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What downsides when you pulled your kids out of school?
We are in the works of planning a Sept. 2010 trip (end of September). We have 2 boys and one will be beginning 5th grade. School will only be in session about 6 weeks prior to going and I"m worried about him falling behind and then just not being able to catch up. I'd hate for him to start off on the wrong foot. We are going to have him tested this summer for an auditory processing disorder (he does fine in school as long as certain adjustments are made to his learning style). I'm just going back and forth with this. We don't want to go when it's busy & I think this might be a good time to go. For those of you that have pulled your kids out what did you find was helpful on getting them caught back up? Did you take homework with you and work on it a little at a time? Were the teachers mad? Thanks for any input !
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You'll find a lot of discussion on this topic here at Intercot over the years. You can do a search for past threads to see those responses.
My personnal experience has been that there was no downside. For 5 years in a row, I attended a conference at WDW in October. 4 of those years we took the two youngest boys out of school. They spanned 6th grade through high school junior. One of the boys has a learning disability as well.
We just told the school (we didn't ask) we were going and asked for their school work. In all cases, the teachers were very accomodating. One year, my older son did all his Geometry homework for the week on the flight going down (for us, that's at least a 6 hour flight). He was very happy about getting that done.
Our rule was that the boys had to do their work each morning before they and their mom went to the parks. No school work, no play time. It worked like a charm. We had no issues with them doing their work by 10am.
When we got back, the boys turned in all their work, and everyone was happy. In no way did we or the teachers feel that they "got behind" because of the trip. Most of the teachers were envious and had the boys tell the class about some aspect of the trip.
All in all, it was a very positive experience everytime we did it.
BTW, my wife is an elementary school teacher and I've done a stint at teaching high school.
Hope this helps some.
Steve
First visit: Disneyland, July 17, 1955 (well, somebody had to be there on opening day!)
Most Recent Visit:
Disneyland - June 21-25, 2017
WDW - Sep 22 - Oct 5, 2019
Next up: WDW - May 9 - 16, 2020 at Riviera!
Dec 5 - 16, 2020 at Poly
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My only advice would be to check your district's policy re such absences. With the advent of "No Child Left Behind," more and more districts are tightening up their attendance policies.
Frank
DVC Owner
BWV, BCV, SSR
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[QUOTE=Fangorn;1858139
We just told the school (we didn't ask) we were going and asked for their school work.
[/QUOTE]
We agree! We always took our kids out and they never had an issue catching up. That was part of the deal "we can go to Disney if you guys can keep up on your work". I remember one year my son's English paper was to describe(in detail) what's around you. Well he did this while waiting for a parade on Main Street in MK. The CM's joked with him about doing 'homework' in WDW. One of his best papers. That being said...now that they are both taking AP classes in high school we will be going with the masses over July 4th. They could never keep up with their work missing 10 days of school. You know your child best! Have fun!
June 26-July 6 2009 POP
May 11-20 2007 POP
May 4-8 2006 POP (w/ 70 yr/o parents)
Nov 25-Dec 4 2005 CBR
June 2-6 2005 POP (Star Wars)
Nov 26-Dec 3 2004 POFQ
Aug 21-28 2003 CBR
June 13-21 2002 POFQ
Sept 21-29 2001 CBR (Surprise Trip)
Sept 20-30 2000 CBR
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The only downside is that you could get some grief from your school district. I know there are different policies and procedures and regulations for schools. But as long as my kids were getting their good grades, it was OUR decision to take them out of school for a trip anywhere - including Disney.
We always tried to get as much work as we could ahead of time. Sometimes they had to do a little report about the trip when they got back. But we never regretted all the years we went during the cooler weather when it was usually less crowded. We tried August once and it was not fun for us.
I hope you have no issues with taking your kids out of school for a nice trip. It's definitely the way to go - as long as your kids are keeping up their grades.
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I was afraid to take our DS out of school, but the teacher and the school were both fine with it. We started teaching him the concepts he would miss a few weeks before the trip. We also were able to get all his work and homework prior to the trip so he could have it completed before we left. The teacher spent some time with him at school before the trip working with him too. It was the right decision for us.
Poly--2010. POR 2010
Poly and CR 2011
POR- 2009
Grand Floridian-2009
Wilderness Lodge-2008
Polynesian-2008
Contemporary-2007
Wilderness Lodge-2006 & 2006
Off-Site-2006
POR- YC POR 2005
CBR- 2004
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We always go in the middle of Oct.
