To those with kids in school

[Rhongepooh]

I'm an elementary school teacher and our school has 4 nine week sessions. I have taken the girls' out to go to Disney 2 times. Both times I went straight to the principal and explained how this would be an educational trip for the girls. Once it was during 9 week exams and we still had no problem. Chelsea (15) was able to take care of her exam AFTER we got back and Micah's (9) sent make up work to work on during the 12 hour drive. She said if she wanted to do it she could if not not to worry about getting it done. Both girls are A students so it didn't hurt their grade. I think the trick to it is letting the teacher and principal know as soon as possible. Hope this helps someone. The girls have talked to their friends about going (they will miss 2 days and I will miss 3) but I'm waiting for another week or so to tell my principal.

 

[threeboysmom]

Thanks for the positive side of this debated issue! This is the first year I have a son in school (9th grade) - we've always homeschooled in the past & could take vacations whenever we wanted. This year we have a Christmas vacation planned and he will be missing 4 days of school. Since you're a teacher, when should I let the school know? Is it too early now? Should I wait until a month beforehand?

Thanks!

 

[stacilee]

I saw this link a few weeks ago here on the boards and though it was so great I bookmarked it!
It almost makes me want to take my kids out of school more often now that someone has calmly outlined just how educational a trip to Disney can be!
Here all this time I have been thinking that it was just FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

Seriously, I think this letter is so well written, although I know that our principal here would never go for it. In our school district, absences due to vacation are always counted as UNEXCUSED no matter where you are going or how educational it may be.

INFLEXIBLE would be a good word for our schoolboard.

http://www.themouseforless.com/SchoolExcuse/SE1.shtml

 

[CrazySun27]

I have a ds-5, dd-7, dd-9, all in 3 different schools, I had to speak with 3 principals and provided them w/ the excuse letters, and they didn't go for it...it's still unexcused.

I was truly upset, so now I feel forced to get sick excused from their dr's , so my children will be able to make their work up.

I have spoke to several of their teachers and they said they will only take one grade that week, so the impact should not be too bad.

It's too bad the principals wouldn't see the benefits a family vacation at WDW...

 

[eeyore kelly]

Our school district is inflexable about vacations too. I have decided to work with the teachers when I take the kids out for our vacation. They are the ones who have the most impact on my kids' grades. While I will give the office a "heads up," it will be the teachers I focus on. I also think it helps to volunteer to make copies, etc. If you try to work with the teachers to make their life easier, I find in return they will try to make yours easier.