Taking kids out of school...

[monorailmom]

What gets me about the schools that give parents a hard time about taking them out is this: balancing work/responsibilities/family time is a part of life. We all know that as adults, it's important to work hard, to take your responsibilities seriously. It's also important to make time to be with your family, and to relax. Balance is everything. I know when we take a vacation, both my husband and I need to find someone to cover for us...and we need to make up some work when we get home. We also cover for others when they are away. Why can't learning this skill be considered valuable for kids, too? Yes, you can take time off. BUT, you need to plan for it...and be responsible for what you miss. This will come up in life time and time again. It's too bad some schools fail to recognize this.

 

[bangzoom6877]

What gets me about the schools that give parents a hard time about taking them out is this: balancing work/responsibilities/family time is a part of life. We all know that as adults, it's important to work hard, to take your responsibilities seriously. It's also important to make time to be with your family, and to relax. Balance is everything. I know when we take a vacation, both my husband and I need to find someone to cover for us...and we need to make up some work when we get home. We also cover for others when they are away. Why can't learning this skill be considered valuable for kids, too? Yes, you can take time off. BUT, you need to plan for it...and be responsible for what you miss. This will come up in life time and time again. It's too bad some schools fail to recognize this.

Students are given school breaks which helps them learn to balance time off and time at school. They're also frequently given assignments over breaks so that they don't forget what they learned after being away from it for a week. They need to balance this throughout their years in school. Seems like a pretty good life lesson to me. They also need to learn that rules are a part of life and are supposed to be followed. That is why schools have various rules for various things, not just taking children out of school for a vacation or an unexcused absence. If anyone has too many "unexcused" absences from their job they could lose their job. Children need to learn this too, and that is exactly what I tell them when they're in my classroom...that no matter whatcareer path they choose, the one thing they can definitely take with them from my class is that you have to be at your job every day, on time, and carry out your responsibilities. That sometimes you may not like the rules or the directions you're given by your boss, but you need to follow them anyway because that's just the way life works.

 

[cktrotter]

We could take ours out of school if we needed to, but they have 14 days off for winter break this year so no need!

 

[DopeyDame]

that is exactly what I tell them when they're in my classroom...that no matter whatcareer path they choose, the one thing they can definitely take with them from my class is that you have to be at your job every day, on time, and carry out your responsibilities. That sometimes you may not like the rules or the directions you're given by your boss, but you need to follow them anyway because that's just the way life works.

I'm glad I don't work in a job like the one you describe. I don't, in fact, have to be at my job every day, on time. If I am sick, I call in sick. I have to take my son to an appointment later this week, so I let my boss know and his email back to me was "OK". If he gives me directions with which I disagree or I think there's a better way to do something, I let him know and we talk about it. I never want my kids thinking that they need to do something someone tells them to do simply because that person is in a position of authority. I want them to be respectful, to understand that good leadership includes both leading and following, but I hope they find careers in life where they are valued members of a team and never feel like they have to blindly follow the dictates from on-high.

Taking them out of school for a family vacation now may or may not teach them any significant life lessons, but it sure is fun, and in my experience makes for happier, healthier, smarter kids.

 

[bangzoom6877]

I'm glad I don't work in a job like the one you describe. I don't, in fact, have to be at my job every day, on time. If I am sick, I call in sick. I have to take my son to an appointment later this week, so I let my boss know and his email back to me was "OK". If he gives me directions with which I disagree or I think there's a better way to do something, I let him know and we talk about it. I never want my kids thinking that they need to do something someone tells them to do simply because that person is in a position of authority. I want them to be respectful, to understand that good leadership includes both leading and following, but I hope they find careers in life where they are valued members of a team and never feel like they have to blindly follow the dictates from on-high.

Taking them out of school for a family vacation now may or may not teach them any significant life lessons, but it sure is fun, and in my experience makes for happier, healthier, smarter kids.

