Take kids out of school for $1,200???? Y/N?

[Wolfclan Dan]

Hello wonderful board!

We have a trip planned in April 2009 (5th - 13th)and if the DW and I are willing to take the kids out of school the week before we could save $1,000 of our total bill and receive a $200 prepaid Visa at check in.

Our original trip is the first week of our two week spring break. So if we take the kids out of school, their spring break would be three weeks long! Good for them i suppose, bad for studies.

We are staying at POR and the difference in the two trips would be 8 nights at AAA price or 7 nights $1,200 less!

I am torn. The 4 day - 3 day free deal is pretty dang good! My oldest DD is 9, fourth grade, and she is my only real concern in regards to school. Math is not the easiest for her and I worry about her falling behind.

Any teachers here, feel free to chime in! Anyone at all here, feel free to chime in. We love to save money and all, just want the best for the kids.

:shrug:

 

[tigsmom]

I know they aren't taking them out for 3 weeks. The OP and other posters seemed concerned about 3 consecutive weeks out of school. I'll edit my post and make that clearer. I was typing too fast and forgot to put that part in. Sometimes my brain works faster than my fingers.

You too? :lookaroun

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

You too? :lookaroun

It's a sad disorder. I like to think it means people like us are just supersmart!

 

[Tamwam]

Go For it

So do ALL the kids at the school have a two week break? Or were you already going to have your kids miss a week?

If it is just one week in addition to all others, I say - GO FOR IT! I use to teach middle/high school Science and I don't think it would be that big of a deal. Ideally you would hope your individual child is getting that one on one instruction but that is NOT happening in any public school that I have taught in. The classes are to large. Just talk to the teacher and find out what they are covering and then you should be able to cover that in a few hours with just your one child.

If it is two weeks then I still say go for it, but REALLY make sure that you cover the topics that the teacher will for those two weeks. Once again it shouldn't take you long to cover it all. Fourth grade math concentration is mainly on multiplication and division. You can do flashcards while in line for rides. Or instead of walking to the next exhibit/ride call out a multipication/ division problem and have them Hop out the answer etc. There are all kinds of cool ways to cover the material while on your trip.

Have Fun-
Tam
P.S. Earlier comment not to mean that their aren't some great teachers out there, just that with the resources and number of students -it is impossible to give every student the time they deserve!

 

[Nemo14]

As a teacher married to a teacher, I think I can state unequivocally that your 4th grader will not suffer any permanent dmage by missing one week of school, particularly the week before a vacation.

That being said, though, it's always a good thing to talk openly and honestly to your child's teacher about it a few weeks ahead of time. Personally, I feel that I am only one part of a child's education, and parents have an equally important role in their child's education. If your child is having difficulty with math, then you as a parent have a responsibility to your child to work with him/her at home on strengthening those math skills. This can be done at home, in the car, and yes, even in WDW. I'm sure your child's teacher would be happy to make some suggestions.

 

[Wolfclan Dan]

So do ALL the kids at the school have a two week break? Or were you already going to have your kids miss a week?

The kids already had two weeks off, so this would be an additional week.

 

[themerebear6453]

Skip school and go to Disney!!!
If your kids got the flu they'd end up missing a week of school and it wouldn't be the end of the world and neither will this.

Lots of people on here are saying that the week might be extra busy since its before a two week break but in my experience, the week before a break was always the week teachers chose to watch movies and have parties. They might have to make up a few tests but since you'll have two weeks after that to study for them it shouldn't be a problem.

Your kids won't be young enough to do this for long so take advantage of the cheaper prices while you can!

