The NEW Official November 2010 Countdown & Planning Thread ~ Come join us! (Part 1)

[Trackey79]

man I wish I would have found this thread a while ago! Too many pages I'll never catch up! Going to do my best!

I'm a SAHM to DS 19 month old, who is the best thing ever (DH is pretty good too lol). Can not wait to see DS' reactions to everything and share my love of Disney with him! We are staying at Pop with free dining but I'm going to upgrade it. DS has some food allergies (his testing is in 2 weeks to confirm peanut/eggs and see if there's anything else) and I think TS meals will be easier to do with his allergies. looking forward to chatting with you all!

Welcome!! This is a great group of folks and I am sure you will enjoy "hanging" out with us.

 

[Trackey79]

MY DS11 IS NOW MY DS12! Today is his Birthday!! I feel bad sending him off to school so early. Hopefully he'll have a great day!
Shelly- That really stinks, I know I rely on the previous years calendar when planning our next years trips and it is such a pain when they make big changes. (Was actually looking for next year and we have to go before Thanksgiving to use our AP's again- they have a 4 day wekend in October for Columbus day, so that is probably when we'll go)

Happy birthday to your DS!!!

 

[vllygrrl]

MY DS11 IS NOW MY DS12! Today is his Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to him!!!!

 

[vllygrrl]

This is how pathetic I am....I actually wrote a pre-trip/dining report and have it sitting in a file in my word processor, ready to go. I just needed to get my excitement all out on paper, but it's way too early to post it

Can't wait till my ticker moves itself to the next level....1 month, x weeks, x days!

 

[sjs314]

Birthday Wishes to Your DS

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Oh that stinks!!! With the testing that week will they still have a lot of homework and classwork that weeK? If not, I would say go for it. If so, I'm not sure what I would do. I hope you get it all worked out!

Just your luck but not much you can do about it now other than go and have fun

We had the same issue last year. The county didnt post the dates of WESTEST until after we had scheduled our vacation. We just happened to schedule our trip for the week before the test (practice test week.) I would be more concerned if he was missing a placement test in high school. But if your like me, I wont be taking the kids out of school during HS for a vacation any way. I agree they probably wont be missing school work during the week they are gone, but may be missing school work while they are taking the retest. I would just make sure the teachers remember he will be absent during the tests and find out what their gameplan will be for making up the tests.

Don't worry too much! I ran into the same problem when my kids were in 5th and 7th grade. They changed the state wide testing dates and we had our vacation planned and paid for. My husband travels a lot with his job and has a hard time getting vacation dates, so there was not the option of changing the dates.
Hopefully your school has 'makeup' test days. Also they shouldn't have quite so much homework while you are gone now.
They are still young and will be fine. Once they get to High School, it will be a different story. But for now, go and enjoy your vacation.
SMOOCHES!!

Oh no! I know just how you feel. I've moved our trip 3 times so far. DS11 didn't want to miss his Holiday band concert, so I moved it to the last week before winter break. WELL... at open house we found out he had a mandatory chorus concert on the night we have tickets to see A Christmas Carol. I still can't believe I did this, but I called the school and got his schedule switched. He now has chorus second semester. They didn't ask WHY I wanted it changed.

Shelly- That really stinks, I know I rely on the previous years calendar when planning our next years trips and it is such a pain when they make big changes. (Was actually looking for next year and we have to go before Thanksgiving to use our AP's again- they have a 4 day wekend in October for Columbus day, so that is probably when we'll go)

Thanks guys!

I am still pondering exactly what to do. I called the principal yesterday and got her voicemail, but she hasn't called back yet. I am probably worrying way too much about it. It just makes me mad! Like some of you have said - I relied on the previous years calendars when planning this trip. The second week of Nov has always been our parent-teacher conferences, and half days. That's why I scheduled our vacation that week - the kids wouldn't miss as much work. Well back at the end of the last school year I found out that they had changed the conferences to the following week. I thought about changing it then (and now realize that I probably should have tried to), but airfare was already bought, ADR's were made, etc. Plus I booked my trip with a 40% pin, and I don't know if they will honor it if I change weeks. . . So I left it alone and came to terms that the kids would miss 5 full days. And now I get his bomb dropped on me the other night that it is also testing. It's not like it is our big once a year PSSA testing (PA state standardized testing), I know that is always in the spring. But our school also does 3 other kind of placement tests, and each of them several times a year. So, I just don't know what to do!!! It has crossed my mind that they will miss less classroom work, but then I think that they may miss more classroom work when they are making up the tests the next week.


UGH!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We are going Nov 14-20th! DS (22 months) DH, and my parents. MVMCP and a wishes cruise are planned! yeah!!!

MY DS11 IS NOW MY DS12! Today is his Birthday!! I feel bad sending him off to school so early. Hopefully he'll have a great day!

