Taking kids out of school...

[Gumbo4x4]

Ahh...this is one of the reasons I'm pulling all my children out of the public school system. I would not have signed anything or recorded anything. Your school district is bullying you, and you don't have to take it! IMO, a family vacation is more important and, dare I say, more educational than spending a week in a public school being herded around like cattle. Ugh.

Um yeah, but is Disney "more educational" in October than say June?

Of course not. So, you can probably see pretty easily why the school (which is bound to lose funding due to your child being gone) isn't going to buy that excuse

Look, I don't blame anyone who desires to avoid crowds and expense by going off season. Totally understandable. I also understand some folks are stuck with vacation schedules that conflict with school.

But, when I see comments like yours I have to roll my eyes. It just comes off as a sad excuse. I'd much rather you were just honest.

 

[DisneyDiva101]

Hey everyone! We want Disney to be an annual trip for our family, but didn't really think much about my DD starting kindergarten this year. We are taking her out of school for 2 weeks in November (but since one of the weeks is over Thanksgiving, it's more like 7 1/2 days). We always go the same time every year, with Thanksgiving week being the pool/relaxing time and the week after our Park time. My DH thinks for future trips we should just cut out the second week, that way she would only miss 2 1/2 days of school - but I am very nervous about the Parks Thanksgiving week. Just wondering if there is anyone else who takes their kids out of school more than a week for Disney and find its a problem. Also, is thanksgiving week really that bad?! Thanks!

My parents always take me out of school for a week. When I was younger, it used to be in early May. As I got older, it has been in November. We have never had a problem, but that could be because I go to a private school.

 

[North of Mouse]

It really depends on your school district....I got a very nasty phone call from our school board last year when my daughter missed 5 days of school for a Disney trip. They basically told me that it is truancy and that we can go to jail for it. They're allowed to miss 5 days per semester, but they're not allowed to miss more than 3 in a row before the parents get reprimanded. She's a straight-A student (3rd grade) and I didn't think it would be a problem until it became an issue. We had to give a recorded statement saying that we would never pull her out of school for a vacation again--not just for that school year, but for the remainder of her school years.

That being said, we're going in October--they have a long weekend and we're taking an extra day after that, maybe two. Now we'll have two kids in school (K and 4th) and as long as we don't keep them out for three days, I think we'll get away with it.

I have never been during Thanksgiving, but we were there for Christmas in 09 (December 22-26) and the crowds were heavy but it was an enjoyable trip and we didn't feel like we stood in line the whole time. Of course, our kids were young then so we weren't riding the big rides that draw the most crowds.

Wow, what changed in Lafayette Parish in the last few years? Is this a public school? We had children in the system there for several years and never had that kind of problem. Had to give a recording saying, "I won't do it again"!!!!
Sounds like it's turned into a 'police state'

 

[tlpbupu]

Um yeah, but is Disney "more educational" in October than say June?

Of course not. So, you can probably see pretty easily why the school (which is bound to lose funding due to your child being gone) isn't going to buy that excuse

Look, I don't blame anyone who desires to avoid crowds and expense by going off season. Totally understandable. I also understand some folks are stuck with vacation schedules that conflict with school.

But, when I see comments like yours I have to roll my eyes. It just comes off as a sad excuse. I'd much rather you were just honest.

First, please know that I am seriously curious and not trying to be confrontational at all. I preface with this because I don't want this to get into a summer/winter debate.

I have seen this point made and argued on the Dis before and I'm wondering if anyone has actually had a huge issue with this. In our state funding is based on one days attendance. Our school system usually even tells us which day it is because they practically beg that no one be absent that day unless absolutely necessary. The chances of my vacation cosponsoring with that ONE day is remote. Do other states use average attendance over time or use another system? Because if not, I am not seeing a lot of income lost over vacations.
I even spoke with my daughter's principal today (who is a DVC owner himself ) and told him that she and I ( I am an educational aide at the school ) will be missing the three days before fall break and he was soooo jealous!

