ETA: My original post was missing half so I'm updating...
I have taught in 5 schools (grades K, 1 and 2) and wanted to offer a "fly on the wall" look into the teacher's room. In my experience most teacher's have always smiled and said, "have fun" to the parents, but are bitter about several things. I think the key is to be proactive and approach the subject well...
- Since this is our career and most feel passionately about what we do, it is insulting when people say "he/she won't miss anything because it's ONLY 1st grade/2nd grade/etc." Admittedly some teachers coast through the year, but for those of us who pour our hearts into each and every day saying the child won't miss anything belittles our efforts.
- On that same token don't make a statement like that in front of the child. There is nothing worse than having a kiddo quote the parent. i.e. "My mom told my grandmother that we aren't going to be doing anything in school anyway."
- It is a hassle to try and gather up assignments ahead of time. Be sensitive to that.
- Give as much notice as possible.
- Pay attention to weekly/daily routines and be proactive in planning work. For example, we do a daily writing journal and number of the day activity as well as a daily reading log. These are all easy to while away and I appreciate when parents continue them even when the child is absent. It shows they are involved.
- Personally I would LOVE to take a week off of work that isn't part of a school vacation to go to Disney. My family could use the off-season discount and would like to avoid the crowds. However, I can't imagine my student's parents being at all pleased if I sent home a note reading, "The students will have a sub for the next seven days because I am going to Disney World. It's only 2nd grade so I figured they wouldn't miss anything. We can always make up the work when I get back." My point is if you have a good reason why you are going then and not during a school vacation week then share it with the teacher. There are good reasons, but when a parent comes to me and says we're going now because it is too expensive or too crowded during school vacations it's hard to keep the smile on.
- Lastly, find out the school's policy. Some districts are fine with it. Others view it as an unexcused absence and a truancy issue.
I would suggest writing a note prior to going that reads something along the lines of...
Dear Ms.______,
I just wanted to remind you that ____ will be absent --/--/06 - --/--/06 because we will be taking a family vacation to Disney World. I apologize that she will be missing school, but we chose this week because it was the only time my husband could take from his job (or whatever the reason). I realize that we will not be able to duplicate all of the lessons and activities you will be doing with the class while we are gone, but I would be most appreciative if you could set aside any work that can be completed outside of the classroom. We will continue to have her compose a daily journal entry and will still be reading with her nightly. We are looking forward to some quality family time together, but also hope and anticipate that this trip will also provide ____ with some excellent real world learning opportunities.
Sincerely,
_________
Basically, just acknowledge that the child will be missing something, show interest in working with the teacher to make the trip educational and don't add burden to her workload by requesting work ahead of time. Offer to take it if it's available, but also be willing to let the teacher gather it as it occurs. I have a "while you were out" folder for each child and when they are absent we put work into it as we pass it out to the class.
Anyhow, I hope my post helps. I don't mean it to sound like I disagree with parents pulling kids out of school, but I just wanted to share an insider look and offer tips for how to approach the teacher. Enjoy your trip. December is a great time to visit.