Happy Birthday to your DS!!!

 

[princessmom29]

This is how pathetic I am....I actually wrote a pre-trip/dining report and have it sitting in a file in my word processor, ready to go. I just needed to get my excitement all out on paper, but it's way too early to post it

Can't wait till my ticker moves itself to the next level....1 month, x weeks, x days!

Me too. I am waiting for 1 month an x days!

Thanks guys!

I am still pondering exactly what to do. I called the principal yesterday and got her voicemail, but she hasn't called back yet. I am probably worrying way too much about it. It just makes me mad! Like some of you have said - I relied on the previous years calendars when planning this trip. The second week of Nov has always been our parent-teacher conferences, and half days. That's why I scheduled our vacation that week - the kids wouldn't miss as much work. Well back at the end of the last school year I found out that they had changed the conferences to the following week. I thought about changing it then (and now realize that I probably should have tried to), but airfare was already bought, ADR's were made, etc. Plus I booked my trip with a 40% pin, and I don't know if they will honor it if I change weeks. . . So I left it alone and came to terms that the kids would miss 5 full days. And now I get his bomb dropped on me the other night that it is also testing. It's not like it is our big once a year PSSA testing (PA state standardized testing), I know that is always in the spring. But our school also does 3 other kind of placement tests, and each of them several times a year. So, I just don't know what to do!!! It has crossed my mind that they will miss less classroom work, but then I think that they may miss more classroom work when they are making up the tests the next week.


UGH!!

As a teacher, I would think that they would understand. This is NOT state testing, but another OPTIONAL test the school opts to do, as I am understanding it. Your kids should be allowed to make that up, and not during class time. You could likely arrange for them to do it after school. I know our schools do this.

 

[RobinHoodGirl]

MY DS11 IS NOW MY DS12! Today is his Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to him!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Me too. I am waiting for 1 month an x days!

As a teacher, I would think that they would understand. This is NOT state testing, but another OPTIONAL test the school opts to do, as I am understanding it. Your kids should be allowed to make that up, and not during class time. You could likely arrange for them to do it after school. I know our schools do this.

Thanks for your insight. I always wonder how teachers feel about the "educational trips" to begin with. I started working at the school last February, as a teacher's aide on an on-call basis, so I am getting to know all the teachers pretty well and I am trying to get a feel for whether or not I should even attempt to take them out once DS gets to middle school next year.

Yes, that is right - it is an optional/additional test that our school does. We do them all the time is seems. It's not the state mandated test. It would be great if they could stay after school and make it up, I will have to inquire about that option. I know the teachers have to stay 45 minutes to an hour after dismissal anyway.

I just wish the principal would call me back!! I have a feeling she will say not to worry about it. I know her quite well from working there and being on the PTO board. So I guess I'm not worried so much about any disapproval, more worried about the kids and everything they will have to make up.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I don't think we had our - It's September party!!

We are another month closer to NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MAGGIED]

Well we had Open House last night at the school. And we were given this school calendar with certain dates highlighted that they would be doing placement testing (our school seems to go crazy with these, because they are ALL THE TIME) and it says to - be sensitive to these dates when scheduling "educational trips" (which is what our WDW vacation is considered). Can you guess what week in November is highlighted??? Yep - our vacation week. I am kind of sick over it and not sure what to do. I know they will still approve the vacation, but it will just be more stuff for the boys to make up.

Shelly.... I wouldn't stress about it... I am sure your boys are good students and you'l be fine... last year Dan was missing some mid-terms ( I had checked with the school BEFORE booking the trip and they said he was all set.. then in December they added the midterms)... I called each of his teachers... so that he wasn't overwhelmed when he came back one of his teachers let him take the test before we left, and one gave me the test and Dan did it on the airplane on the way down and I mailed it to her when we arrived.... I think as long as you don't spring it on them last minute they will work with you... I had the added thing in my corner that I had called the guidance office and principal before school even started to make sure it was okay for him to be gone that week.... they will work with you!!!

Anybody golfing during their trip? Any recommendations?

The PGA Chilrens Miracle Network is the week we are there... when we were arranging our golf times we were told the the Palm and Magnolia would be closed from Nov 1 until the tournament was over. We had to book at Osprey Ridge and Lake Buena Vista... which my DH says are okay... but they really like the other two courses better.

Thanks for your insight. I always wonder how teachers feel about the "educational trips" to begin with. I started working at the school last February, as a teacher's aide on an on-call basis, so I am getting to know all the teachers pretty well and I am trying to get a feel for whether or not I should even attempt to take them out once DS gets to middle school next year.

Yes, that is right - it is an optional/additional test that our school does. We do them all the time is seems. It's not the state mandated test. It would be great if they could stay after school and make it up, I will have to inquire about that option. I know the teachers have to stay 45 minutes to an hour after dismissal anyway.