 

[mrsap]

Thank you all for your informative and helpful replies! I'm sorry if this is a repeat topic, but it's something my DH and I have been talking about and I thought it would be nice to ask fellow Disney lovers how you feel and what you have done in this situation. I definitely agree in taking them out of school for vacation. As I mentioned, we are doing it this year when she attends kindergarten. I will see how the district reacts, and I guess go from there for future trips. Hopefully, there won't be an issue. Thank you all again.

 

[powellrj]

First, please know that I am seriously curious and not trying to be confrontational at all. I preface with this because I don't want this to get into a summer/winter debate.

I have seen this point made and argued on the Dis before and I'm wondering if anyone has actually had a huge issue with this. In our state funding is based on one days attendance. Our school system usually even tells us which day it is because they practically beg that no one be absent that day unless absolutely necessary. The chances of my vacation cosponsoring with that ONE day is remote. Do other states use average attendance over time or use another system? Because if not, I am not seeing a lot of income lost over vacations.
I even spoke with my daughter's principal today (who is a DVC owner himself ) and told him that she and I ( I am an educational aide at the school ) will be missing the three days before fall break and he was soooo jealous!

I can't speak for other schools, but we are graded on attendance rates. There is a list of things that schools are graded on which includes graduation numbers, testing numbers, attendance numbers and a few others ones that I can't think of right now. Yes we just have one day that is used for the number of students you are paid for that year, but the attendance numbers for the year will determine you total numbers that you need to fall between for you school rating. You want 100% graduation rate, 95% testing rate and 98% attendance rate to get a high rating. ( I made those number up to use as an example)

I know that was as clear as mud, but I hope you can get some idea of what I was trying to say!

 

[Angel Ariel]

I have seen this point made and argued on the Dis before and I'm wondering if anyone has actually had a huge issue with this. In our state funding is based on one days attendance. Our school system usually even tells us which day it is because they practically beg that no one be absent that day unless absolutely necessary.

This is not the only way school systems are affected, funding wise. Daily attendance rates can be a part of whether or not a school passes AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) - part of NCLB. If a school does not pass one part of their AYP requirement (for example, attendance), they will not pass AYP for the year. For the first year (or two) this may not have a huge affect on the school district, as they do get time to fix mistakes - but at some point schools become "schools in improvement" and there are various remediations that are then required (depending on how long they've been 'in improvement'). Some of those remediations include offering tutoring (costing money), allowing students to transfer to other schools in the district (costing that school money the following year when they lose students), implementing specific professional development plans (also costing money)...if they're "in improvement" for so many years in a row, the school can be required to fire employees...and in severe enough situations, schools can be closed permanently.

I certainly don't underestimate the value of family vacations and family time. they are very important. taking a 2 week vacation is, IMO, overboard, though.

as for the op - you need to make the decision based on your situation and your schools. What is your school's policy on unexcused absences? will your child be allowed to make up the work they will miss? (Some schools do not allow it) You need to find out what the consequences of taking her out would be and then decide whether or not that's something that you can deal with.

 

[BooCar3126]

My two kiddos 1st and 2nd grade will be missing a week and a half during school this year for our Disney trip. We will also be taking a week and a half next year for a Disney/Wedding trip for my sister.

I know it is "frowned" upon pulling your child out of school, but sometimes it is the only time you can do it. My DH has 2 children from a previous marriage and she gets them during the summer and during chunks during holiday breaks. This is the only time that we are able to do it.

One thing that I would make sure you do it ask your childs teacher a week ahead of time for their school work to make sure it is all done before they return to school. We will take ours with us so they can do it on the plane and during our layover.

If they are younger I do not feel it is as bad as if they were middle school or older. The fundamentals they learn in elementary school can easily be taught at home during the few days missed.

 

[rods5]

We take our kids out every year for at least a week for vacation. My husband does not get any time off during the summer or when the kids have breaks from school so if we didn't pull them we would not vacation as a family. Our time together is too important to let that happen. I always notify the teachers and principle and so far we have not had a problem! My kids will be in 5th, 4th and 3rd this year and we are headed down the week before Thanksgiving!!

