I don't know if this is the right forum. If not, my apologies! And, sorry this turned out so LONG!
Anyhow, I'm planning a family excursion to WDW & USF for March 2003 (Myself, DH, 2 DS's, My Mom & Dad in ECV). I originally planned 10 days ( Weds. to the following Sat.). The school has 3 - 1/2 days (weds, thurs, fri) of the 1st week and Friday of the next week off. My 4th grader would miss 3 - 1/2 days (which are usually not a big deal) and 4 full days for this trip.
However, we're thinking about making it a full 2 week trip, probably Sat. to Sat. This would mean that DS would miss the 3-1/2 days plus 6 full days (2 more than the other option).
Now, I really don't wish to incite a riot here. I know there are many people who believe that you shouldn't take your kids out of school for such a frivilous reason. I don't really want to get into that debate. I'm OK with them missing a little bit of time, as long as the parents & the child are willing to put in the extra time and as long as it won't adversely affect the child's grades. I'm also a firm believer that family time together is extremely important, sometimes moreso than school. I also realize this really depends on the childs grade in school. A very involved 10th grader, could not miss school as easily as a 1st grader.
That being said, this is DS's last year in elementary school. 5th grade brings the middle school, and I would never consider such an extended vacation then. Basically, this is the last year we could do something like this. Also, you have to understand that DH and my Dad CANNOT deal with crowds. I have done both Easter and Christmas weeks. And, I know eventually these will be our only choices. But, it is next to impossible to navigate with 2 ECV's in those types of crowds.
My question is for those who would agree that "some" time off is acceptable for WDW...do you see any difference between missing 6 full days as opposed to 4 for an average 4th grader?
Obviously, I'm feeling a bit of anxiety about this...but, I would really like some honest answers (without being flamed, please!) I appreciate your patience for reading all of this!!!
Anyhow, I'm planning a family excursion to WDW & USF for March 2003 (Myself, DH, 2 DS's, My Mom & Dad in ECV). I originally planned 10 days ( Weds. to the following Sat.). The school has 3 - 1/2 days (weds, thurs, fri) of the 1st week and Friday of the next week off. My 4th grader would miss 3 - 1/2 days (which are usually not a big deal) and 4 full days for this trip.
However, we're thinking about making it a full 2 week trip, probably Sat. to Sat. This would mean that DS would miss the 3-1/2 days plus 6 full days (2 more than the other option).
Now, I really don't wish to incite a riot here. I know there are many people who believe that you shouldn't take your kids out of school for such a frivilous reason. I don't really want to get into that debate. I'm OK with them missing a little bit of time, as long as the parents & the child are willing to put in the extra time and as long as it won't adversely affect the child's grades. I'm also a firm believer that family time together is extremely important, sometimes moreso than school. I also realize this really depends on the childs grade in school. A very involved 10th grader, could not miss school as easily as a 1st grader.
That being said, this is DS's last year in elementary school. 5th grade brings the middle school, and I would never consider such an extended vacation then. Basically, this is the last year we could do something like this. Also, you have to understand that DH and my Dad CANNOT deal with crowds. I have done both Easter and Christmas weeks. And, I know eventually these will be our only choices. But, it is next to impossible to navigate with 2 ECV's in those types of crowds.
My question is for those who would agree that "some" time off is acceptable for WDW...do you see any difference between missing 6 full days as opposed to 4 for an average 4th grader?
Obviously, I'm feeling a bit of anxiety about this...but, I would really like some honest answers (without being flamed, please!) I appreciate your patience for reading all of this!!!