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dm24angel
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Donna
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by KateDevine
Posted by dm24angel
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Its a Parents choice. And Please...I know at least 10-12 teachers and know most of them TAKE THEMSELVES out of school by calling in sick when they really aren't sick. I dont think that sa big problem so why the reverse. .
Actually, teachers can get in a lot of trouble for doing this. My mom was a teacher for 35 years and she couldn't even take off the Friday before February break the year she retired.
ITA with Lori.
Of course they can but it still happens.
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Posted 4/21/09 4:19 PM  |
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browneyedgirl
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by dm24angel
Its a Parents choice. And Please...I know at least 10-12 teachers and know most of them TAKE THEMSELVES out of school by calling in sick when they really aren't sick. I dont think that sa big problem so why the reverse. .
i can't imagine that you know 10-12 teachers who take a week off of school to go on vacation. that is against contract and they would get in serious trouble. taking a day or two here or there is a completely different thing. i see no problem with anyone taking a day off of work to do something with their family if it falls on a school day.
here's my 2 cents.
i don't use packets. ever. we don't teach that way. except for a math sheet, i don't have work i can send home. everything is hands on in school--experiments, groups, etc. so if you pull your child out for a week, most of it is work he can't make up.
we are instructed not to send homework for kids going on vacation. half the time i don't have things planned very far in advance and my copies certainly aren't made by then.
i will not be pulling my children out of school for a week to go on vacation. a day or 2 here or there isn't a big deal. but certainly not a week.
parents can do what they want to do. it's recorded as an illegal absence. just don't expect the teachers to get things ready ahead of time--that's not fair to them because you want to go on vacation. your child can make up the work when he gets back, if it is work that can be made up.
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| Posted 4/21/09 4:53 PM |
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mom2mgn
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Christine
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by Palebride
I'm going to go against the grain here and say that I don't agree with taking your children out of school for vacations.
As a teacher, it frustrates me when parents do it becuase it puts so much pressure on the studetns to catch up with the work that they miss while they're gone, while still keeping up with the work currently being taught. And I think taking kids out of school for "fun" sends a message that school isn't as important as vacation is.
Schools do give a lot of vacations during the year, and I just don't understand why vacations can't be planned during that time.
Why? I'll tell you why....DH has low seniority at his job and he can NEVER get a vacation while the kids are on break. Maybe in 20 years he will be able to. So, I will be taking our kids out for vacations. I think it's unfair to just assume that everyone can take vacation whenever they please. Should my family never be allowed to go away together because of this? And I don't think it's sending a message to kids that "fun" is more important than school. It's about family time also. DH rarely gets off on Christmas, Easter, New Years or Thanksgiving. Our vacations will be the one time we can spend together as a family.
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| Posted 4/21/09 4:58 PM |
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Palebride
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Lori
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by myson220
Posted by Palebride
I'm going to go against the grain here and say that I don't agree with taking your children out of school for vacations.
As a teacher, it frustrates me when parents do it becuase it puts so much pressure on the studetns to catch up with the work that they miss while they're gone, while still keeping up with the work currently being taught. And I think taking kids out of school for "fun" sends a message that school isn't as important as vacation is.
Schools do give a lot of vacations during the year, and I just don't understand why vacations can't be planned during that time.
Why? I'll tell you why....DH has low seniority at his job and he can NEVER get a vacation while the kids are on break. Maybe in 20 years he will be able to. So, I will be taking our kids out for vacations. I think it's unfair to just assume that everyone can take vacation whenever they please. Should my family never be allowed to go away together because of this? And I don't think it's sending a message to kids that "fun" is more important than school. It's about family time also. DH rarely gets off on Christmas, Easter, New Years or Thanksgiving. Our vacations will be the one time we can spend together as a family.
First of all, I was answering the question with my opinion, and I kind of feel like your response is attacking me, so I'm going to have to kindly ask you to back off a little.
Second of all, there is a lengthy break in the summer, usually a little over 2 months. That's when we always took our family vacations. I would assume (and perhaps it's wrong of me to do that) that most people would be able to get a few days off work during that long stretch.
Honestly, besides the fact that my school frowns on it and it inconveniences me....I really think it's unfair to the students to take them out of school for vacations. If there is no way to get out of it, or it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, then go for it! But I see waaaaay too many families simply going away for fun and pulling their kids out of school for it. And it's just not right. It's not teaching kids that they have responsibilities in life!