I just wish the principal would call me back!! I have a feeling she will say not to worry about it. I know her quite well from working there and being on the PTO board. So I guess I'm not worried so much about any disapproval, more worried about the kids and everything they will have to make up.

 

[MAGGIED]

I don't think we had our - It's September party!!

We are another month closer to NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love a good party!!!!

 

[CajunMomof3]

Just found this thread- and like OPs I will be trying to catch up!

We are headed to the BWV on 11/15. This will be our first time at a deluxe resort, and we are very excited!

This is our 5th trip in 4 years (and DH is planning the 6th already), and we finally got ressies at Chef Mickey's. I don't know how the DS's (8 & 9)feel about it, but I am estatic!

We decided to do the Backyard BBQ this time instead of the Hoop Dee Doo. I saw lots of mixed reviews. Any thoughts from OPs who have been there?

 

[CajunMomof3]

Please let me know if anyone needs updated, changed, or added to the list above!

Add us to the fun and excitement-
4 of us at the BWV from 11/15- 11/21 (as long as the Army gets him home in time- need some prayers for that to happen-LOL!)

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly.... I wouldn't stress about it... I am sure your boys are good students and you'l be fine... last year Dan was missing some mid-terms ( I had checked with the school BEFORE booking the trip and they said he was all set.. then in December they added the midterms)... I called each of his teachers... so that he wasn't overwhelmed when he came back one of his teachers let him take the test before we left, and one gave me the test and Dan did it on the airplane on the way down and I mailed it to her when we arrived.... I think as long as you don't spring it on them last minute they will work with you... I had the added thing in my corner that I had called the guidance office and principal before school even started to make sure it was okay for him to be gone that week.... they will work with you!!!

Thanks Wendy. I am trying not to stress about it. DS11 is a little worried. DS8, of course doesn't have a care in the world! Does anyone else ever wonder how 2 kids who have the same parents and live in the same house can have such different personalities??? Anyway - I did mention it to DS11's teacher at open house, so she is already aware. I just left a voicemail for DS8's teacher. And I am still waiting on the principal to call me back. When I do get to talk to her I will definitely be asking about when they set the following year's schedule and how I can get it sooner!!

I am thinking about Columbus Day week for next year. The kids would miss one less day, and there doesn't appear to be any testing during that whole month!! I'm sure it will be more crowded than we are used to with May, January, and November trips, but still less crowded than going during a major holiday. It's either that or go in the summer.

I love a good party!!!!

I knew you would be up for a good party!!

Just found this thread- and like OPs I will be trying to catch up!

We are headed to the BWV on 11/15. This will be our first time at a deluxe resort, and we are very excited!

This is our 5th trip in 4 years (and DH is planning the 6th already), and we finally got ressies at Chef Mickey's. I don't know how the DS's (8 & 9)feel about it, but I am estatic!

We decided to do the Backyard BBQ this time instead of the Hoop Dee Doo. I saw lots of mixed reviews. Any thoughts from OPs who have been there?

Congrats on your 5th trip in 4 years! And a DH who is planning the next - it doesn't get much better than that!!

Your boys will love Chef Mickey's! It's a blast!

Sorry, never been to the BBQ or HDD.

 

[tatorswife]

78 days close Joining the party

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

65 DAYS here!!

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

74 days!!!

 

[princessmom29]

Thanks for your insight. I always wonder how teachers feel about the "educational trips" to begin with. I started working at the school last February, as a teacher's aide on an on-call basis, so I am getting to know all the teachers pretty well and I am trying to get a feel for whether or not I should even attempt to take them out once DS gets to middle school next year.

Yes, that is right - it is an optional/additional test that our school does. We do them all the time is seems. It's not the state mandated test. It would be great if they could stay after school and make it up, I will have to inquire about that option. I know the teachers have to stay 45 minutes to an hour after dismissal anyway.

I just wish the principal would call me back!! I have a feeling she will say not to worry about it. I know her quite well from working there and being on the PTO board. So I guess I'm not worried so much about any disapproval, more worried about the kids and everything they will have to make up.

Glad to help! I teach high school. I don't think billing Disney as an "educational trip" is really legit in middle and high school, but I certianly don't have a problem with kids being out for what it actually is, A family vacation. Or district policy is very strict about it however, and the students only get 4 "parent note" days without us having sdocumentation from a doctor so for weeklong trips the last day is often unexcused, and that means zeros. Most parents know this and take trips where at least one day would be a holiday anyway to avoid the problem. I do my best to help the kid catch up, but for my AP/IB level classes it means several after school sessions per subject to get caught up. Very few of our students take a whole week off once they get to high school becuase it is just too much to make up. They go at Christmas, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, or over the summer.