Taking Kids Out Of School....

[Wishing on a star]

Guess I should edit my memo above to say

"I will be happy to see that he completes any makeup work before/when he returns....."

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

When we went on our spring break cruise our boys actually missed 5 days of school. This was 3 half days and 2 full days of classes.

I talked to my 1st graders teacher about it at our parent - teacher conference a couple of weeks prior & she was fine with it. When we returned they all had to write what they did during spring break. Reading my DS's report on going on the "croos" ship with Mickey was really cute!

My 7th grade DS's school did not and would not accept, any notification farther than 3 days in advance! In the end we decided that we would not try to take him out of school like this again. There were several problems with my 7th grader. (mind you he has great grades in all of his classes) The quarter end occured one of the days we were gone. So while my DS got all of his assignments done and turned them in when he returned to school, none of them could be counted toward that quarters grades. So instead of having all A's and B's , he had C's and D's due to the missed assignments. At the end of the year everything was fine - but I was really angry about this. If they would have given us his assignments early we could have gotten them all turned in prior to the end of the quarter.

Now if we ever take him out again during the school year - I'll make sure that we don't end up being gone over a quarter end....

 

[MrsPete]

I'm rather ambivalent about taking kids out of elementary school to go on family vacations -- provided they're very good students, of course. I'm also ambivalent about students of any age missing 1-2 days; a whole week is another story.

High school (which I happen to teach), however, is another story. Like most high schools, we're on a semester schedule. Keep in mind that we only have 18 weeks to complete a whole course with the students. In a week, we'd read a whole novel or complete a unit on research writing. We don't have the luxury of saying "Just write a little journal" -- we have a syllabus from the state, and there's a state mandated test at the end of the course. A student who doesn't pass the test doesn't get credit for the class.

A good student will have to work hard to catch up with a week's worth of work in his four classes -- it's do-able, of course, but it's going to take work. The real trouble can come if the student's already missed a week for a family vacation THEN he has the bad luck to get the flu later in the semester. He'll go over his allowable absences and risk not getting credit for the course.

Also, in high school absences go on permanant transcripts, which will be seen by colleges and scholarship committees. High absences are not seen favorably. Likewise, students will have to list absences on applications for sports teams, yearbook, etc. -- if the student misses a lot of days, it'll hurt his chances of "making the cut" -- the coach or teacher can't count on a student whom he fears will miss a week at a time.

Should you take your kids out? I don't know, but I do know that you should think about it carefully ahead of time -- especially if they're high schoolers. Kids here go to school 180 days/year; that leaves 185 days for family time.

 

[AnnMorin]

I agree with you MrsPete, we have taken our son out for six days each year since first grade. He is a straight A student who is blessed with good health. Last year his total amount of absences for the year were the six days he was gone on the cruise. HOWEVER next year will be the last year I will pull him for six full days. He will be in sixth grade then. Once he moves up to the regional school (7-12) I think it will be too hard for him to keep up and his education is very important to us. I would probably pull him for like two days but not the six we normally do. So I might bump up a trip to a school vacation, or plan it for a week that he has half days and then days off.

 

[HooKooDooKu]

I don't know who you are referring to, but we did tell the teachers in September

vgaskin,

I was speaking to the original poster. They started the thread today, and the language of their post sounds like they have NOT yet told the teachers the kids will be out of school in two weeks. What you have done is exactly what I would have done.

 

[Grumbo]

Unfortunately we all can't get our holidays at the same time as the kids, like a teacher can. So we have to make a compromise with a portion of it being a holiday weekend and them missing some school.

I personally see the real life aspect of seeing different countries and experiencing the world as much more valuable than a week of class room work (that can be made up if the child's school cooperates.)

Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[MiaSRN62]

I think the important thing is not so much exactly what you tell the children's teachers so much as that you tell them well in advance so that the teacher can possible plan for the absence.

I felt the same as you did originally. But the teachers at our schools don't want more than 1 week notice. I've had them say this to me once when I gave 2 weeks notice.

I'm also ambivalent about students of any age missing 1-2 days; a whole week is another story.