And while I agree that it's unfair to punish a kid by giving them a zero because their parents took them on vacation....it only became a policy because parents abused the system, so they're really the ones to blame!
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| Posted 4/21/09 5:09 PM |
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MrsPowers
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Ivelysse
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by cpanyc
DH was a teacher for 10 years. This was his biggest pet peeve. Why should he have to spend extra time creating a packet for a student? So he has to create lesson plans ahead of schedule (because he may not have had TIME to make yet), plus do everything else he has to do as a teacher all b/c parents want their kid to have fun? Then, it would end up that the kid would come back and say "I need after school help to catch up" It was very frustrating.
It may not seem like a big deal to you, but as a HS teacher he had a couple of hundred kids. It is not just your kid doing this.
As a high school teacher, I completely agree with this. I understand that people choose to take their children out of school but it is considered an illegal absence and it is difficult to make up the work that the student will miss. From the teacher's perspective, it is a lot of work to make up a packet of work that a student will miss due to his/her absence. Many times we do the work and then the student doesn't complete the packet. Also, it is difficult when you miss a few days at the high school level. It is quite frustrating.
In addition, at the high school level, if a child has too many illegal or unexcused absences then he/she may not receive credit for the class.
Message edited 4/21/2009 5:43:27 PM.
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| Posted 4/21/09 5:39 PM |
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curliegirl
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Gina
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
My mom was an educator for 30+ years and took us out of scool PLENTY of times to go away. Sometimes my teachers b!tched at me, but hey....my memories with my family far outweigh any school memories I may have....
That said, I know a few teachers out there too who take PLENTY of personal days, fridays before a holiday, etc.
And if a teacher wants to give the parents a hard time and if it's too much work to let the parents know what the kids should study that week, then that's just unfair to the student.
And it's definitely not TEACHING a child that vacation is more important than education, I am a prime example of that. My grades were always very good and my parents made sure of that, so lumping everyone into that category, again, is unfair.
And why should everyone be FORCED to go on vacation during sanctioned school breaks? So the same people can then complain about crazy vacation pricing, overcrowded airports and hotels?
I too, cannot go on vacation during major school breaks due to my job, so guess what, Gavin may be missing a few days!!!!! 
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| Posted 4/21/09 5:47 PM |
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MrsR
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by Arieschick29
For parents who do this- just expect a lower grade for any subjects taught during that time. As a teacher I am never ok with parents who do this as education should always come first- what are you teaching your children about priorities in life that fun takes place over learning?
IMHO I think there is other learning to be had in life besides just what is taught in the classroom. I am in no way, shape or form taking away from what teachers do. I think it is one of the hardest jobs there is....BUT....I will be taking my daughter out here and there, I already know this.
My husbands whole family is in Israel. We go to see them during different jewish holidays. For example we went to Israel last week - I didn't get home until today so my DD missed a day or so of school. I think a week would be too long to take her out - but a few days, to be with her family, experience another culture - language - country...it's an education in itself...one she can't get in a text book.
Message edited 4/21/2009 5:53:35 PM.
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| Posted 4/21/09 5:52 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
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Donna
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by browneyedgirl
i can't imagine that you know 10-12 teachers who take a week off of school to go on vacation.
I Don't cause thats not what I said.
I said a DAY sick when they arent. I was making a point that people take off work , even teachers when they aren't sick and yet as parents we cant take our kids out without that fear of a zero. Just my opinion.
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| Posted 4/21/09 5:56 PM |
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curliegirl
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Gina
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by MrsR
Posted by Arieschick29
For parents who do this- just expect a lower grade for any subjects taught during that time. As a teacher I am never ok with parents who do this as education should always come first- what are you teaching your children about priorities in life that fun takes place over learning?
IMHO I think there is other learning to be had in life besides just what is taught in the classroom. I am in no way, shape or form taking away from what teachers do. I think it is one of the hardest jobs there is....BUT....I will be taking my daughter out here and there, I already know this.
My husbands whole family is in Israel. We go to see them during different jewish holidays. For example we went to Israel last week - I didn't get home until today so my DD missed a day or so of school. I think a week would be too long to take her out - but a few days, to be with her family, experience another culture - language - country...it's an education in itself...one she can't get in a text book.
ETA
I think it's very presumptive to say that education should always come first...
And as far as teaching my son about fun coming before learning.....my son will learn that life should BE fun, that life doesn't ALWAYS need to be lived by the "books".