 

[Mom2six]

My two kiddos 1st and 2nd grade will be missing a week and a half during school this year for our Disney trip. We will also be taking a week and a half next year for a Disney/Wedding trip for my sister.

I know it is "frowned" upon pulling your child out of school, but sometimes it is the only time you can do it. My DH has 2 children from a previous marriage and she gets them during the summer and during chunks during holiday breaks. This is the only time that we are able to do it.

One thing that I would make sure you do it ask your childs teacher a week ahead of time for their school work to make sure it is all done before they return to school. We will take ours with us so they can do it on the plane and during our layover.

If they are younger I do not feel it is as bad as if they were middle school or older. The fundamentals they learn in elementary school can easily be taught at home during the few days missed.

I totally agree to get the work ahead of time even in kindergarten so the teacher does not have to take extra time with the one on vacation. I truly do not know how the schools do it with all these penalties for kids missing school. At the same time I think it is unfair to kids and parents when there is so much pressure to always be at school. It just spreads those colds and

 

[Angel Ariel]

I truly do not know how the schools do it with all these penalties for kids missing school. At the same time I think it is unfair to kids and parents when there is so much pressure to always be at school.

I don't know of any schools/teachers who enjoy the restrictions of NCLB. There is a ton of pressure on teachers to get their kids to specific levels so that AYP is passed each year. Add that on to the conversations of 'merit pay' and basing teachers' salaries on students' standardized test scores, and there's a ton of pressure all around. None of it is "fair" - but until enough people (and enough money) get behind repealing/revising NCLB, it's what we're all stuck with - parents, kids, *and* schools/teachers alike.

 

[bcbmommy]

Um yeah, but is Disney "more educational" in October than say June?

Of course not. So, you can probably see pretty easily why the school (which is bound to lose funding due to your child being gone) isn't going to buy that excuse

Look, I don't blame anyone who desires to avoid crowds and expense by going off season. Totally understandable. I also understand some folks are stuck with vacation schedules that conflict with school.

But, when I see comments like yours I have to roll my eyes. It just comes off as a sad excuse. I'd much rather you were just honest.

Well then, let me just be honest with you. I couldn't care less about the school and their funding. My kids, and our family as a whole is more important than any of that nonsense. But then, that's why we're getting off the crazy public school train. .

 

[Paigesmom2013]

I find that previous comment a little sad. When districts lose money, good programs and good teachers get cut like art, gym, music. Things kids need. Bussing gets cut and so on. And in most places when your school district gets worse, so do your property values and the reputation of your community.

Obviously this is a long way off topic and one family's vacation doesn't ruin a district. But let's not act like we live in a bubble and don't have accountability for our actions. (And no, I am not a teacher nor work in a school.)

 

[Mom2six]

I don't know of any schools/teachers who enjoy the restrictions of NCLB. There is a ton of pressure on teachers to get their kids to specific levels so that AYP is passed each year. Add that on to the conversations of 'merit pay' and basing teachers' salaries on students' standardized test scores, and there's a ton of pressure all around. None of it is "fair" - but until enough people (and enough money) get behind repealing/revising NCLB, it's what we're all stuck with - parents, kids, *and* schools/teachers alike.

That is what I was saying. The schools - which would include teachers - have to deal with all this legislation that complicates everything rather than being a solution. That puts the additional pressure on parents to always send kids to school no matter what and more kids go sick or need doctor's excuses to miss school. The doctor's office becomes overcrowded with children who have colds and wouldn't have been at the doctor 10 years earlier for a cold. I don't think it is the teacher's fault at all. NCLB has always been a bad call.

 

[Cdn Gal]

My husband and I are both teachers- take them out of school. The kids will make valuable text to world connections that are invaluable to their development and specifically to their reading development. When kids can make better connections in their brains, they are able to retrieve the information quicker from their schema....ummm think of your brain as a file cabinet, with tons and tons of files in it. When we make connections, we are cross referencing those files and are able to retrieve it faster. When kids read, and they come across some non-fiction texts on say Japan, they will remember going through the pavilion, eating Japanese food, seeing the art...all of which build connections in the brain which your child can then reflect upon. Take lots of pictures so you can review all of the cool stuff that you did as a family when you return home.
Kids in my class take off tons of time for hockey and for vacations, and we have testing. It is not the end of the world, just talk to you child and develop their oral language skills which are a precursor for reading development.
By the way, I not only teach kids, but I also teach teachers on reading acquisition and language development through the colleges and universities. Hope you have a wonderful time with your family!