I have HS, Middle and elementary level aged kids. I don't want this thread to turn out to be a debate on whether anyone should or should not take their kids out of school. Everyone has their own unique set of circumstances and reasons. Our district actually automatically grants off 5 days per year for vacation reasons---anything additional needs special permission, but it's never been a problem. These days all go on record as "excused" as long as there was a note. Maybe my district is unique in this ?I think it's great and very admirable that the school district recognizes that some families can't do the usual summer and holiday time vacations---like us. I'm an RN and it's about a 25% chance that I will be granted off in the summer because 90% of the nurses want off. They do a lottery some times it gets so bad. Nothing I want to bank reservations, deposits etc on. Secondly, I'm required to work most holidays. I'm actually working Thanksgiving Day, Christmas eve night and New Years eve night this year. So, between my dh's schedule and mine, the traditional family vacations don't work for us
Ok...off my soapbox now I honestly don't want to start a debate, but just show that there's always a flip side to the coin. I think everyone knows what's right for their family. If not for off season, we'd rarely, if ever, get to vacation together.

 

[BAKAROMA]

As a principal I feel I have two bits to offer on this thread. I strongly believe your children will learn incredible things on an outing such as a Disney Cruise that could not be learned other than experiencing it with you. We are nissing four days of school in January for our cruise. Regardless of my child's academic performance I would not hesitate. Should they make up work? Yes. Could they actually have some extra work? Yes. Should they do some on the trip? I think it is a consideration, we will be bringing work for our kids (dd's 6 and 8). Even in a secondary school I would apply the same thinking. Think of the biological, botanical, geological, historical, political, cultural, reading, and writing experiences you could provide for your children. Have a great time helping your children get an education they can't get in a book in a classroom. Trust me they will be learning.

 

[lsmac]

Well as far as the absences etc going on permanent records and being seen by colleges: I never knew that, and I have been to college! Normally my son would only miss the 3 1/2 days that we scheduled for this cruise (and believe me, I rescheduled the cruise around his schedule!) but unfortunately, we had to go to Dallas this last week for a funeral and he missed five days last week too! So for this semester he will have missed 8 1/2 days...is that a lot?? His teachers and principal don't seem concerned, but he goes to a very small private school...will colleges frown on that? He's in 9th grade btw. Any teachers or the principal want to chime in on this one?

Thank you
Lisa

 

[FredS]

Sorry that I am contributing to the deterioration of this thread, but PUHLEEZE. I hate working around school schedules as much as anyone, but for a "principal" to try to say that a Disney cruise is as good a learning experience as, for example, a week of AP English/Creative Writing/Honors French II/AP European History/Chemistry/Western Culture and whatever other class my secondary school student has is just, I can't even come up with what I feel is an appropriate word. Get real.

I can more understand those who just (honestly) say "What the heck, let's live a little -- pull the kids out for a few days and we'll just do what we have to do." Let's not try to sell the "only chance to learn incredible things" pitch.

 

[Dreamer04]

Fred S, I have to agree with you. On my first cruise with my DD, then 5, she was in kindergarten. I gave advance notice-1 month- and the teach prepared a packet of work. We brought all her books with us and each evening before dinner, we did "homework". However, she is now in 1st grade and in another school. The principal specifically stated the children are expected to be in school, period. Sicknesses and emergencies arise, but vacations should be scheduled during the children's time off.

Additionally, DS 14, is now in an advanced high school. I would never take him out of school for a famiy vacation. The stakes are too high.

I am not coming down on anyone who chooses differently. These are our decisions. We end up paying alot more than we would if we went when school is in session. But if we couldn't afford it, we wouldn't go, plain and simple.

A few years ago, we had some hard times, financially. We might have been able to afford an off season trip, but then our son would have paid the price in school-not an option, in our opinion.

 

[kaphil]

I wish I lived in some of your school districts. Both my kids are excellent students and can be counted on to present the makeup work on the day they return if required. The middle school is being understanding about the cruise but the high school is being a pain. After missing just two days in the last two years the secretary gave my daughter a lecture when she mentioned it and has told her I will also get one when I bring in her note next week. Pretty ironic since many parents, (including the vice-principal) take their kids out of school every year during hunting season. I have even offered to next day air a book report to the one english teacher hoping this will help. Arrrrrrgh!

