What if you are out of the country during the summer when you get a spot?

[Anonymous]

What if you are out of the country during the summer when you get a spot at a charter school or DCPS? Did this happen to anyone else? We plan on being out of the country and don't want to check internet/voice mail during this time very frequently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What if you are out of the country during the summer when you get a spot at a charter school or DCPS? Did this happen to anyone else? We plan on being out of the country and don't want to check internet/voice mail during this time very frequently.

Yes, it has happened and people lose spots that way. Many schools will only give you 48 hours to respond. If you are planning to be away for the summer, and you seriously want to get in to a school off their waitlist, then I strongly advise you to be sure to let them know how to reach you. Be prepared to keep up with your phone messages and/or emails, you could easily lose a slot by not paying attention during a window of opportunity.

[Anonymous]

You lose your spot.

[Anonymous]

You lose your spot.

ALSO, make sure you take all the enrollment paperwork (including proof of residency etc) with you so you can fax it or leave it behind with a trusted friend who can turn it in. You'll have 48 hours to get this in--your word that you want the spot and will do the paperwork when you return will not work. A good friend of mine lost a spot this way.

[Anonymous]

OP Here, Thanks for the advice. I will make sure to notify the schools and have my paperwork ready with my aunt to turn in or fax over so I don't lose a spot! I was thinking that I could do auto reply on my email and leave a message on my phone, also, but I didn't want to let the whole world know that we would be out of the country for such a long time.

[Anonymous]

Auto reply on email (or in voicemail) stating you're out of the country isn't going to help you, so no need to broadcast that. The school will hear that you're out of the country, give you a day to respond if you're lucky and will then move on. At most schools there are 100s of kids behind yours on the waitlist. You have to commit yourself to checking your phone every day and being responsive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Auto reply on email (or in voicemail) stating you're out of the country isn't going to help you, so no need to broadcast that. The school will hear that you're out of the country, give you a day to respond if you're lucky and will then move on. At most schools there are 100s of kids behind yours on the waitlist. You have to commit yourself to checking your phone every day and being responsive.

Gosh, so much for having a relaxing vacation. Ugh. Will the charter schools give you more time if you do respond and say yes we will enroll but we need a few more days to get our papers in order?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Auto reply on email (or in voicemail) stating you're out of the country isn't going to help you, so no need to broadcast that. The school will hear that you're out of the country, give you a day to respond if you're lucky and will then move on. At most schools there are 100s of kids behind yours on the waitlist. You have to commit yourself to checking your phone every day and being responsive.

Gosh, so much for having a relaxing vacation. Ugh. Will the charter schools give you more time if you do respond and say yes we will enroll but we need a few more days to get our papers in order?

Not necessarily. If it's a school you know you want, and you've got a good spot on the waitlist, call and explain your situation and ask if you can fill the paperwork out in advance. That way they'll have it if you get lucky.

[Anonymous]

No, at some point you need to decide what is more important. Your kid's education or your vacation.

I'm sorry, it sounds crude, but this is a high stress area that is hostile to waiting for you, especially while you are on vacation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, at some point you need to decide what is more important. Your kid's education or your vacation.

I'm sorry, it sounds crude, but this is a high stress area that is hostile to waiting for you, especially while you are on vacation.

Gosh, there's always one screw in the tool box. Obviously, education is more important than a vacation. BUT, being able to have some down time with family - no stress, no computers for just a little bit of time - is VERY important. Got it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, at some point you need to decide what is more important. Your kid's education or your vacation.

I'm sorry, it sounds crude, but this is a high stress area that is hostile to waiting for you, especially while you are on vacation.

Gosh, there's always one screw in the tool box. Obviously, education is more important than a vacation. BUT, being able to have some down time with family - no stress, no computers for just a little bit of time - is VERY important. Got it?

Well, then there's your answer, right? It's VERY important - just not AS important as the coverted lottery spot. Pull on your big girl panties and suck it up.

[Anonymous]

I went to a school info night and parents got a long lecture about the importance of being reachable in the summer for just this reason.

[Anonymous]

I'd say before you go check on the waitlist. If your kid is #41 and they're only on #4, I doubt you'll lose your spot in a matter of one week.

[Anonymous]

OP, pray tell what you EXPECT a school to do FOR YOU? Hold a spot for a week nor two while you travel? Do you have any sense how entitled and lacking in self-awareness that makes you seem? Again, at desirable schools there are waitlists hundreds of families deep. I'd your no stress vaca time is so VERY important then enroll in your IB school or claim a spot at a private school and enjoy your vaca. I can't figure out where you're headed with this post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, pray tell what you EXPECT a school to do FOR YOU? Hold a spot for a week nor two while you travel? Do you have any sense how entitled and lacking in self-awareness that makes you seem? Again, at desirable schools there are waitlists hundreds of families deep. I'd your no stress vaca time is so VERY important then enroll in your IB school or claim a spot at a private school and enjoy your vaca. I can't figure out where you're headed with this post.

ITA-- OP, what do you expect the school to do, hold your spot until you get back from vacation for a whole summer????? I understand that you want to relax and check out but I don't understand what you think the schools you have applied to should do if you don't check your email or voicemail. What type of answer are you looking for?