When should we go ??

[angiedora]

When to go to WDW...
I have two children who will be in 5th and 7th grade at the time of travel. They are good at their studies. I've never been during Labor Day or Food and Wine. We did pull them out of school for 3 days when we went to WDW in 2005.

 

[Barb D]

Frankly, starting in middle school I won't pull my kids out of school. I have one in high school and one in middle school now, and we're going at Spring Break. It's way too hard for them to catch up on missed work.

 

[DisneydaveCT]

I believe that taking them out of school for the Food & Wine could potentially allow you to expose them to food stuff that are readily available in your hometown. That in itself is an educational opportunity. And I am sure you can arrange with their teachers to get assignments for them to do while on vacation so as not to lose too much time at schoo, homework wise.

 

[mericletwins]

When to go to WDW...
I have two children who will be in 5th and 7th grade at the time of travel. They are good at their studies. I've never been during Labor Day or Food and Wine. We did pull them out of school for 3 days when we went to WDW in 2005.

I would go during the food and wine w/ a doubt! I am a middle school teacher and as long as you kno wthat your child's grade may suffer temporarily and that there is no way that the teacher will be able to give students all that they are missing in class and you are okay with the above, then I say GO FOR IT!

I just read an old thread from a teacher about missing school and it was fabulous. I wish I could find it. Please keep in mind that although you may be able to get some work ahead of time most teachers change lesson plans depending on what is going on with the students, teachable moments, etc. and some thinsg originally planned for may not be taught and some things that aren't planned for will be taught. Ask for any work your students can get ahead of time and let the teacher know that you will be happy to check for additional work after your return.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when students/parents want the work ahead of time and I take time out to get everything together, photocopied, explanations of assignments written out, etc and then the work is not done upon their return. (Asking for additional time is enough to send me over the edge. ) Please, please, please, if work is given prior to your departure, make sure that your child has it done and ready to hand in on the first day back to school.

 

[angiedora]

Thanks Barb, Dave, and Lisa for replying! I agree the Food and Wine Festival would be a great learning opportunity for the kids. I am leaning toward those dates.
I plan to talk it over with our head middle school teacher tomorrow. I know she will tell me like it is, she's not one to mince words.
Our kids go to a private school and they give a good bit of homework. We will definitely get the work done before we leave.

 

[jenseib]

I have no problem with taking kids out of school either. I think no matter what time of year you go, it's an educational experience as well as fun!
Labor day may be really busy though. I have gone twice in the middle of May, and the lines are nothing if any! 15 minutes max! I think that makes a difference too. I f you go when it is busy, you do alot less.

 

[angiedora]

I have no problem with taking kids out of school either. I think no matter what time of year you go, it's an educational experience as well as fun!
Labor day may be really busy though. I have gone twice in the middle of May, and the lines are nothing if any! 15 minutes max! I think that makes a difference too. I f you go when it is busy, you do alot less.

I agree,
Labor Day weekend looks a little busy. If a good code comes out for travel in May, that would be an option. We are REALLY hoping free dining is offered in Aug/Sept. though. Thanks for your thoughts!