 

[Sam02]

Just a thought coming from a former educator, try approaching the teacher at least 6 weeks prior to see if your daughter can get a head start on the missed work prior to leaving. Does your school offer math help before or after school? That way when she comes back, she won't be as lost. It will be alot of additional work on weekends, but worth the stess free vacation. Also a student from your local H.S may be able to offer coaching as well. have a great trip!:sohappy:

As a current educator, and a brand new one at that, I don't know what I will be covering in exactly in class 6 weeks from now. Yes I have an idea what subject I might be covering but no way will I have the work prepared to give them. To the OP, I try to plan tests before a big break. This is due to the fact that taking a test after the break is setting the students up for worse grades. I know my students will not spend that time studying and reviewing for a test. Better to get it out of the way beforehand that way the students can really enjoy the break. I also will not give a test early to a student leaving on a vacation. Although I know my students pretty well, the ones who try to cheat and the ones who wouldn't dream of it, some might not see is as "cheating" to tell students what questions they remember, especially the short answer type questions. There is no way to guarantee that questions from the test would not be spread, therefore a test is something that I won't let a student take early. With you leaving the week before a 2 week break, this might be something that you talk to the teachers about.

 

[LaughingGravy]

The OP said the child had a tough time in math. That's a concern for sure. In math, one concept certainly builds upon the previous.
If all grades were always fine, I'd say take the vacation for the $1000 savings with no trouble.

If the grades aren't up to par, and you still want to do it, I'd make sure to schedule the vacation, but as a parent, be sure to do whatever else is necessary in the meantime to get the kid caught up so when the time comes, that the math is not an issue.
IMHO, the parents should be able to do a little bit of teaching/tutoring of grade school math in addition to the paid teacher.

With all of this, I'd keep the vacation a secret.

 

[IneedaWDWfix]

Nothing is more important than the time families spend together. And if having a more relaxed trip that is more affordable means kids missing 1 week of school, I say go for it.

I'm not trying to be dissrespectful or anything, but your last sentence implies that they're pulling their kids out of the school to join the circus. They're not. From what I gather, it's 5 days of school.

I couldn't agree more!! In fact, my daughter's principal agrees with BOTH of us, too. The principal told me that time spent with family outweighs any time. More memories, better morals, stronger family and individuals! FAMILY FIRST!

 

[happymom52003]

We just took our oldest out for a week to go to Disney. We will continue to take him out until we reach a point where we feel it could be a problem for him to catch up.

He goes to a private school that does not have a policy about taking kids out of school for vacations, so it really is between the parents and the teachers. His teacher was fine with it when we told her our plans, and she felt he would not fall behind.

We put alot of thought into which week we choose to take him out. We make sure to go when there are no important events, field trips, testing, etc. scheduled.

I was a teacher until my first child was born, and I never had a problem with my students missing school to go on vacation, and it never bothered me to get their work to them before they left on their trip.

 

[DISMOM]

Are you really sure that your savings will be that much if you go the week earlier.? Can you take advantage of the 'buy 4 get 3 free' the first wk of your spring break,...and just miss out on the $200 gift card? ...Don't shoot me...just a thought.

 

[Phonedave]

OK, time for me to stop sitting back and being quiet - against my better judgement.

I seem to see a lot of arguments here that center around "it's the only time we could go" or "we only get 2 weeks vacation" or "the $1,200 savings is worth it"

What ever happend to if you cant do something because of scheduling, money, or circumstance, then you suck it up and don't do it?

There are numberous times, in fact this April is one of them, when I would have loved to go to WDW with my kids, but either vacation (mine) or airfare prices did not work out. The way I view it, school is their job, and being at work during certain times (quarterly project reviews, etc) is mine. I think thats a pretty good lesson that I am teaching them as well. There are plenty of times that I would have rather been doing something other than work, but guess what, there are responsibilites and I go to work. There were times when I did not have the extra funds to do the vacation I wanted, so guess what, I didn't do that vacation. I am sure there are plenty of times my kids want to miss school, but they go.

It's funny. People wonder why my bosses treat me so well. I can cut out in the middle of the day for a hour for a Dr. appointment. I can work from home at times when my kids have 1/2 days or one is sick. People say "oh you are lucky you have a nice boss, most are horrible" Funny thing, in my years in corporate culture I have never had a "bad" boss. But then I have been out sick once in 15 years (strep so bad I fell asleep in my car), have never blown off a meeting or assignement, and I stay late when I have to. What comes around goes around, I treat my job well and my job treats me well. I am glad my parents instilled that work ethic in me as a kid (we were never pulled out of school for vacation. I used to get pulled out for about 2 hours of othodonture when I had braces, and then was brough right back to school, no missing a half or whole day for a simple dentist visit)

-dave

 

[kjd469]

OK, time for me to stop sitting back and being quiet - against my better judgement.

