[dh464]

My kids normally get their work before we leave then I have them do it on the plane to & from as much as they can.Also the night before we leave,We get some done(don't want to take text books with us.)

[Dansharon5]

A. South Trail Branch Library - www.ocls.info - (407) 858-4749 - 1 review
B. Herndon Branch Library - www.ocls.info - (407) 228-1410 - 1 review
C. Orange County Library System - www.ocls.info - (407) 835-7323 - 1 review
D. Rumberger Kirk & Caldwell - Rumberger Kirk & Caldwell - Florida Law Firm | Home - (407) 872-7300 - more
E. Orange County Library - www.ocls.info - (407) 355-7400 - 2 reviews
F. Edgewater Library - www.ocls.info - (407) 296-5153 - more
G. Orange Public Library - www.ocls.info - (407) 316-0021 - more
H. Orange County Library - www.ocls.info - (407) 249-6180 - 1 review
I. Orange County Library System: Community Relations - www.ocls.info - (407) 835-7480 - more
J. Orange County Library System: Friends of the Library Bookstore - www.ocls.info - (407) 835-7495 - more
More results near Orlando, FL »

Also check for WI-FI hot spots. We have just pulled into library parking lots after hours and have gotten assignments and reality locations.

I've used the internet connection at Coranado Springs and it was easy to access for about $9 for 24hr period(I was able to pay for 24hr and have it usable for two days...

Lobby had WI-FI but it felt odd surfing in the lobby area.

We have two kids with jr high and high school laptops. Its funny to see how many teachers still use them only for internet and few for turning in homework and communication with kids and parents.

Enjoy!

[Dansharon5]

Also, bring a lock. They aren't the best for locking up the laptop but it makes it slightly tougher to walk away with it. There aren't too many places to run the cable, I found the TV cabinet the only place available. The safes are pretty small.

[keljen]

Originally Posted by DisneyTeacher

The cable will be hanging in the closet. If it isn't there call the front desk and one will be brought to your room.

This is good to know as it wasn't there when we last visited but I always carry one with me just in case

[Brett's Mommy]

I don't know if this helps or not, but I had my lap top with me at FW last March, and other than some 'dead spots,' I was able to connect for free. Up by the Ferry (out side Trails End Restaurant) was a great connection and DH and I were both able to check work stuff every other day or so. I was told it is still the same...

[dancing4disney]

Kids in the upper grades miss a lot when they are away. I don't think the school expectations are too much. I would print up as many assignments as possible and do them on the plane. I like the idea of only paying for internet a couple of days to get a few things done. Your child will probably feel better if they go back to school and have some idea of what is going on.

[Alaine]

To respond to alot of your questions above..Yes, in our town each child has their very own laptop in school starting in Grade 3. We bought our daughter her own laptop for xmas last year because so much of her homework was required to use the computer. Regarding getting copies of the books and assignments before we leave for the trip; Our state laws prevent assignments from being given out in advance. So, my daughter will only be able to access her assignments online after each one of her 7 teachers posts it in there. Each teacher will post at the end of the school day & only for that days assignment. Most of her books are online books but they refuse to put the work sheets in her assignment. So, even if she keeps up with the reading & gets the assignment, if they teacher assigned a worksheet then she can't even do it...The guidance cousellor suggests I call classmates from my daughters classes while I'm in Florida and maybe they can e-mail my daughter with attachments the worksheets. My response, "Are you kidding me? Call a friend everyday? Are you going to pay for the calls? Why can't you post the worksheets yourself"? I did ask what if I don't have a laptop? They said then I need to carry all 7 books (and let me tell you they are each larger & heavier than a phone book). I told her that's too much to carry on a plane. So, I put a call into the principal. He believes she should keep up with the reading but that the worksheets & homework she could make up over time when we get back. He said he believes in his own words, "Kids will learn alot more in Disney at this early in the school year than they would here". So, I'm waiting for the counsellor or priniciapal to call me back. He did say I could do nothing & enjoy or vacation but then when she gets back if those teachers want those assignments done it's going to be really tough on Rachel (my daugher). He said our state laws say she has as many days to make up the work as she missed.