 

[DisneyNutMary]

I am not a believer in making it a habit of taking my kids out of school for vacations. However, I do believe that spending some relaxing and fun time away from home as a family is just as beneficial to a child's development as school.
After 9/11, I pulled my son out of school for a week and did just as Pres Bush suggested I went to Disney World....9/17 til 9/21. It was the best thing I have ever done for my children and my family. We had a memorable and enjoyable vacation during a time of much turmoil at home.
I plan to take my kids out again this September for our 2nd cruise. A week having fun and making memories with mom and dad will make a longer lasting impression than a week in a hot classroom.
They will not lose much as far as learning goes in that one week, and they can make up the work on the plane ride to and from. But hte memories will last a lifetime. And my kids are definitely worht it!

 

[Quirky Cruiser]

This topic always seems to raise some type of debate....I'll chime in with my experience....

First off - I do see both sides of the spectrum - but I believe based on the age of a child, the decision to go on a cruise during non-holiday periods should not be taken lightly...

My mother is a 5th grade teacher and over the years has had several kids go on vacation at different times of the year. With the new MA standards that have been put in place in the schools, making up work is not as easy as it was even 2 years ago. The teachers are encouraged and specifically told NOT to give any work to the students going away when school is in session. The parents are told that the student will be expected to make everything up when they return. They don't give the work because they want to discourage vacations during school time. On the other hand, my mother does not harp on parents for taking their kids out - it is their choice to do so and tells them to have a good time with their family. She usually tries to have them read ahead in their books, so that they don't feel overwhelmed when they return. Also, it is a lot easier for a 5th grader to make up the work than for a high school student....

Now - taking your kids out of school in High school is a whole nother story. I would encourage you NOT to do it. As I stated before, I live in MA and the public high school I graduated from several years ago did double sessions, so for every 5 days you miss, it is like you're missing 10 days. ALSO, if you were absent more than 5 days a term (our terms were 6 weeks) you received NO credit for the course. The only exception is a verified doctor's note - and no, a cold doesn't count - you pretty much have to be on your death bed (they were strict). A friend of mine's parents took her out of school to go to Disney with the family for a week and a half, and she ended up getting NO credit that term for any of her classes! With AP classes, it was even worse and if you missed even a day, you felt lost the next - so missing a week was out of the question. Too much is covered in double sessions to be missed - and catching up while learning more new material is not hard, it's impossible. And yes, absences do appear on your HS Transcript - I saw mine before it was sent off to the various colleges and on the back was a report of how many days you missed each year. I don't know if the colleges really take any of that into account, but it is there if they want to.

Well, I'm stepping down from my soapbox - I just think that it is up to each individual family to decide what is best for them and their children. Every situation is different....

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by DisneyNutMary
.....They will not lose much as far as learning goes in that one week, and they can make up the work on the plane ride to and from. But hte memories will last a lifetime. And my kids are definitely worht it!

I reiterate that beyond the very early elementary school years I think it scary that a child could miss an entire week's classes and "make up the work on the plane ride to and from." I think that I would be looking at another school that had a challenging curriculum which would prepare my child for higher learning and a successful college and general future.

BTW, my kids are definitely worth my efforts to both make memories AND ensure that they are present at school to receive a good education.

As someone else mentioned, there are roughly 185 days a year to work with........there are certainly situations which allow a vacation during the school year, such as a traditionally short weeks in conjunction with days off for a holiday (like schools which are only inattendance Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, and those dates are normally "free" days), or perhaps an unusual situation where the trade off (family fun versus getting behind in one's studies) such as after a family member's serious illness or even death. A few schools actually will require ALL work to be made up, via afterschool classtime, etc. So don't think that I think any parent who evers pulls a child from school for a Disney trip is bad. I did it for the first two years of my oldest child's elementary years, and would not vow that I would never take one single day for a trip ever again. But I know it would not, and should not, be so simple and just not matter that an older child missed an entire week of instruction.

 

[disneystyle]

FREDS

I have a few questions..

What kind of school does your child go to? Sounds like a very expensive one.

What is your "Learning Style"?

Are you the type of parent that hold your childs teacher/school responsible to meet all academic needs?