I seem to see a lot of arguments here that center around "it's the only time we could go" or "we only get 2 weeks vacation" or "the $1,200 savings is worth it"

What ever happend to if you cant do something because of scheduling, money, or circumstance, then you suck it up and don't do it?

There are numberous times, in fact this April is one of them, when I would have loved to go to WDW with my kids, but either vacation (mine) or airfare prices did not work out. The way I view it, school is their job, and being at work during certain times (quarterly project reviews, etc) is mine. I think thats a pretty good lesson that I am teaching them as well. There are plenty of times that I would have rather been doing something other than work, but guess what, there are responsibilites and I go to work. There were times when I did not have the extra funds to do the vacation I wanted, so guess what, I didn't do that vacation. I am sure there are plenty of times my kids want to miss school, but they go.

It's funny. People wonder why my bosses treat me so well. I can cut out in the middle of the day for a hour for a Dr. appointment. I can work from home at times when my kids have 1/2 days or one is sick. People say "oh you are lucky you have a nice boss, most are horrible" Funny thing, in my years in corporate culture I have never had a "bad" boss. But then I have been out sick once in 15 years (strep so bad I fell asleep in my car), have never blown off a meeting or assignement, and I stay late when I have to. What comes around goes around, I treat my job well and my job treats me well. I am glad my parents instilled that work ethic in me as a kid (we were never pulled out of school for vacation. I used to get pulled out for about 2 hours of othodonture when I had braces, and then was brough right back to school, no missing a half or whole day for a simple dentist visit)

-dave

Wow...I never knew that taking my kids on a family vacation would lead to lifelong troubles in the workplace and in life!!

Puhlease!!! My husband has missed 2 days of work in 25 years, due to illness, and is a top executive in a worldwide company. That is the work ethic we have instilled in our kids - work hard, and enjoy your vacations when you choose to take them. My 19 yr. old, whom has missed school for many vacations, just finished her first year of Univeristy for Architecture, no missed days, and 3 classes with 100%....hardly a case for "take them out of school, and they'll never catch up and not learn responsiblility."

Bottom line - every family knows THEIR family best...no one, including the school, should tell that family when they should take their vacations. If one family feels that they should only go on vacation during sanctioned school breaks, great, likewise if another family chooses to go outside of those sanctioned breaks, great..have a great time either way!

 

[Phonedave]

Wow...I never knew that taking my kids on a family vacation would lead to lifelong troubles in the workplace and in life!!

Hyperbole. Re-read what I posted. Did I say anything about it damaging kids - not at all. What I said was a lot of these "reasons" for taking kids out are, quite honestly, indicative of the "I want it now" mentality that seems so prevalent lately.

Puhlease!!! My husband has missed 2 days of work in 25 years, due to illness, and is a top executive in a worldwide company. That is the work ethic we have instilled in our kids - work hard, and enjoy your vacations when you choose to take them. My 19 yr. old, whom has missed school for many vacations, just finished her first year of Univeristy for Architecture, no missed days, and 3 classes with 100%....hardly a case for "take them out of school, and they'll never catch up and not learn responsiblility."

I am sure we can both cite N=1 cases till the cows come home, but we both know the validity of that path. I am glad for your kid nonetheless.

Bottom line - every family knows THEIR family best...no one, including the school, should tell that family when they should take their vacations. If one family feels that they should only go on vacation during sanctioned school breaks, great, likewise if another family chooses to go outside of those sanctioned breaks, great..have a great time either way!

Thats true. However I do think the schools should get to make the rules, and then it is the famliy's choice as to what they want to do. If the school says no missing school for vacations, then the family has three choices. Don't miss school, miss school and take the penality, or move to a different school district. There is also the get involved route, become a memeber of the home and school assocation, run for the board of ed, and join the PTA and actualy go to meetings. But that takes work, wich seems to be to much for a lot of people.

-dave

 

[mls]

Skip school and go to Disney!!!
If your kids got the flu they'd end up missing a week of school and it wouldn't be the end of the world and neither will this.

