talking to teachers

[prymsu]

good luck with your decision. Let us know how it turns out for you. I have always had good luck with this, but i normally contact the teacher at open house before school starts and let them know our plans. I think if you can give as much of an advance notice that helps. Also last year my son missed almost a month of school (one week was during spring break). We had the opportunity of a life time to go to China and stay with a friend whose husband was on sabbatical. Of course i was nervous asking teacher, but we discussed a plan of action for getting stuff done.

It was agreed that she would give as much reading, spelling and other assignments ahead of time to Dakota. Then he had to keep a daily journal. We promised to bring things back to share with the class. This included book marks, photos, maps, Chinese candy and chopsticks to name a few things. Things worked out for us, but we were very lucky.

 

[pagemaker]

DD10 just started 5th grade and DD6 started 1st last week. Tonight was our first meeting with the teachers.

The 5th grade homeroom teacher said it was against school policy to give out work ahead of time for unexcused absences (which would be the 2-1/2 days before thanksgiving) but personally she was ok with it and would do help out as best she could. She also seemed to think the other 5 teachers would do the same, but that I should let them know as well.

So I'm feeling pretty silly about worrying about talking to the teachers when.....

The 1st grade teacher says that if we are taking our kids out of school " I don't even want to know about it...school policy is blah blah blah.....period. No work ahead of time. No exceptions."

I know its only 1st grade and 2-1/2 days, but I still feel like a bad parent.

Any advice?

Deb

 

[LisaTxUsa]

I took my then 6th grade son out of school in January for the 7 night cruise. It was a nightmare with his school. Make sure that you check the school district policies. I don't know about other states but Texas has a very strict attendance policy - strict to the point of being fined for an unexcused absence.

I talked to my son's teachers AND the principal. I got a very stern letter from the principal but in the end they did excuse his absence. A few of his teachers were very disapproving and most of his teachers did not have work ready for him to take because they don't do their lesson plans in advance. They did say that they would let him come in before/after school for extra tutoring and that they would give him 5 days to make up the work he missed. My son really wanted to go on this cruise so he busted his buns to make sure that he got all of his work done and turned in on time.

I'm seriously considering doing the 7 night cruise again this January because the price is just so much more affordable AND the ship is not as crowded as it is during the summer time (I've been both times of year).

One thing you just have to keep in mind - this is YOUR child (I had to keep telling myself that the state of Texas does not own my child!)

 

[pal2pluto]

I really appreciate hearing how other schools are handling family vacation time. I know for me, as a kid, I learned more about the different states, geography, history, economics, religion, mapreading, math, family social dynamics, how to tip waitresses, how to be courteous to strangers, trying new foods.........the list just goes on........just by driving on family vacations!!! I'm very distressed at schools that don't allow any time for such vacations.

My school allows 5 day "educational leave" . My daughter has been carrying around a form for the teachers to sign notifying them of the days she is gone in October. Tomorrow night is open house, where I will meet all the teachers, and be able to speak with them. I guess it is there that I will find out just who requires what re: homework. Fingers crossed!!!

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Ran into DSs 4th grd teacher from last year at the store yesterday. She asked how DS likes 5th grade, etc. I told her we have a family cruise coming up in Nov and havent told his teacher yet (havent met her yet). She said have a great time and not worry about it. This is the same teacher we had to talk to last year when we took DS out of school for 5 days in Oct to vacation in WDW. Hopefully this years teacher will be just as cooperative.