I take my older son out of school for 8 days. We did this when he was in 2nd grade ,5th grade and will be doing it again when he is in the 8th grade in 2010.
He is a straight A student so that helps. I always tell the school right away when the school year starts, and ask the teachers how close to the actual time would they like to be reminded. Usually they say 2 weeks.
I always tell them that he will stay after or come in early either before or after our trip to make up the work. I also tell the teachers that I don't expect them to have work for us to take, because that is a lot to expect them to do on top of everthing else they do. I let them make the choice of how they want to do it.
We have been lucky because we have never had a problem yet. Usually the teachers send some work, and some have said don't worry have a great time he has NO work to make up.
They also give him up to 8 days after returning to have all the make up done.
We always make a point of letting the teachers know that we are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn't fall behind and that all the work gets done.
We can only go in October because there is only a small window of time that my husband is not busy at his jobs.
I should also point out our oldest has Aspergers, so he learns differently too. But we have never had a problem. I should also so say I talk to the ofiice and principal too at the start of the school year so they too are aware of what our plans are.
I say take him out and just make sure you are committed to do the extra work to ensure he doesn't fall behind.
1999 off site- July
2001 All Star Movies- Sept
2004 CBR-Oct
2005 Poly won free from Disney-Jan
2007 POP-Oct
2010 POP-Oct
2013POP - Oct First trip /all 3 kids- DD's 1st
2014 All Star Movies-Nov / Mother son 2 day visit, after college tours
2016 POP-Sep
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We check with the school system ahead of time. Then, whenever one of our children miss another day, we always get a letter threatening to fail them for missing too many days. This is in spite of the fact they are exceptional students who are on the honor roll. Go figure!
Jul80 DLR, Dec75 FW, Sept91 offsite, Sept95 ASSp, June00 offsite, June01 ASMo, July02 WL, June03 ASMo, Oct03 POR, Poly, Aug04 Pop,ASMu, Oct04 ASSp, Sept05 CSR,Pop,CBR, Dec06 WL,Pop, Sept07 POP,POR, Dec07 POP,May08 POP, Sept08 CR,Sept09 POP,Aug10 CBR, Feb11 POP, July11 AKL, Nov12 POP, March13 offsite
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I've seen it be okay and I've seen it create a huge problem. It depends a.) on the child and b.) on the school systems. With your child already having a learning issue I might be even more hesitate to miss school. That aside, if the school will allow the absences without it being detrimental to your children (which is a big issue to check before anything else) and your kids are academically capable enough to catch up all missed work then it shouldn't be a problem.
No one likes to go when it's "busy" but there really isn't a slow time anymore. Spring break, early summer, late summer are all managable times. The only times WDW is really NUTS is Easter week, Christmas week and around the 4th of July. The rest of the time you can see everything you want to without any issues.
Chris, aka Strmchsr
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning, Guests with Special Needs, and Weather Guru
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I appreciate the input. Academically he's right where he needs to be, but I know it's because he's had great 2nd & 3rd grade teachers. We'll be taking everything into consideration before we actually book anything. We'll see what 4th grade brings for him and if I think we can pull it off, we will. I know there isn't a "quiet" time anylonger and this may be the last year we could actually pull him out before he gets to Middle school. I appreciate the insight!!!!
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Originally Posted by Jeri
We always go in the middle of Oct.
I take my older son out of school for 8 days. We did this when he was in 2nd grade ,5th grade and will be doing it again when he is in the 8th grade in 2010.
He is a straight A student so that helps. I always tell the school right away when the school year starts, and ask the teachers how close to the actual time would they like to be reminded. Usually they say 2 weeks.
I always tell them that he will stay after or come in early either before or after our trip to make up the work. I also tell the teachers that I don't expect them to have work for us to take, because that is a lot to expect them to do on top of everthing else they do. I let them make the choice of how they want to do it.
We have been lucky because we have never had a problem yet. Usually the teachers send some work, and some have said don't worry have a great time he has NO work to make up.
They also give him up to 8 days after returning to have all the make up done.
We always make a point of letting the teachers know that we are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn't fall behind and that all the work gets done.
We can only go in October because there is only a small window of time that my husband is not busy at his jobs.
I should also point out our oldest has Aspergers, so he learns differently too. But we have never had a problem. I should also so say I talk to the ofiice and principal too at the start of the school year so they too are aware of what our plans are.