Lots of people on here are saying that the week might be extra busy since its before a two week break but in my experience, the week before a break was always the week teachers chose to watch movies and have parties. They might have to make up a few tests but since you'll have two weeks after that to study for them it shouldn't be a problem.

Your kids won't be young enough to do this for long so take advantage of the cheaper prices while you can!

No it wouldn't be the end of the world, however... children get sick. Say you take off a week for Disney then get strep the next month. That is 10 days of instruction lost. The curriculum can be difficult enough and put a lot of pressure on a kid. Why would you add more stress? I'm a teacher and I treat every day with value. It's my job. I don't take a week off for Disney- just like kids, I have breaks throughout the year and time in the summer. Like another poster said: school is their job. Part of being a parent is making choices that will teach your child responsibility. School is their responsibility.

As far as asking for homework in advance... I teach based on my students' needs. I don't plan details until the week before, learning times may vary and things move at different rates every year. It's ultimately up to you. Just be clear with your choice and don't be surprised if YOU have to do extra work WITH your child to catch up. 5 days of instruction and experiences cannot be made up on a plane trip. Make a choice and do the best you can. Sometimes it's okay to wait.

 

[tigsmom]

No it wouldn't be the end of the world, however... children get sick. Say you take off a week for Disney then get strep the next month. That is 10 days of instruction lost. The curriculum can be difficult enough and put a lot of pressure on a kid. Why would you add more stress? I'm a teacher and I treat every day with value. It's my job. I don't take a week off for Disney- just like kids, I have breaks throughout the year and time in the summer. Like another poster said: school is their job. Part of being a parent is making choices that will teach your child responsibility. School is their responsibility.

As far as asking for homework in advance... I teach based on my students' needs. I don't plan details until the week before, learning times may vary and things move at different rates every year. It's ultimately up to you. Just be clear with your choice and don't be surprised if YOU have to do extra work WITH your child to catch up. 5 days of instruction and experiences cannot be made up on a plane trip. Make a choice and do the best you can. Sometimes it's okay to wait.

Actually, they only need to be on antibiotics for 24 hours and be fever free to go back to school with a strep infection.

I think the question has been answered and the decision has been made.
It's nice to share info and ideas, but it all comes down to doing what is right for your own family and that, in the end, is a private decision we each have to make.

 

[musketeer]

Actually, they only need to be on antibiotics for 24 hours and be fever free to go back to school with a strep infection.

Oh yeah....what if they miss a day of school before they get diagnosed or get the antibiotics??? Then they may miss two or three days!!!!!!!!!

That is supposed to be said with some sarcasm because the post was kind of beside the point. The point was that kids get sick and may miss more school, be it an infection or something more serious like the chicken pox, I think the response was a bit nit-picky and even maybe slightly bordering on obnoxious. The poster could have just as easily said the chicken pox, or even something worse like an injury requiring two weeks.

 

[Monsterfan99]

Hello all. I would like to give my opinion on this. As a child, in grades K-8th, I was taken out of school every years for 10 days to go on vacation around spring break. Now mind you, the last time this was done was 1999, but still kinda recent. As long as you talk to the teachers, most are understanding. I always was given make-up homework to do, which was about an hour or two a night. Make-up test were given after school my first day back and if I missed more then one, it was a test a day until I was caught up. I never once had a problem with falling behind and kept A's and B's the entire time.

Honestly, my perspective is to do it. Here in Illinois, the time around then is just spent teaching to government issued test anyways. Those trips helped me form my opinions of what a vacation and family should be. How life does not have to be all work.I don't remember many class assignments from that time, but I remember each family trip I took. I will close with this, if it wasn't for those trips, I would have never seen Disney World.

 

[ann0d]

I've always taken my kids out and still do, Their grades never faltered during the quarter. I see no reason why no to do it. I have had kids since 1980 and I have a 8 year old now. Never have I had a problem with taking them out.

 

[captainkidd]

I've always taken my kids out and still do, Their grades never faltered during the quarter. I see no reason why no to do it.

Hello - Don't you understand, some strangers completely disapprove of it. Isn't that reason enough?????