Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of these “once in a lifetime” events - code for a free trip that someone else is paying for, right?

Um no, not always.

And if a family can’t afford something and have access to an experience that they would never otherwise be able to afford, do they turn it down because you can’t get off your high horse. I don’t think the why or how should make a difference.

Not sure where you are getting high horse. I am questioning the definition of “once in a lifetime.” I don’t have an issue with kids missing a few days of school. But in my experience it’s usually Dad’s work is paying for a hotel in Orlando this week or grandparents are taking us to x/y/z place but only the dates they choose. That’s fine, just own it.

That was my point. To some people going to Orlando is a once in lifetime opportunity.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of these “once in a lifetime” events - code for a free trip that someone else is paying for, right?

Um no, not always.

And if a family can’t afford something and have access to an experience that they would never otherwise be able to afford, do they turn it down because you can’t get off your high horse. I don’t think the why or how should make a difference.

Not sure where you are getting high horse. I am questioning the definition of “once in a lifetime.” I don’t have an issue with kids missing a few days of school. But in my experience it’s usually Dad’s work is paying for a hotel in Orlando this week or grandparents are taking us to x/y/z place but only the dates they choose. That’s fine, just own it.

That was my point. To some people going to Orlando is a once in lifetime opportunity.

Mine missed 6 days for an honor in another country. Teachers notified in advance. He did work on the plane. He caught up quickly. He is an A student though.

Kids miss more than 2 days with the flu or other illnesses. Go enjoy!

It’s only two days, I’d absolutely do it. 2 of my kids have already missed 4(my K student) and 7 days(4th grade) just this year from flu and then the other had flu and then strep.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All of these “once in a lifetime” events - code for a free trip that someone else is paying for, right?

Um no, not always.

And if a family can’t afford something and have access to an experience that they would never otherwise be able to afford, do they turn it down because you can’t get off your high horse. I don’t think the why or how should make a difference.

Not sure where you are getting high horse. I am questioning the definition of “once in a lifetime.” I don’t have an issue with kids missing a few days of school. But in my experience it’s usually Dad’s work is paying for a hotel in Orlando this week or grandparents are taking us to x/y/z place but only the dates they choose. That’s fine, just own it.

Anonymous wrote:All of these “once in a lifetime” events - code for a free trip that someone else is paying for, right?

Um no, not always.

And if a family can’t afford something and have access to an experience that they would never otherwise be able to afford, do they turn it down because you can’t get off your high horse. I don’t think the why or how should make a difference.

Anonymous wrote:So many high school students are coming to me right now to let me know their families are going on vacation and they will miss the two days of Thanksgiving week or even the entire week before/after winter break. They will be fine. So will your child. They are always given opportunities to make up assessments and it’s on us to catch them up. There is no such thing anymore as not allowing students to make up work for unexcused absences. I’m not sure how I feel about it but I don’t stress as much anymore about my own children missing when they actually need to.

This has been my experience as well. I avoid missing the last couple days of the quarter. Otherwise it’s fine.

So many high school students are coming to me right now to let me know their families are going on vacation and they will miss the two days of Thanksgiving week or even the entire week before/after winter break. They will be fine. So will your child. They are always given opportunities to make up assessments and it’s on us to catch them up. There is no such thing anymore as not allowing students to make up work for unexcused absences. I’m not sure how I feel about it but I don’t stress as much anymore about my own children missing when they actually need to.

All of these “once in a lifetime” events - code for a free trip that someone else is paying for, right?

Don't worry about it. Mine have missed days here and there for very important events and once in a lifetime events and we have all survived. I gave myself major anxiety about my DD missing three days last Spring right in the middle of state testing for a once in a lifetime event. She came back the following week and made up the tests with the kids who had also missed for illness and various other reasons. This was 5th grade by the way. This year she is in 6th and missing a day in a couple weeks for her cousin's Bat Mitzvah (and DS is missing as well he is in eighth). It is what it is. My kids never get sick and do well in school. I wouldn't worry.

Back to school night one of the teachers made a point that they would prefer kids not miss school for family trips/vacations, I laughed out loud.