WWYD? Help!!!!

[Leota]

I really think it depends on the age of your child. I took my DS out of school for WDW vacations every couple years. In ES, this never posed a problem. He brought work with him, did extra projects for school, etc....
However, in 7th grade, we took him out for a week & a half , he had to really struggle to recover academically. At that point, missing over a week of foreign language & math is disastorous.

So, I say, based on my own mistake, that once they hit Jr. High - missing more than one or two days of school, max, is not a good idea.

 

[bethbuchall]

I agree that it really depends on the age of your child. I am all for pulling children out of school for family time. Last May I took my dd out of 5th grade and ds out of 7th grade for a week and a half. Ds turning 5 at the time was in preschool, but time off there is no problem. My 7th grader did well, but we all agreed that this would be the last time we'd take him out of school for that length of time. He was swamped with work during and after his absence(which we expected and agreed to take on in able to make the trip). All of his teachers were very accomodating even though they didn't have to be, and all the teachers gave us work to take with us.. Now that he has advanced math, advanced science, and a foreign language, he would miss too much in a week.

I think anything up through 6th grade really shouldn't pose a problem as long as everyone is clear about the workload and expectations and the student is generally doing well. After that and you may really want to think about what your child will be missing in the classroom.

Beth

 

[Alexsmommy]

Well I made an appointment to see the principal this afternoon!! i forgot to tell you she is only in Kindergarten. Of course I would have all the work done ahead of time and anything else she needs to do.
What could she possibly miss right?

 

[KCMiller]

We used to take our kids out for vacations when they were in elementary school and middle school, and it always worked out. Now, the oldest is a senior, and knows himself well enough that when we go in October, I'm taking the whole family down on Saturday, and he and DH are flying home on Tuesday, so he'll only miss 2 school days - and it was his choice! The two younger kids are staying with me and the rest of the clan until Thursday, when we'll fly home (DD must go to school on Friday, so she can march with the band at the game that night!).

I don't know if I'm going to make any plans in advance with the schools or not. In the past, sometimes it's been a good idea, and sometimes I got the feeling that teachers were being purposefully mean to the kids for being gone. I don't know...

KC

 

[tink2]

I'm a teacher and I would vote for option A. Not only am I taking my daughter out of kindergarten for a week in Dec. to go to Disney, I am taking a week off as well. It's a long story, but we had planned to go over Thanksgiving week but our school calendar go changed and, after many conversations with the principal, this is what happened. (We aren't allowed to be off the day before or after a holiday) If the child were older, I would say it depends on the type of student your child is. I would talk to the teacher now- after your meeting with the principal- and tell her you will be gone. Ask if there is anything she will need to do to make up the work, etc.
I'm a second grade teacher and I've had many students take a week off for vacations. They don't always write the excuse as a vacation- I've had everything from sick to they were just out, please excuse them. Good luck with your decision and your meeting!

 

[Jobomom]

Have you looked into JetBlue for flights?

If the school really doesn't like you pulling her out (it's kindergarten for heaven's sake!), you might be better off saving the other flights for another time and fly JetBlue out of JFK.

They fly directly to MCO and it's usually lots cheaper than the other "major" carriers. i.e. we're flying out 10/30 -11/4 for $49 each way. The trip to the airport from North Jersey is worth it for the cheaper fares AND each seat has it's own Direct TV screen. Even my DS17mo has been kept occupied by Nickelodeon for the 2 hours!

Ok, so now I sound like I'm advertising for JB, I think they should pay me!

Either way, have a fantastic trip!

 

[bethbuchall]

For kindergarten, I would have absolutely no qualms about pulling a child out IF they were adjusted well to the classroom and you know that you won't have any separation/social problems when you get back. I know that our school frowns upon vacations even in kindergarten ("they learn so much more than they did even 5 years ago"), but realistically at that age, you can teach them so much more one on one than they will get in the classroom.

So, for academic reasons, don't worry about her missing school. As far as social reasons, you know your child.

Beth

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

And this is why I homeschool my kids--just kidding--I do homeschool and this is one of the reasons, to plan my life around a pre-designated calendar that doesn't have one ounce of my input--Even in the real world, with advance notice--you can pretty much vacation most anytime you want. So I feel your pain--and you should travel when it is most convenient for you.

Now--as far as your little kindergartner....
When I was in the third grade--my teacher didn't assign me any work, she just said to keep a journal of my experiences. But this was the early 80s.

Get a heads up on the letter/numbers the class would be working on that week--and incorporate that into your trip. I know it sounds silly and some may say why bother...but for example--if they are on the letter "L" or the number "5"--you can make up all sorts of silly games while you are waiting in line for rides or sitting around waiting for a show to start. My daughter is 4 and loves the maps--has since she could hold one--now she is getting better with maps and even knows that pictures on a magic kingdom map represent where we are at. You can simply take the opportunity of a "real world" trip to educate your daughter. In the long run--it will not matter. I cannot imagine what "assigments" the teacher would provide--but in reality, it isn't going to be that important that your daughter does the pen and paper work. Heck, if your school is concerned, you can keep your own journal/scrapbook of what your child did and just show it to them when you return.

For others that are contemplating having their children skip class for vacation--the only thing I can think of is to know your standardized test schedule for your school and your child's grade--in our state we have the FCAT--and it is just something you do not miss for any reason..and if you do you better have a very very legitimate reason. Your trip is in the fall, so that should't be an issue (and your child probably won't be taking the test yet, just thought I would share the tidbit).

 

[RoLaren]

She's in kindergarten? Heavens, it shouldn't even be an issue! Go for plan A and have a great trip!

 

[lovelykccat]

As the above poster said - just go for it!

When my daughter was in kindergarten she already knew most of what they were teaching!

 

[iluvepcot]

I am also voting for plan A ,GO FOR IT! I have a 23yr old and can tell you from experience, that as they get older, school, social life etc. will rule your world. You can work with the teacher now and make up any time lost. However, you know your child best. If routine and schedules are disrupted, will this cause them a larger problem? Then go with another plan.

Now, on a more selfish note. I will be in the world 10/28 until 11/1 and I am trying to score Cindys breakfast. If you cx any of these dates due to not choosing plan A. PM me. thanks and Good luck.

 

[Alexsmommy]

Well I met with her today and I understand now why she doesn't like the children to miss school. She said if it was a shorter amount of time it wouldn't be so much of an issue, like 1 or 2 days (she'd be out 6). I guess Kindergaten isn't what it used to be like in '72. My daughter's class makes a storybook every day with sight words that she needs to remember. They keep these books at home (she just brought 1st one home today) and every night they have to read 1 or 2 books to us. She also reminded me she takes French 2x a week. As she was explaing all this, I started to realize that she would be missing out on a lot and since this is her first year at this new school I don't want her to have adjustment issues too when she gets back.
Ultimately the principal was being very nice and she did say if I felt that strongly about it then she would allow it and to let her know soon.
I spoke to my DH tonight and after talking it over we're going to go in December since we've always wanted to do it anyways. She wouldn't be missing out on anything and I'm sure it'll be a blast even with the crowds!
Thanks again for the GREAT advice! It really helped me explore all my options and make the best decision for DD.
Thank you!!!!
Maria

 

[disneychrista]

Sounds like you have thought this through and have come up with the choice that is best for your child/family and that is what matters.