Message edited 4/21/2009 6:29:51 PM.
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| Posted 4/21/09 6:03 PM |
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FelAndJon
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
OK, I get why those of you who are "against" this would feel this way for an older child, but we are talking about a 1st grader here! Besides, it is 3 days, kids are sicker longer than that and!!
To the OP, I am not sure if it is "allowed" or not but I say have fun, enjoy!! 
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| Posted 4/21/09 6:08 PM |
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browneyedgirl
family is all that matters
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browneyes
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by dm24angel
Posted by browneyedgirl
i can't imagine that you know 10-12 teachers who take a week off of school to go on vacation.
I Don't cause thats not what I said.
I said a DAY sick when they arent. I was making a point that people take off work , even teachers when they aren't sick and yet as parents we cant take our kids out without that fear of a zero. Just my opinion.
you actually didn't state if it was a day or week. there is nothing wrong with taking a day off of school, but that's not what this thread is about. it's about taking vacation--which is usually 3+ days.
no one would ever have a problem with a day--whether it's a teacher or student.
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| Posted 4/21/09 6:16 PM |
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mcl916
my two loves
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Megan
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
When I was growing up we rarely went away during school breaks, I remember doing my schoolwork on the plane or before we left for vacation. And I can tell you those vacations are some of the best memories of family time I have. I was always able to make up my work with no problems.
With my kids I will most likely be pulling them out as well. I work in the hospital and holiday times are near impossible to take off, not to meniton unfair to my other co-workers who would then be forced to work more then their share. We will also try to go away during the summer, but being that it's the busy time for DH's job we might not be able to do that either. I think it's terrible a child would be given a zero for a parents decision to pull them out of school.
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| Posted 4/21/09 7:00 PM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy
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Momx100
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Personally I would not take my kid out of school for a family vacation. I would plan my vacations around the time that my child has school vacations. Children get so many vacations and days off. I think it would be pretty easy to plan vacations around their schedules.
However, I think in the 1st grade, the child would not have much work to make up. I probably wouldn't yank him out after 1st grade though. I wouldn't want him to get behind in his studies. I think 3 missed math classes could add up pretty quickly. One of my good friends is a jhs teacher and one of her biggest pet peeves is when parents get upset at her when their children fall behind and end up without an A because the kid missed classes for vacations. I think you are totally fine in 1st grade though.
Message edited 4/21/2009 7:14:36 PM.
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| Posted 4/21/09 7:10 PM |
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Gatsbygirl
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by FelAndJon
OK, I get why those of you who are "against" this would feel this way for an older child, but we are talking about a 1st grader here! Besides, it is 3 days, kids are sicker longer than that and!!
To the OP, I am not sure if it is "allowed" or not but I say have fun, enjoy!!
As an upper grade teacher, I have to say in some ways missing first grade is worse. So much goes on in the classroom that is the foundation of future learning. Education is more than worksheets, classroom activities and discussions cannot really be made up.
It is frustrating for teachers to have students miss long stretches of time because their families wanted to save a few dollars by traveling on a non-peak week. It IS an illegal absence, the same as cutting school.
I also think it sends a message that education is optional and not important.
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| Posted 4/21/09 8:07 PM |
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Elizabeth
Mom of Three
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
I appreciate the couple comments where someone tried to help and addressed my original question. Whatever the case, we are going and will be having a very nice time. My son is in zero danger of falling behind considering he can do 4th grade math in his head and reads 4 grade levels above his own. I know the comments weren't directed at me, but I hardly think my kids are going to equate this with us not thinking education matters. I don't think I would do it every year but my kids are pretty unindulged so I'm not sweating it. I did wrangle with the idea of taking him out but in the end, this is what my DH & I decided. I was just wondering if it was not allowed the way another Mother told me in my younger son's preschool. She said you had to write a note for their file a certain way even if the teacher knows why the child is out.
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| Posted 4/21/09 8:28 PM |
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cj7305
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
ITA! I am a 1st grade teacher & I have NO problem when a parent wants to take their child out of class for a family vacation. I have never had a child miss more than a few days for this reason. Maybe if it was longer it would be different but I truly believe that the memories that the child will have will be much more valuable than a few days of class. I don't like when parents request work though as another poster had mentioned, so much of what we do are things that cannot be sent home. It is often difficult to prepare in advance.