While you may have some leeway at work with your boss, I'm sure a lot of that is based upon a trust that you have earned by doing your job well and having good work ethic. As a high school teacher, and one that does many extra things at my job, I have the respect of the administration and so if there is a day when one of my own children is in a show at school or has a birthday, they have no problem with me leaving and coming back. They know I never go when I am supposed to be teaching classes, I only go when I have free periods (I work very close to where they go to school, which is very fortunate for me). If I cannot arrange it so I have free periods when something like a show is going on, I take a personal day and they have no problem with it.

The job you describe sounds very nice, but for most jobs, people have to answer to someone and work a certain amount of hours and/or show a certain amount of productivity. In most jobs, people are expected to do this every single day.

 

[DopeyDame]

While you may have some leeway at work with your boss, I'm sure a lot of that is based upon a trust that you have earned by doing your job well and having good work ethic. As a high school teacher, and one that does many extra things at my job, I have the respect of the administration and so if there is a day when one of my own children is in a show at school or has a birthday, they have no problem with me leaving and coming back.

.

And that's exactly the point, I'm making. Your job recognizes that you are a good employee and that you take your responsibilities seriously and so treat you with the respect you have earned. Likewise for students, there is a tremendous difference between families who are truly dilinquent, where kids miss school consistently and don't do their work or worry about keeping up, and families who value education, make sure their kids are learning, and miss some days for vacation, familiy events, or other things they deem important.

My job, and your job from the sounds of it, recognize the difference. It would be nice for schools to do the same.

 

[bangzoom6877]

And that's exactly the point, I'm making. Your job recognizes that you are a good employee and that you take your responsibilities seriously and so treat you with the respect you have earned. Likewise for students, there is a tremendous difference between families who are truly dilinquent, where kids miss school consistently and don't do their work or worry about keeping up, and families who value education, make sure their kids are learning, and miss some days for vacation, familiy events, or other things they deem important.

My job, and your job from the sounds of it, recognize the difference. It would be nice for schools to do the same.

I agree with what you're saying. As a teacher, I'm very understanding of families that need to take vacation during school for a few days because of circumstances beyond their control. I've dealt with this before, gladly, with students who never miss school and who are responsible and do well. However, related to what you said, there are those who do not value education and see it as secondary to going on vacation when it's less crowded (in any given place, not just WDW) or just because the parent feels like it without thinking about school first. No one could convince me that school shouldn't come before vacation unless there are circumstances beyond someone's control such as only being able to get certain days off throughout the year, military duty, etc. In fact, I had a student last year whose grandmother was on her death bed, in a different country, and he missed 2 weeks of school so he could spend time with her before she passed away. This was a very responsible student and his mother made an effort to contact the school in advance and get the necessary work for him. I gave him extra time after he returned to make everything up, and he did very well in my class and on the state exam. These were extenuating circumstances and I have a lot of compassion for children in situations like this.

My view may differ from the views others, and i completely respect that. It's just the way I grew up. And neither of my parents worked in schools. My mother was a SAHM and my father worked for a private company. He didn't have issues being able to take his vacation during the time my sister and I were off from school so that's when we traveled.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Likewise for students, there is a tremendous difference between families who are truly dilinquent, where kids miss school consistently and don't do their work or worry about keeping up, and families who value education, make sure their kids are learning, and miss some days for vacation, familiy events, or other things they deem important.

My job, and your job from the sounds of it, recognize the difference. It would be nice for schools to do the same.

Of course there's a difference b/w truly delinquent situations and the occasionally family vacation. The problem is that schools can't selectively enforce policies like that. I can just imagine the cries of favoritism and the lawsuits that could follow. Is it sad that that's the kind of society we live in, where that would be something schools truly need to worry about? Yes. But, unfortunately, it's reality. Schools are legally responsible for providing students' education in a way that adult jobs are not legally responsible for providing their employees a job.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Of course there's a difference b/w truly delinquent situations and the occasionally family vacation. The problem is that schools can't selectively enforce policies like that. I can just imagine the cries of favoritism and the lawsuits that could follow. Is it sad that that's the kind of society we live in, where that would be something schools truly need to worry about? Yes. But, unfortunately, it's reality. Schools are legally responsible for providing students' education in a way that adult jobs are not legally responsible for providing their employees a job.

