[dancing4disney]

I would love to see those laws. We may not be required to give it in advance, but I wouldn't think we couldn't give it in advance.

[DisneyTeacher]

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 think you'll notice it gets harder and harder to miss school once kids hit junior high. (I typed out a whole reply about this yesterday but deleted it since you didn't ask for opinions about that.)

There is so much instruction that goes on during a typical week that it can be very hard to miss a week or more and come back and be where the other kids are. By the time my students get to 8th grade they don't like to be gone because they know how hard it would be to try to catch up.

I hope your DD can relax and enjoy her vacation.

[HappyCamper]

As an 8th grade teacher, I am impressed with any student who is so concerned about schoolwork they begin to question whether or not it's worth going to...DISNEY?!?! From just the little you have shared, your daughter will be just fine. (whether you take a laptop or not) I say, to keep her from stressing too much, bring the reading along as the principal suggests. By talking a bit each night/morning about what she has read or taking a few notes as she goes, she should be just fine with getting any missed written work completed when she returns. IF she can get her hands on a few of the written assignments, it may ease her mind to get them done while she is there. If she can't, well, that's what that extra 7 days is there for. Just make plans to set aside the time to catch up.

Really? If she is normally a great student - organized, prepared, motivated, gets good grades - then this is an easy call. She will survive. School will be there when she returns. She'll make sure to study independently while away and complete assignments when she gets back. Yes, she IS missing school and making up the time is important. Yet, keeping connected with her family (at this vulnerable age) is also vital to her well-being...

Enjoy this time together!

PS: Yes, I would suggest rethinking future trips during school...particularly when in HS.

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by 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.

The teachers aren't allowed BY STATE LAW to give work out a day or two early for a student who is going to be gone? That may be the craziest (ok, dumbest) law I have ever heard of. I'm guessing I would get in trouble for breaking that law because it's stupid. I tell my students to get work early if they know they're going to be gone. It makes life easier for both of us.

[Alaine]

Oh she'll be fine. She has ALWAYS gotten straight A's. We'll make up what we can while in WDW and what we can't we will do at home. I couldn't find those letters both schools read to me but I looked it up on the schools website & it's the Abington school policy not MA as I said.

[HappyCamper]

Straight A's? <humphh> I thought as much. <tee-hee>

One more suggestion to ease her mind...
If you haven't done so, take a moment to call (or visit) as many of her teachers as you can. Not through email or a note sent in her schoolbag, but one-on-one. Let each teacher know how how concerned you daughter is and how challenging it will be to access online info everyday. Ask for suggestions from each individual teacher. I can almost guarantee that a teacher (or two or three...) will be able to put together some sort of premade packet or pre-arranged plan for this long absence. Given your daughter's track record, they'll know that any extra effort on their part will not be wasted.

Many Magical Wishes for a Great Family Vacation,

Happy Camper