Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

I don't want to lie - and I can't expect my kids to lie about it either. I've heard mixed thoughts on this from my friends. Could the teachers give me some insight please!!

I have 3 elementary kids and 1 ms.

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

well teachers do have mixed feelings on it, but like everything in life, you just do what works for your family.

last week someone went away with her kids right AFTER the break, and her kids were like "mom who died this time? aunt C, AGAIN ? "

but seriously, with older kids and they will prob come back tan (and bursting with fun stories), you might as well tell the truth.
because either lesson is one that's going to need backup
telling our kids its ok to miss school, and telling our kids its ok to lie and miss school.
I havent done it yet, but who knows, I never say never.

maybe you can just stretch the truth, and say you have a few thngs to get done for family in FL ?

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

I'd be honest b/c I'm sure the kids will be talking to friends and the teacher will eventually overhear. But maybe make it sound like you're visiting family etc.

I'd also ask for any missing work ahead of time.

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

We've now been told NOT to give work ahead of time for the kids that will be away and honestly, as a teacher, it sometimes can be a big PITA to get it all together.

However, I would be honest because attendence is big in our school. Maybe you can ask the teacher what concepts will be missed so that you can maybe go over them. But it really isn't fair to expect the teacher to teach everything your child missed another time.

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

Do not lie. There's no point whatsoever.

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

I would not lie. It really irks me when parents lie to me and it happens often. I've lost count of how many "family emergencies" have occurred. I'd rather have a parent be honest and ask for a general idea of what will be missed. My administration also tells us not to give work to students when they are pulled out for vacation. They are just trying to discourage it. But if a parent is sincerely interested I usually make a quick list for them. HTH & enjoy your trip!

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

Id be honest- you can also ask for work that is missed ahead of time...

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

I'd be honest, but I wouldn't expect the teachers to prepare packets of work for them.

I do this all the time and almost always the students come back with no work done. It is frustrating.

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

I can honestly see both sides of this. I would find out how your district handles these scenarios first. If you tell them the truth, they may or may not give you work ahead of time. I have worked in districts that won't allow a student to make up missed work or missed tests if they are out for an unexcused absence. On the other hand, if you call them out sick....you will be able to make up the work/tests, but they'll fall behind their class. GL

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

be honest! the teachers will know when your kids come back either tan or burned

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

You can tell the truth - but be prepared that your school may not allow work to be made up that is missed due to an illegal absence.

Or you can lie and teach your children that it's ok to miss school and lie about it.

Sorry if that sounds harsh, but this is a sore point with me. I get very frustrated when kids miss school for vacations. Not because it gives me more work, but because I always feel badly for the kids when they return and they have to scramble to make up the work they missed, while trying to learn what is currently being taught. I just don't think it's fair that they wind up being punished for a parent's decision.

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

Re: Do I tell the teachers we are going to Florida next week or don't?

It's annoying that kids miss lessons and then you need to repeat them, but at the same time, I totally understand why people travel on non-school vacations. It's so much less expensive and everyone does deserve a getaway.