When to tell the teacher?

[yesdisneyfool]

When we go this February, my daughter will be missing 2 days. We read in the school handbook that we need to complete the absent form at least one week before the absence.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

YES I ment honor roll. Glad to make anyone smile.After getting back to the homework routine this week it might be more like the Horror roll!Wish we were at Disney!
Jordan's Mom

 

[akghutton]

As an 8th grade teacher, who is currently on maturnity leave, I agree with Shari2shop, 2 weeks is a good amount of time for notice of a planned absence. I would add that it is important to stress to your son the importance of staying caught up with his work before leaving. That way his teacher will feel much more comfortable with him missing 5 days of school. I personally never minded when parents took their kids away during the school year, unless a student was way behind on work or struggling to pass the course. Also, I don't know about testing in Mass., but in NY standardized testing has gotten out of hand, and 4th grade is the first grade where the kids really get hit with it. Unfortunately it has put a tremendous amount of pressure on both our 4th grade teachers and students. If the scenario is similar, you may want to address that with your son's teacher as well. Otherwise, enjoy making magical memories with your son. My parents took me out of 3rd grade for a week to go to WDW, and it didn't stunt my learning. I believe most teachers realize this.

 

[TmnsnMD]

Our DS will be in the 6th grade this year and we are going in Oct/Nov. I wanted to make sure I gave all his teachers enough notice so I wrote a letter to the school (small private school) requesting a little time with each teacher when THEY aren't very busy. I also stated that his school work was very important to us and we would do whatever was necessary to complete all missed work or test. I hope this helps smooth the way when I meet each one.

 

[catwho]

Check your student hand book. Our school district insists that all family vacations where a child will miss more than 2 days of school have to be approved beforehand by the principal. Our school started last week and I sent a note to my kids' teachers the second day explaining that we were taking a trip in January (yep, 5 months away!) We explained to the teachers why we were going in January (dh has to be available 24/7 during hurricane season) and how we look at our Disney vacations as a "learning experience" I told the teachers that I would be more than willing to work with them on scheduling missed work so they don't fall behind. We do this every year and have yet to have a problem.

I'd tell them early so that it isn't a problem and maybe the teacher can work with you in preparing the kids for their big trip. Our girls have always written letters to their classes from WDW and sent postcards. It helps make the trip seem more special and includes the class. Afterwards, the kids take the pictures in and share what they learned on their vacations.

 

[campingcorgi]

As a First grade teacher, I agree with all these suggestions. Let me add, though, that you may not be able to get the 'make-up' work in advance. Many schools want this work sent home after an absence, and the teacher may not always know exactly what will be covered during your child's absence. A teacher's plans often have to be flexible.

Have fun!
Barbara

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I had been planning our trip for about a year. At the end of the school year prior to our trip I mentioned to the school secretary that we we're going to WDW in Nov., and asked about the school's policy. Students were allowed one week of "unexcused" absence, including such vacations. She gave a me a form that the school district used, detailing the days the student would be absent and the educational value of the trip. When school started in the fall, I had DD turn it in. It had to be signed by the teacher and the principal and then a copy was mailed home. Teacher conferences were the same week as when we left for the trip and I reminded the teacher that we'd be on vacation and asked his class' policy on homework while we were away. He was well aware of the type of vacation we were taking and commented on the fact that DD probably wouldn't have time for it, but he sent some papers along anyway. We attempted to get a few done, because DD was having a problem completing assignments on a regular schedule and I wanted to enforce the importance of being responsible whether we were home or on vacation in WDW.