 

[nugov2]

My two kiddos 1st and 2nd grade will be missing a week and a half during school this year for our Disney trip. We will also be taking a week and a half next year for a Disney/Wedding trip for my sister.

I know it is "frowned" upon pulling your child out of school, but sometimes it is the only time you can do it. My DH has 2 children from a previous marriage and she gets them during the summer and during chunks during holiday breaks. This is the only time that we are able to do it.

One thing that I would make sure you do it ask your childs teacher a week ahead of time for their school work to make sure it is all done before they return to school. We will take ours with us so they can do it on the plane and during our layover.

If they are younger I do not feel it is as bad as if they were middle school or older. The fundamentals they learn in elementary school can easily be taught at home during the few days missed.

Our district will not approve vacations as excused absence and will not give you homework ahead of time(though some teachers will do it anyway). My dd and ds have unexcused marked on their report card every year for 2 days we take them out for a mini vacation we do every winter to a waterpark...it doesn't bother me. It is funny b/c I volunteer at the school so there all the time and the staff all say have a great time and are super nice about it, but always shows up unexcused. Seems silly, but I am sure it does have to do with policy/funding. I would never take them out more than 5 days and as they get older not even that long. I know the older they are the more strict they are so it isn't worth it. That is why we did our WDW vacation in the early summer though. Otherwise, they would have missed another 7 days and I didn't want to push it. It is best to make the decision based on how your district views it, but anything over 5 days seems like too much IMO, but I certainly wouldn't give up a yearly vacation if my dh wasn't allowed to take off at any other time.

 

[mamabear0222]

I'm taking my kids out this year for 2 weeks. They will be in kinder.

My husband cannot take vacation during the school holidays and he's not even a teacher.

Sent from my Samsung S3 using DISBoards

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

We have taken our kids out of school once for 7 days and once for 5 days. In two different years. But at the time they were (2 out of the 3) still in elementary school.

I told DH now that they are all 3 in junior high we will not be taking them out of school for vacations. It is too hard to make up work for 7 different classes for a week. My kids would find that torture.

Mine don't ever miss school, for any reason, so make up work to them would be horrible. lol

We were lucky that the 2 different times we took them out for vacation the teachers did not make the kids make up any work and they did not count the missed work against them.

The first time we took them out they excused the absence as an educational trip. The second time they did not excuse it because it is a trip they had already been on once.

I didn't ask anybody's permission to take my kids out of school. But what I did do, is right at the beginning of the school year I sent a note notifying the teachers what days my kids would be missing. About a week to 10 days prior to the trip I reminded the teachers that the kids wouldn't be there.

I have to agree with a previous poster, there is no way I would have made a recorded statement saying that I would never take my kids out of school for a vacation again. They would have had to file papers on me and take me to court.

Our kids can have up to 10 unexcused days per year so they were always within that frame.

 

[4xmom]

I am taking mine out again this year. 3 in elementary and 1 in middle. Disney is on the approved "educational vacation" list so the days will be excused. So I just have to fill out the form at the start of the school year.

 

[Autumnslight]

Wow, reading this thread has made me especially glad that my kids are in private school. I get the funding stuff, but I still dislike the idea of being given grief over taking my kids out of school. We're going to Disney at the end of September, and my son, who will be in 1st grade, will be missing almost seven full days of school. I'll be telling his teachers as soon as school starts, but based on other families experiences, thankfully I don't anticipate it being an issue. Our daughter will only be in preschool, so that's not an issue either. As they get older, we likely won't take them out of school for that long, but we'll evaluate things and decide what's best for our kids and family when the time comes.