Tempted to pull DS out of school

[deltachi8]

We normally go in late August, but Southwest has fares out of Buffalo for $115 RT (Direct Flights) in late April-Early May.

With gas prices, Im not sure about gambling that I will get that fare come August.

If I travel April 28, return May 5, he would miss 3 full days and 2 half days of school. He is the special ed program for ADHD and its hard for him to miss anytime.

We already have 4 day Park Hoppers...i just am not sure if I should or not...anyone have any opinions?

 

[Noah122898]

I think you answered your own question by stating that it's hard for him to miss any school.

 

[emeraldlover]

When my kids were younger - kindergarten, first grade, maybe second grade, I didn't hesitate to take them out. Now, forget it. It is too hard for them to make up the missed work, and they lose out on too much. Mine are missing 1 day (the Friday before school vacation week begins), and I know that they won't be missing much in that one day because of the vacation week, and still I will ask the teachers for make-up work.

 

[Chicago526]

Normally, I'm all for taking kids out of school. But it sounds like your little guy may not do so well by missing so many days. It's hard to pass up a good deal, but I think you and your son would be better off if you sit this one out. Sorry!

 

[MEM]

For a different perspective, DS10 is on the PDD-autism spectrum and his SpEd teachers fully support taking him out of school to attend WDW - they said they cannot possibly compete with the positive stimulation of WDW. We took him out of school for 4 1/2 days in October to attend the F&WF and MNSSHP and he was very chatty about the trip when he returned to school.
Taking DD8 out of school is another story entirely...

 

[minkydog]

He wouldn't have much time to catch up that close to school ending.If missing 3-4 days of school could put him behind or even fail him, I wouldn't do it.

 

[cthetulips]

Many people will disagree with me. We DO pull our children out of school to go to WDW. While school is very important and we wholeheartedly support our children in all things school, there is more to the life of a family and their children than school. We will not be on this earth forever and your children will only be this age only once. If April works for you, I'd say go for it! Making family memories and gaining some real world experience (airports, traveling, new experiences, new scenery, people, handling being in a different place) is just as important as school learning.

I suppose we could go in the summer and accomplish the same thing, but we tried that once for our first trip ever to WDW. The crowds and heat took away a lot of the magic for us, especially DH who we found out does not do well in heat. The kids had meltdowns because we were so hot even though we took breaks and went back to the hotel for the afternoons and left the parks early for night. This does not make for good family memories. We now usually go in April and it's just right for us. The parks aren't open as late, but they are less crowded so you can accomplish more in any given day than the summer. It's still warm enough to go back to your hotel to swim and take breaks from the parks. Do what you think is best for your family and don't feel guilty about it!

 

[deltachi8]

He is 8 and in 3rd grade. Im not worried about him failing, he is doing fine academically, but it can be hard for him to catch up when he misses things.

Ill probably sit this out, but may ask his teacher what she thinks.

 

[pearlieq]

Normally I'm all for pulling kids out--we did it all the time when I was a kid.

If it's going to be hard for him to catch up, it may create more stress than it's worth. Talking to the teacher is a great idea. Maybe she can help you prep him in advance so he's even with his class when he gets back.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[becky7953]

I would talk with the teacher too. Many teachers frown upon taking kids out of school. See what his teacher says.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going over to the "disABILITIES" forum, where there is often a lot of similarf discussion and you will have a lot of people who can provide advice.

 

[ErinC]

When we take our daughter out, I ask the teacher about 3 weeks in advance for any makeup work ahead of time. All three times she has completed all her work before we take the trip. It's nice to come back to school and not have lots of missed assignments waiting for her when she returns. Granted she is an excellent student, and she did most of the work in class when she was finished with her classwork. The trip had no impact on her grades. I think you should talk to your childs teacher. Frankly, I think that would help you make up your mind. If they are all for it and can help him complete the assignments before you leave than go for it. It they act like it's a real pain and you think they will make life difficult for your son, than wait until August. Hope it works out for you.

 

[kdudley3]

I say go for it. Sometimes a change of pace (and fun) helps relieve stress.

If you ask for homework in advance then he can do it in the airport and on the plane.

My son is in 10th grade and I struggled with this same situation. It's more important when they're older.

Remember...these vacations make memories for a lifetime. I still remember my first trip to see the mouse when I was six. As a matter of fact it's going to be 33 years to the date thursday, St. Patrick's Day. They had a parade and Mickey and Minnie were dressed in green and Goofy stopped and gave me a hug !!!!!!!!!!

 

[CarolA]

I agree with earlier posters... you responded to your own question. If it is going to be hard for him to catch up and stress him out over the rest of the year... you will pay for this vacation in more ways then one. Lots of parents do take their kids out, but they always state.... he/she does fine... doesn't sound like you are saying that.


I have a friend with a special needs child. Her daughter is only allowed to miss school for illness. It just is too much for her. Until this child went to school they could go on vacation during the school year, but now......

 

[gigi1313]

i'm not going to broach the "stay in school"/"miss school" discussion... i will just add this info...

the last week of april most ny/northeast schools are closed for Passover... May 5 is a big celebration in wdw... those two together would keep me away from wdw simply due to crowd levels... end of august is historically low attendance... minimal lines... easy to get ps's... and all that comes w/going during the slow time...

just my reasoning...

 

[deltachi8]

Well, Im still undecided. I am going to speak to his teacher . What I did was book the airfare and if we decide not to go, we can use the funds to purchase our airfare in August (Southwest will allow that).

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and opinions.

 

[DisneyDotty]

Grrrr--sorry, but you hit on a nerve here. I used to teach high school and worked very hard every day to prepare lessons. It is impossible for students who miss school to "make up" with worksheets what they missed in the classroom. What are we teaching our kids when we pull them out? That a discount at Disney is more important than their education? That their teachers' time isn't as valuable as cheap airfare? That it's okay that they're now behind 'cause they got a great rate in a hotel? There are so many vacation days already during the school year--why do people insist on vacations while school is in session? Yes, time with the family is extremely important--again, that's why there are so many school holidays!
Okay, I will step down from my soapbox. Sorry for the lecture.

 

[deltachi8]

Grrrr--sorry, but you hit on a nerve here. I used to teach high school and worked very hard every day to prepare lessons. It is impossible for students who miss school to "make up" with worksheets what they missed in the classroom. What are we teaching our kids when we pull them out? That a discount at Disney is more important than their education? That their teachers' time isn't as valuable as cheap airfare? That it's okay that they're now behind 'cause they got a great rate in a hotel? There are so many vacation days already during the school year--why do people insist on vacations while school is in session? Yes, time with the family is extremely important--again, that's why there are so many school holidays!
Okay, I will step down from my soapbox. Sorry for the lecture.

Thats the beautiful thing about opinions, everyone has them and is free to express them. I understand you point but dont totally agree.

 

[gigi1313]

btw, fwiw, we went last august and our airfare was originally $79 each way (southwest from long island to orlando) and a few weeks before our trip our outgoing flight was reduced to $49... so there are some good swa flights to be had in august also...

 

[CheapMom]

Going in May would be a lot nicer for crowds (and probably weather) My kids (grades 2 and 3) also have ADHD and we struggle with this issue also. I would wait to decide until after talking to the teacher but I hope yopu can work it out for May.