I say take him out and just make sure you are committed to do the extra work to ensure he doesn't fall behind.
This exactly how we do it too. We offer to help in any way we can and let the teachers know early on. We make sure we realize it can be extra work for them and that we will do whatever is easiest for them. October is also the best time for my DH to go.
We have never a had a problem making up work. The only problem we have had is youngest DD getting sick right after we got back and missing another week of school. Made it a bit harder.
Tinkerfreak
oct./nov. 2002-AKL
oct./nov. 2003-WL
nov. 2004-AKL
oct./nov. 2005-AKL
Dec. 2006 BC
April 2007 AKL
oct./nov. 2007 AKL/Poly
oct./nov. 2008 POFQ/AKL
Nov. 2009 CBR
May 2010 BW
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When my oldest DS was in 8th grade, he was not allowed to make up a test that he missed when we pulled him out for a WDW trip because family vacations do not count as excused absences in our school district. The zero he had to take on the test dropped his semester grade (and subsequently his year long average) from a sure "A" to a middling "B", the only B he has ever made for a year long average. I was not happy about it, but didn't worry too much since it was middle school. However, now that he is a straight "A" student in high school, I don't think we'll do that again. Too much is riding on grades for that academic scholarship. He puts the pressure on himself and refuses to miss a test even for a trip to WDW (we have talked about it).
1971 (age 15) MK was new!
1974 off-site (Senior Trip)
1982 off-site
1988 off-site
May 2002 AS-Sports, with DW & kids
May 2004 Pop Century
Feb 2005 Wilderness Lodge
Oct 2006 Pop Century
Oct 2008 Camped at Fort Wilderness
Feb 2010 Cruise on the Wonder
Dec 2014 POFQ for Christmas!
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"Hey teacher leave them kids alone"
P. Floyd
1993 Disneyland 1 Day Trip
2005 Disney World Beach Club
2006 Disney World Boardwalk
2007 Disney World Polynesian
2010 Grand Floridian
Next Trip:
Currently Being Discussed
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Downsides include the following:
1. Not being able to make up tests or quizzes
2. Assignments not completed
3. New concepts not mastered
4. Teachers and other students jealous
Upsides include the following:
1. Standing in line for a dolewhip instaead of a lunch line
2. Togetherness with family
3. Rides instead of classes
4. No homework
1965*, 1972, 1980, 1986, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004 Disneyland ** Aug 2009 25th Wedding Anniversary, 2010 (June), 2012
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam - I will either find a way or make one
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Originally Posted by HJL413
"Hey teacher leave them kids alone"
P. Floyd
Let me add this to your thoughts...with my apologies to Alice Cooper
No more pencils
No more books
No more teacher's dirty looks
Out for Disney
Out for Walt
We might not go back at all
Schools out for disney
Schools out for vacation
There's a great big beautiful tomorrow
CR 74, 7, 11 Offsite 79,80,98,00,8 (2) Sports 94 DD 02 AKL 05, 08 AKLV 8 WL 6, 10 POP 07, 13 Movies 08 CBR 08 Swan 08 POFQ 08,11 CSR 08,13 FWC 09,13 Music 09 SSR-Tree 09 POR 10 12 Poly 10 (2) YC 10, BC 10, GF 10, AoA 13, OKW 13, Dream 11, next fwc 1/2014
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Both of our DDs just missed several days of school for a short trip a few weeks ago. Our older DD (8th grade) went with the HS band but still had to get teacher permission to go - she had some homework that she was able to complete before we left then stayed after school for 30 - 60 min on 3 days upon our return to make up work she missed while gone. Our younger DD (3rd grade) had to be approved for missing school by the principal - I had to send a form letter outlining the reason for the trip to the office at least 2 weeks in advance of the trip. She had a minimum of homework before we left - nothing to take along - then had a few things to complete upon our return. She was supposed to take the class "pet" (a plush chicken) and keep a journal of what he did each day but the child who took him home for the weekend didn't bring him back to school in time for her to get him for our trip. They give our kids 1 day's time for each day missed to make-up work. In the past when they've missed, they've had similar amounts of homework and once had to keep a journal of our trip. None of the teachers gave us any problems and we've never had any problems with them falling behind even though DD#2 struggles with math this year. My DDs' teachers had known about our trip since the beginning of the school year. I found it was always more conducive to a good working relationship with the teachers and school to keep them informed.
