Teachers—How do you like parents to handle missed days?

[Anonymous]

Like missing a day or two around a holiday? Do you prefer parents inform and ask for homework? Or would you rather just give them the homework when they return, as though it was a sick day?

It turns out we will be gone for the two days after Thanksgiving because we’ve decided to extend a visit. I want to make things easiest for the teacher. What do you recommend?

[Anonymous]

That should be, Thanksgiving weekend.

[Anonymous]

I would rather know in advance, but not too far in advance. Maybe two days before or so. Sometimes plans change based on class dynamic, teachable moments, varied pacing, etc.

[Anonymous]

Like missing a day or two around a holiday? Do you prefer parents inform and ask for homework? Or would you rather just give them the homework when they return, as though it was a sick day?

It turns out we will be gone for the two days after Thanksgiving because we’ve decided to extend a visit. I want to make things easiest for the teacher. What do you recommend?

Thank you for asking.
I'd prefer that the families let me know not too far in advance, and take my lead about when the homework should be done. There's nothing more obnoxious than the parents who ask for a whole personalized packet in advance and make extra work for the teacher just so they can have their extended holiday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Like missing a day or two around a holiday? Do you prefer parents inform and ask for homework? Or would you rather just give them the homework when they return, as though it was a sick day?

It turns out we will be gone for the two days after Thanksgiving because we’ve decided to extend a visit. I want to make things easiest for the teacher. What do you recommend?

Thank you for asking.
I'd prefer that the families let me know not too far in advance, and take my lead about when the homework should be done. There's nothing more obnoxious than the parents who ask for a whole personalized packet in advance and make extra work for the teacher just so they can have their extended holiday.

This is exactly what I DO NOT want to do! My child is self-motivated to do homework, so I’m not concerned whether we receive it all before or after. Do you suggest I just inform and leave it at that, asking for nothing? What verbiage would you recommend? What would annoy you least lol ?

[Anonymous]

Why not ask the teacher what they prefer?

Dear Ms. Krabappel,

Due to our Thanksgiving travel plans, Larla will not be back in class until Wednesday, Dec. 3. I've let the attendance office know that she'll be absent those days, and we'll make sure she keeps up with her regular reading and times table practice while we're gone.

In terms of classwork for Monday and Tuesday, would you prefer to send work home with her before the break? Or is it easier if she makes it up when she returns? We're happy to do whatever is easiest for you!

Thanks,
Mrs. Smith Point

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not ask the teacher what they prefer?

Dear Ms. Krabappel,

Due to our Thanksgiving travel plans, Larla will not be back in class until Wednesday, Dec. 3. I've let the attendance office know that she'll be absent those days, and we'll make sure she keeps up with her regular reading and times table practice while we're gone.

In terms of classwork for Monday and Tuesday, would you prefer to send work home with her before the break? Or is it easier if she makes it up when she returns? We're happy to do whatever is easiest for you!

Thanks,
Mrs. Smith Point

Perfect. Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

Your school may have a policy. Our school has one that states teachers will not provide work ahead of a planned absence.

[Anonymous]

Exactly! Family travel is not excused, therefore makeup work is not allowed. If you want it to be excused and be allowed makeup work, the note needs to say you are out for religous reasons (no need to explain what/why), or if in HS can be excused for college visits.

[Anonymous]

The homework is not an issue. However, if you as parents are opposed to doing worksheets in class, it is virtually impossible for your child to make up missed classwork.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your school may have a policy. Our school has one that states teachers will not provide work ahead of a planned absence.

As a teacher that is my policy as well

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your school may have a policy. Our school has one that states teachers will not provide work ahead of a planned absence.

As a teacher that is my policy as well

That’s good. (I’m the teacher who made the PP.)

[Anonymous]

If I were a teacher I’d be incredibly pissed by this disrespect.

“Because we are richer and more important than you and don’t respect your classroom calendar, we are taking a longer vacation than the school calendar dictates.”

They can make it up whatever way they figure out. Teacher needs not make concessions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If I were a teacher I’d be incredibly pissed by this disrespect.

“Because we are richer and more important than you and don’t respect your classroom calendar, we are taking a longer vacation than the school calendar dictates.”

They can make it up whatever way they figure out. Teacher needs not make concessions.

+1

What if the teacher sent YOU that email about taking vacation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If I were a teacher I’d be incredibly pissed by this disrespect.

“Because we are richer and more important than you and don’t respect your classroom calendar, we are taking a longer vacation than the school calendar dictates.”

They can make it up whatever way they figure out. Teacher needs not make concessions.

+1

What if the teacher sent YOU that email about taking vacation?

They’d plan for a sub, I guess? Which is what I’m trying to do, plan. How, as a teacher, do you suppose we make up the work without involving you? I mean no disrespect and I’m asking for no special concessions, but if you’re printing the worksheets anyway, why can’t one be printed for my kid also? Aren’t you printing for the whole class anyway? I guess I’m confused. I appreciate all your replies.