This is a very good point. And as usual, as with everything in life, a few ruin it for people doing the right thing. The ones who showcase delinquent behavior ruin it for those who truly cannot take a family vacation unless it is during school days. Very sad, as with many other things in life.

 

[Simba_Lover]

My parents took me out for a week during thanksgivings!
I saw my teacher there, checking in at the same room! she missed classes too...haha... (Back in 8th grade)

 

[cheer25mom]

I'm glad I don't work in a job like the one you describe. I don't, in fact, have to be at my job every day, on time. If I am sick, I call in sick. I have to take my son to an appointment later this week, so I let my boss know and his email back to me was "OK". If he gives me directions with which I disagree or I think there's a better way to do something, I let him know and we talk about it. I never want my kids thinking that they need to do something someone tells them to do simply because that person is in a position of authority. I want them to be respectful, to understand that good leadership includes both leading and following, but I hope they find careers in life where they are valued members of a team and never feel like they have to blindly follow the dictates from on-high.

Taking them out of school for a family vacation now may or may not teach them any significant life lessons, but it sure is fun, and in my experience makes for happier, healthier, smarter kids.

But what would happen if, after discussion the boss still felt their way was best, or he told you " no you cannot take off x or y day because I need you here". Would you go anyway, and what would the consequences be? At some point, we have to recognize that the boss has the final say, even if they are willing to listen to our imput they are the ones in authority and will ultimately be making the decision.

If ail to see how vacationing during school rather than in the summer makes a child any healthier or smarter??

 

[bangzoom6877]

But what would happen if, after discussion the boss still felt their way was best, or he told you " no you cannot take off x or y day because I need you here". Would you go anyway, and what would the consequences be? At some point, we have to recognize that the boss has the final say, even if they are willing to listen to our imput they are the ones in authority and will ultimately be making the decision.

If ail to see how vacationing during school rather than in the summer makes a child any healthier or smarter??

I agree with you. It doesn't make children healthier or smarter. All it does is make the trip cheaper and less crowded for the PARENTS who have a choice of vacationing during a school break. It is different for those who have no choice, but within reason of course. I personally think 2 weeks is way too much of school to miss. One week is reasonable IF that time is the ONLY time the parent can be off of work. When there is a choice, I firmly believe the right choice for the children is to go when there is no school.

 

[bangzoom6877]

But what would happen if, after discussion the boss still felt their way was best, or he told you " no you cannot take off x or y day because I need you here". Would you go anyway, and what would the consequences be? At some point, we have to recognize that the boss has the final say, even if they are willing to listen to our imput they are the ones in authority and will ultimately be making the decision.

If ail to see how vacationing during school rather than in the summer makes a child any healthier or smarter??

I agree with you. It doesn't make children healthier or smarter. All it does is make the trip cheaper and less crowded for the PARENTS who have a choice of vacationing during a school break. It is different for those who have no choice, but within reason of course. I personally think 2 weeks is way too much of school to miss. One week is reasonable IF that time is the ONLY time the parent can be off of work. When there is a choice, I firmly believe the right choice for the children is to go when there is no school, no matter the age. At a younger age they are still learning socialization in school in addition to academics, and in the higher grades they have more school work to do. Plus, children learn a lot by the examples their parents set, and "I'll do what I want, when I want" is the wrong message to send to them.

 

[pooh4evr]

Our 3 are missing 1 and a half days for our trip in October, we have a weeks fall break, last year it was a week and a half, so I based our time on last years scheduls. DH asked off last September for vacation time this October- yes a year in advance, and it was almost denied (he is a doctor) I think if missing school for a day or 3-4 is going to devastate a kids academic career there are bigger problems.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Our 3 are missing 1 and a half days for our trip in October, we have a weeks fall break, last year it was a week and a half, so I based our time on last years scheduls. DH asked off last September for vacation time this October- yes a year in advance, and it was almost denied (he is a doctor) I think if missing school for a day or 3-4 is going to devastate a kids academic career there are bigger problems.

I must have missed where anyone claimed that it would devastate a kids academic career?