It is funny because we just had an assembly where the children were taught about the Earth, etc. & one of my students had SO much to share from family vacations & things he had done with his family, I could not help but be so happy for him & the amazing life experiences he has had. Anyway, sorry for the tangent. To the OP, don't worry about it and HAVE FUN! ETA: I don't know if it is different in different schools, but I know I always get a note in advance when a child will be away and it does go on record but it is certainly allowed.
Message edited 4/21/2009 8:37:12 PM.
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| Posted 4/21/09 8:34 PM |
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luckyinlove
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by dm24angel
Posted by browneyedgirl
i can't imagine that you know 10-12 teachers who take a week off of school to go on vacation.
I Don't cause thats not what I said.
I said a DAY sick when they arent. I was making a point that people take off work , even teachers when they aren't sick and yet as parents we cant take our kids out without that fear of a zero. Just my opinion.
Teachers get personal days too- we don't have to be sick to take off a day or two.
Anyway, in the early grades, I don't think it is such a big deal, so long as it is not around testing time and the parents and student together get the missing work and do it while on vacation. I also loathe having to come up with a ton of work for students ahead of time so they can go on vacation, but then again, I teach high school and they shouldn't go away then because their grades really count for getting into college and such!
Message edited 4/21/2009 8:51:15 PM.
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| Posted 4/21/09 8:50 PM |
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mamasita27
OHANA
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by EmmaNick
Posted by CrankyPants
I would be honest, because like you said, your kids will probably talk about how fun the trip is and teachers might overhear.
As far as it being okay or not, my brother and SIL are teachers and their take has always been that there are so many days where kids don't have school (winter break, summer, spring break, holidays, etc.), that they don't understand why parents don't plan family vacations around them since it's less disruptive.
Personally speaking, because the price is about triple of when it's not a holiday break 
I understand this, but I still don't agree with taking kids out of school for an extended amount of time when school is in session. It is "allowed" though.
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| Posted 4/21/09 8:58 PM |
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Jen2999
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Jen
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
The school counts it as an illegal absence and we are not responsible for giving work. I CAN'T STAND when parents send their kid in with a note asking for work the day before they are to leave. I have very little time for prep as it is and it should be spent preparing for lessons, not making photocopies for kids going to Aruba. What makes me even MORE mad is that MOST of the time, the kids don't even attempt to do the work.
I usually send a note back with a very brief overview of what the child will miss (pages to read, if there will be any tests etc) and that is that.
We are also supposed to give zeros for work missed during illegal absences.
Edited for typos...I'm very tired lol.
Edited again to say that I don't think 3 days are a big deal, especially in the younger grades. I didn't mean to digress from the original questions.
Message edited 4/21/2009 9:12:22 PM.
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| Posted 4/21/09 9:04 PM |
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mamasita27
OHANA
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MB
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by KateDevine
Posted by dm24angel
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Its a Parents choice. And Please...I know at least 10-12 teachers and know most of them TAKE THEMSELVES out of school by calling in sick when they really aren't sick. I dont think that sa big problem so why the reverse. .
Actually, teachers can get in a lot of trouble for doing this. My mom was a teacher for 35 years and she couldn't even take off the Friday before February break the year she retired.
ITA with Lori.
You're right...extending vacations is a big No No but calling in sick is okay as long as it does not extend a vacation. If it happens a lot on a Monday or a Friday, then I think the district would investigate further. OR if the teacher calls in sick for more than 5 days in a row.
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| Posted 4/21/09 9:06 PM |
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justthe4ofus
I hate hypocrites!!!!!
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by Palebride
Oh, I also forgot to mention that my school (as well as many schools I am familiar with) instruct the teachers to give the student a zero for any assignment missed if the student is absent illegally (which is what it is considered if you are absent for a vacation).
The district I teach in also has this policy. As of this year I follow it. I have had 30 students out on various 'vacations' this year. My curriculum can not just be made up in a packet you have to be there to learn the material and use it.
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| Posted 4/21/09 9:14 PM |
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mamasita27
OHANA
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MB
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by myson220
Posted by Palebride
I'm going to go against the grain here and say that I don't agree with taking your children out of school for vacations.
As a teacher, it frustrates me when parents do it becuase it puts so much pressure on the studetns to catch up with the work that they miss while they're gone, while still keeping up with the work currently being taught. And I think taking kids out of school for "fun" sends a message that school isn't as important as vacation is.
Schools do give a lot of vacations during the year, and I just don't understand why vacations can't be planned during that time.