Kathy șoș
LET'S GO BUCS!
Next trip - June '14
Past trips:
6/13, 4/13, 7/12, 7/11, 1/11, 8/10, 7/09, 3/09, 8/08, 8/07, 12/06, 9/05, 7/03, 7/98, 5/96, 8/93, '70's X 2
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Those family times are special. I think it's much easier to pull them out in the elementary school years. We had absolutely no negative repercussions from out early trips, when they were in elementary and middle school. Our memories are priceless and I don't even recall any trouble they had getting back into the swing of things when we came home. I wouldn't trade it for the world. It was so much easier to navigate less-busy parks with kids.
Once we hit the high school years, though, pulling them out was a huge mistake. It was hard to catch up and get back on track and take their schoolwork seriously for a while.
Sherri
Next: Aulani Celebration 10/2018 (50th)
Past Stays: Contemporary, GF, Poly, BC, POP, POR, Dolphin, AKL Kidani, BLT
1990 August Honeymoon- GF
Delighted Disney Return Guest since 1981, DVC (BLT) since 2014
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We started going to Disney World when our youngest was in 1st grade. We usually go every other year and always seem to go in December. We lived in Texas when our daughters were in elementary and junior high and I usually went in and talked first to the principal and once I got the ok I went to the teachers and counselors. Most of the teachers were great and would give us homework to do while we were gone. It was a little harder when we moved to Washington State because they were in High School. I was pleasantly surprised how accomodating the teachers were to my daughters. My husband and I were always involved at our girls schools and all three of them were good students which I do think played in their favor.
My best advice is lots of communication and put a positive spin on the whole thing. Our girls love Epcot... one of my daughters suggested doing a report on each of the countries....back at school she did a power point which her classmates and teacher loved.
Dec. 1997---Contemporary
Dec. 1999--Poly
June 2000--Disneyland
Dec. 2001---Poly Concierge
Dec. 2003---Poly Concierge
Dec. 2005---Poly Concierge
Nov. 2007---Poly Concierge
Oct. 2008--DisneyLand
Next trip Dec. 2009--Poly Concierge
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All three of my trips required my kids to miss school for 3 days total. Each time I had at least 1 child in high school. Never had a problem and the teachers were understanding (and wanted to come with us). They do bring their homework with them (if given any) and then catch up on what they miss when they get back.
TRACEY
șOș
Disneyland as a kid
11/02-POFQ * 07/04-Disneyland PPH * 11/05-AKL * 10/08-CBR * 12/10-WL * 11/11-AKL * 11/12-AKL * 11/13-GF * 11/14-AKL * 06/15-Poly * 12/15-YC * 5/16-BWI * 12/16-BC * 5/17-Poly * 10/17-GF * 12/18-POFQ * 12/19-YC * 12/20-CSR * 12/21-BC * 3/22-CSR
Next: 9/22*BWI
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We've apparently gotten into the habit of travelling in mid-Sept. DD's kindergarten teacher was very excited for us. The school's policy is to give the missed work when the student returns to school, and they have as many days as they missed (in our case, 5) to make up the work. she's also allowed 10 absences a year. In kindergarten she missed 5 for the trip and 2 for illness in the winter.
I sent practically the same letter to her first grade teacher. She didn't seem to be as excited for us (she didn't call me at home like the kind. teacher did). She had a LOT of work to make up when she came back, but because it was only the third week of school, it wasn't anything new or difficult. I think she had it all done within three days. She also (knock wood) hasn't missed any other days so far this year.
We're planning a trip for the same time this fall. The biggest problem I have is that I always miss Back-to-School night. I planned our '08 trip for a week earlier specifically trying to attend B-t-S, but they bumped it up a week. Oh, well.
I would be hesitant about pulling her out around this time of year, or when she gets older (middle school, maybe), but for us, early -mid September doesn't really pose too many problems.
Christi
2014: May--POR & US/IOA; Nov--POR (1st rD--JJ5k!)
2013: May--POR
2012: Jun--POP; Aug--POP/Hard Rock
2011: Aug/Sept--US/IOA; Nov--POFQ
2010: Dec--CSR
2009: Sept--Poly GVCL
2008: Sept--POFQ
2007: Jan/Feb--POR; Sept: POFQ
2004: Oct--CSR
1987: off-site
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