[dznylvr]

My two kids that are old enough to be in school both have laptops. I don't even have a laptop. But that is ok.
I am sorry that the school is giving you such a hard time. That is one of the really hard parts about taking the kids to WDW during the school year. One year, we drove from NC to WDW with me in the back seat doing schoolwork with my then first grader. Not a good trip at all!!
I hope the principal's suggestion of keeping up with the reading, then making up the written work when she gets home works. I think that is perfectly reasonable, and a viable solution for your DD.
Let us know what decision is made. Good luck!

[FireAngel]

Originally Posted by gingles

Wow, 7th graders have laptops?

That was my thought

[Alaine]

My daughter is really really stressed over the school work so much that she doesn't want to go to disney now. I guess I should have booked during a school vacation. I really didn't think it would be that bad but grade 7 is so much more complicated than grades 1-6. My 3rd grader has zero homework to bring with him. He can keep a journal to share with the class when he gets back. His school work will be put into his cubby & he can slowly make that up over time. No rush the teacher said.

[Glampire31]

Thanks for the answers to the laptop questions.... The friend I'm bringing with me to Disney in November was thinking of bringing his.... He is a senior in high school and only has three classes, but he would want it to check email and other things to.

[b1wife]

Originally Posted by Alaine

My daughter is really really stressed over the school work so much that she doesn't want to go to disney now. I guess I should have booked during a school vacation. I really didn't think it would be that bad but grade 7 is so much more complicated than grades 1-6. My 3rd grader has zero homework to bring with him. He can keep a journal to share with the class when he gets back. His school work will be put into his cubby & he can slowly make that up over time. No rush the teacher said.

I've heard that jr high gets much more intense. But, you've made these plans, and you should go enjoy your vacation. Next trip, you'll remember this and how it all worked out (negative or positive) and can use the experience to plan your next vacation.

I'm so sorry your DD is obviously stressing about this. I sure hope it doesn't ruin her vacation once she's there!!

We are taking our kindergardener out for a week and it was a hard decision for me. Not for the schoolwork, but for the impression it gives about the importance of school. But, we have decided to go during school most every year now that 1. we've purchased DVC (lower points needed during fall) and 2. we've been during August (so stinkin' hot!). So, I know we'll be dealing with this for years to come. It's nice to read threads like this to hear everyone's experiences and points of view.

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by nanu57v

No, I've heard of schools giving laptops to kids instead of textbooks. That way they can read their textbooks electronically, complete and submit papers electronically, etc. No paper is used at all. One of our middle school classes were a pilot.

Nothing beats being able to read hard copy printed word versus scrolling and reading on a computer! It's a lot easier to hold your place on one page while you flip back and forth to earlier pages to double check something. Also, reading hard copy printed material is much more comfortable than having to sit and squint at a 15 inch LCD panel for any length of time.

Or don't any of you remember your parents telling you repeatedly not to watch so much TV as it wasn't good for your eyes?

Yes, all you need is a laptop with a network card or a built in network adapter. The network cord should be in your room's closet. If not, call the front desk. It costs $10 for a 24 hour contiguous period. I also only log on every other day to avoid extra expense. You do not need to bring any extra hardware from home beyond the laptop. I'd avoid having stuff printed at your hotel's business center as that service can get pricey real fast too.
I also wonder exactly how much work your kids will accomplish/get done while sitting at the table in your room when the "World" is crying out all the time.

[dancing4disney]

I teach in MA and we have no issue giving assignments before a student leaves for a vacation. Granted I don't always know what will get done but I try to give them what I can. I have even given directions for math. We are actually not required to give anything in advance but will do it when we can for the sake of keeping the child ahead. It is so much more work to catch them up.
Please tell your daughter not to stress. Her 7th grade grades don't count. Just promise her you won't travel when she is in highschool when it will matter more.

[Alaine]

I'm not sure what I did with it but both my kids schools gave me a copy of the new policy this year re work given in advance based on laws. They read it to me aloud & gave me a copy.