People who think "outside the box" are the mover and the shakers of the world and we need to realize life experiences are the best education.
I feel as a teacher I would find great pleasure working with the principal you rudely replied to and feel her approach takes responsibility for her child's education as well as uses common sense as to what is gained through travel.

I'm sure it is not a mystery that we take our children out of school for travel. But realize this is not for everyone. We are looking forward to the HUGE learning experience NYC has to offer the week of Thanksgiving and will look forward to our second cruise we are taking this January. Horror of Horror.
I have to add they are in Kindergarten and pre-K. I may not take them out during the middle school years and up, only time will tell.

Excuse me to everyone reading this post. I know there will people that agree and disagree. That's o.k. What you do with your children is your own business. This entire board is made up for people to voice different ideas, experiences and tidbits. Helping each other acheive the best DCL experience should be the focus.

I just had to reply to someone that felt so adamant that there was only one way to peel a banana.

I enjoyed the beginning of this thread, there were some great ideas.

Happy Travels to all the Families out there!!!

 

[disneystyle]

FredS,
I see you clarified yourself at the same time I was writing a reply to you. Sorry. The clarification helps and it sounds like it is coming from a much nicer person, which I'm sure you are.
Have a good weekend.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

As I once heard and truely believe in-

Not all life's lessons are learned in the classroom

-em

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by Disneyland_emily
As I once heard and truely believe in-

Not all life's lessons are learned in the classroom

-em

I totally agree. Actually a relatively small percentage of life's lessons are learned in the classroom, IMHO. I fully realize that there are times when pulling kids from school is the best decision. I also think that is fairly unusual, and mostly still can't get over high schoolers who can miss a week of school and it doesn't matter.

For the record, my daughter attends public school. She is (quite voluntarily) in advanced, honors type courses, which will make a huge difference in getting scholarships and in making the transition to college work. (She also realizes that she could make "easy A's" if she did not take advanced courses but in a wonderful flash of maturity determined it would not be the best for her in the long run.) If she were out for a week she would be so far behind that it would take a term to get caught up to the rest of the class, and would definitely affect her grades. If she was sick, the staff would work with you to the nth degree. If it was the "trip of a lifetime" I think they would also be willing to spend the extra time to help her get back to speed. However, I cannot blame any teacher for not be willing to stay after school several days to teach the lessons she missed for a Disney cruise, barring some really unusual circumstances.

I still would have to believe that it is a similar case for most high schoolers. As much as my daughter loves Disney and enjoyed our cruise, I am positive that she would pass on the trip in order to not be overwhelmed upon her return. And while there are cheaper times to cruise (I gaze at the off-season rates enviously) I can't honestly justify the negative impact on her schooling by the savings in the money, or the easier time we would have scheduling leave from work.

And, also for the record, I was born, reared and continue to live and think "outside the box."

 

[MiaSRN62]

Well, how did we all know the topic of this thread would stray----very far from the OP question. I must say I respectfully disagree with a couple of you (Fred and Dreamer as an example). Life just can't be put in a nutshell as easy as you make out. If you read my first post, there are many of us that simply cannot take off work during summer and school holidays---it's just not that easy or simple for some of us. We've been taking our kids out of school for years (because this is the ONLY way we can manage to get a vacation at all) and never have they suffered. Homework and extra credit work and often times a project or two are done on vacation (and not just the plane ride down and back!). It is possible to keep up with the class---at least for the most part. It takes the cooperation of the school, individual teachers and most importantly the child and their parents. It can be done because my kids are proof of this. My husband and I make sure they stay caught up. I'm quite certain if my kids were struggling in school or had excessive absences during the year, the school would not approve our requests. This has never been the case. I'm very glad that our school district understands parents in our situation. It's nice to know there is some open-mindedness with the district.
NOw, this was no way near the original topic of this thread, so those who wish to debate (myself included) whether or not to take kids out of school or not can find an audience on the debate board. This thread dealt with how to word the request to the school when taking kids out of school. Somehow it turned into a debate that can never be won by either side. There are those who feel it's not a terrible thing to take kids out and those who can't conceive of it. So, let us all (myself included), get back to the main topic of this thread and quit the debating please. I think some people might get offended and tempers will begind to flare. So let's get back to "how to word the request to the school" or put this thread to rest