Why? I'll tell you why....DH has low seniority at his job and he can NEVER get a vacation while the kids are on break. Maybe in 20 years he will be able to. So, I will be taking our kids out for vacations. I think it's unfair to just assume that everyone can take vacation whenever they please. Should my family never be allowed to go away together because of this? And I don't think it's sending a message to kids that "fun" is more important than school. It's about family time also. DH rarely gets off on Christmas, Easter, New Years or Thanksgiving. Our vacations will be the one time we can spend together as a family.
I understand what you are saying, but I don't agree with taking children out of school for an entire week at a time. If possible, vacations should be left for the summer when the kids are off for a long time, or maybe extend a weekend. I am not saying that education is THE number one priority, BUT it is a very large part of a child's life. Part of the reason children go to school is to learn to become responsible adults someday. As teachers we try to provide SO much for our students that at times it gets overwhelming for us and we may not be able to have all the materials ready a week or two in advance or sometimes even a day or two in advance. After teaching for 7 years I still constantly modify my lesson plans and therefore can't just pull a file and hand it to a child when they will miss a class. Learning standards change and so does interest, need etc. For the poster that said they know many teachers that have copies/plans ready weeks in advance ...I am very impressed by those teachers. That is wonderful to always be so organized and prepared. Unfortunately, I know many who are not this way but are AMAZING teachers and LOVE teaching and are certainly MORE than willing to work with students who miss school. I could go on forever, but I'll stop there. One more thing...I LOVE teaching, but it is a HARD job..just like being a parent!
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| Posted 4/21/09 9:14 PM |
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justthe4ofus
I hate hypocrites!!!!!
Member since 5/05 6905 total posts
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by dm24angel
Posted by rojerono
Posted by Palebride
Oh, I also forgot to mention that my school (as well as many schools I am familiar with) instruct the teachers to give the student a zero for any assignment missed if the student is absent illegally (which is what it is considered if you are absent for a vacation).
That's awfully unfair to the student.. it isn't as though they are making the choice to be absent.
I agree 
Its a Parents choice. And Please...I know at least 10-12 teachers and know most of them TAKE THEMSELVES out of school by calling in sick when they really aren't sick. I dont think that sa big problem so why the reverse. .
Vacations during School Holidays are much more expensive and harder to book.
I dont see a problem with missing a few days of school. For whatever the reason. Life is about life experiences and our Kids are in school long enough these days, they arent going to fail for a few days away from school IMO.
Not true in my district. If you are out more than 2 days you have to provide a doctor's note. We couldn't even attend my niece's wedding because it was in Fla Thanksgiving weekend and I would've had to miss 3 days of school.
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| Posted 4/21/09 9:20 PM |
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justthe4ofus
I hate hypocrites!!!!!
Member since 5/05 6905 total posts
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
Posted by dm24angel
Posted by browneyedgirl
i can't imagine that you know 10-12 teachers who take a week off of school to go on vacation.
I Don't cause thats not what I said.
I said a DAY sick when they arent. I was making a point that people take off work , even teachers when they aren't sick and yet as parents we cant take our kids out without that fear of a zero. Just my opinion.
A DAY is definitely different than several days or more
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| Posted 4/21/09 9:26 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
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me
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Re: X-post re: taking your child out of school for fun
I think it depends on the kids' age.
I mean LET'S RELAX. If a kid is 6 or 7... who cares? It's 1 week in his life.
He/She will get a zero. That's one way to punish a kid that young. What a way to start teaching kids. Yes, school is important. blah blah blah. But don't kid have a lifetime to learn that they MUST BE responsible. I feel that we put some much pressure on kids by the time they are 10 now. That reminds me of the thread when someone here ripped a paper because the name was not on the paper.
COME ON!!! Is it a "good" idea? No! But let's not be so into protocols. I am sure parents don't know about the preparation teachers have to put into the school work. Heck, I would personally thought teachers who teach the same lessons over and over each semester/same grade would have their stuff ready 1 week in advance. I have sure the parents are well intended when asking for the homework. If they really did not care, why would they ask for it? KWIM? I don't know why this always has to be seen as parents being the bad guys all the time or against teachers. I feel of lot of resentment on some posts. I just don't get it!
And like someone said, sometimes you cannot get the time off when you don't have the seniority or when your job does not allow it and you have limited staff.
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| Posted 4/21/09 9:30 PM |
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