

That's all you ask? Who are you to me? Why do I have to own anything in front of you? So if someone takes their kid out of school they need to own the selfish reasons and own that it was selfish instead of making up some other "excuses"? Is that what I am getting from your post?

Well here, let me own this for you... I take my kids out of school because I like to go when the crowds are low and the weather is good. No other reason. How's that? Owning it good enough for you?

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

I don't think the other poster said or suggested what you interpreted at all. They didn't imply that there weren't other times to go; just that the vacation they chose to take was as important as a week of school.

I also don't think that is a sad excuse, and in fact, I don't think any of us should need an excuse at all. It shouldn't be any of the school's business why I selected the timing that I did for my vacation.

Maybe there are other relatives attending who work in a service industry that doesn't permit them to take vacation while school's out. Maybe a parent has a health condition that is exacerbated by heat and humidity, or the stress of crowds. Maybe we can only afford the vacation during off-peak times. Maybe we just want to enjoy a less crowded vacation. The real point is that the reason shouldn't matter. If we decide that a family vacation is more important than a week of school, that should be our business. If our child starts to fall behind an appropriate level of education (as determined by objective testing), then the government can get involved.

To suggest that someone should "own it" implies that they've done something for which they need to account. That should not be the case. Unfortunately though, that is the case in far too many public school districts.

 

[teambeaman]

If you make arrangements with the school before hand, they will give you the work they're going to
miss. I know it doesn't sound fun to do homework on vacation, but it will help.

 

[rlu929s]

Thanks for all the opinions!

OP Here.


We're going to take him out in November and go for a week.

He's a smart kid and already quite a bit ahead and we'll do the makeup work while on trip and after.

We agree that as he gets older we'll just have to bite the bullet and go during busy times as taking our kids out of the higher grades will be tougher to impossible.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

That's all you ask? Who are you to me? Why do I have to own anything in front of you? So if someone takes their kid out of school they need to own the selfish reasons and own that it was selfish instead of making up some other "excuses"? Is that what I am getting from your post?

Well here, let me own this for you... I take my kids out of school because I like to go when the crowds are low and the weather is good. No other reason. How's that? Owning it good enough for you?

Yup, that's good enough. As for who you are to me - hey, you're expressing an opinion on a public forum, just like me. And it is my opinion that one shouldn't lie about such things - either to us, or to themselves. I've never considered asking for honesty to be "too much to ask".