Question

Fellow Mamas and teachers of IP204. so we have/had a trip to Maui booked 5/31-6/13 on Hawaiian Airlines but we are going to postpone. We have to rebook and fly before 12/31/20 as per their waiver policy. I am wondering what happens regarding school absenses if We choose to travel During the school year as that’s most likely when we can go again. I have never been in this situation and I cannot imagine I am the only one. I have never had to take my son out of school for more than a day or two. He is in 3rd now and 4th next yr. do we need to do school work while gone? Does it even count? I know this is not the most important thing in the world at the moment but it’s still an issue I need to address. If we don’t fly by 12/31 we will forfeit our tickets for over $3000. Not something I bust my butt for! Thanks for your time.  

Answer 1

We take our kids out every year for 2 weeks vacation. Teachers will give you the work ahead. But honestly family time is more important than school

Comments

@ufo527 Schrieber exactly! Family time is worth it

Answer 2

You don’t think in the time of a global crisis the airline won’t refund you?  

Comments

@idaho they definitely won’t. I even bought the insurance and it doesn’t cover pandemics

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@ufo527 we have the insurance too. If the supplier, Hawaiian airlines cancels the insurance should cover it. At least that’s what mine told me today.  

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@attorn that’s what we are hoping for too! I canceled our accommodations for now. so of worse comes to worse, we will bring our tent and sleep on the beach LOL

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@ufo527 yeah that’s hard. I see parents taking their kids out of school for weeks for pop warner football and it appears to be okay. We don’t travel during the “vacation” times just because it’s cheaper to travel off season with a large family. Maybe try to do it over an extended weekend so the kids only miss 1-2 days of school

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@ufo527 I thought I read somewhere on Hawaiian that they’re extending the use by dates. Ill poke around again.  

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@idaho yeah, hopefully we can but our trip is for 2 weeks!  

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@ufo527 ahh

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@attorn this is what they have now. but it makes ZERO sense to me. Tickets purchased before March 1, 2020 with travel dates between March and May 2020: No change fees for rebooked travel that begins on or before Dec. 31, 2020. A fare difference may apply. Tickets must be changed no later than Dec. 31, 2020 or one year from the original ticket purchase date (whichever is later). If the ticket expiration date occurs prior to Dec. 31, 2020, a one-time exchange (without charge) can be applied to extend the ticket validity another 12 months.  

Answer 3

I take my kids out to travel. I make sure I give the teacher’s ample time and they have always put work together for my kids to do while on their trip.  

Answer 4

You picked the right dates! We have tickets 6/2. Two days over their fee waiving dates. We are just waiting for them to let us move them. We’re hoping to go in August.  

Comments

@ufo527 the Westin Nanea is amazing! We were there 2 years ago. Unfortunately a hurricane came through and we were stuck in the resort. So this was our makeup trip that’s probably being postponed. I’m at the mercy of United, AA & Hawaiian. It’s all insured but we know how useful that is. Well actually it is useful if someone gets sick but with Covid, nope!  

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@attorn oh man! What month was the hurricane?!? I booked a timeshare offer for there hella cheap like $1500 for 6 days so I definitely want to take advantage of that! LOL this was our 10 year wedding anniversary trip! We were supposed to get married in Maui 11/1/10 but in Feb that year we found out we were expecting our son in October so we bought a house instead LOL we we t to Maui 3 years ago but not as long and my mom was with us and couldn’t walk. So our trip was kinda disappointing. And now a damn pandemic  

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@attorn they made an exception for us and are allowing me to change my june flight without a change fee!  

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@ufo527 WOW! That's awesome! Are you getting a refund or just a credit for now? I forgot to write back- sorry. The hurricane was mid August 2018. They're rare to come to Hawaii. It was Hurricane Lane.  

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@attorn it’s a credit, not a refund. I won’t change yet in case they cancel first!  

Answer 5

We took my kids out for a week atleast the last 3 years. Just notify the school and our school does not give out assignments ahead of time since their schedule may change. They got assignments once home. As long as attendance is fine the rest of the year shouldn't be an issue

Comments

@rehash6 thanks! This will be 2 weeks though  

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@ufo527 there is an attendance percentage they have to have and I can't remember what it is. We kept getting letters about it when we took a trip in september. Maybe tie it into a long weekend we have a few 4 day weekends and long Thanksgiving again this next yeat

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@rehash6 yeah I was planning on Thanksgiving and Christmas but OMG the cost to stay at our places was astronomical  

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@ufo527 here is the attendance policy looks like you will be okay just will get letters from the school stating they have missed so much time.  

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@rehash6 thanks. I saw that but was curious about # of days since ours will be about 12 school days if not over any breaks

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@ufo527 it doesn't mention days and doesn't say they'll be in trouble. Just go and don't worry.  

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@rehash6  true story! We are going

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We got these letters one year because we missed 10% of days so far (it was around February). We had a family wedding and another milestone trip planned so just poor timing. I called the school and she said it’s just routine. They understood and it’s not like its habitual. I had a 2nd and 5th grader at the time. We’ve also pulled for a week or so every year to take 2 weeks at spring break even up to freshman in high school. It’s never been an issue. The teachers have been great and we’ve made sure the kids got caught up upon return. A teacher even said it’s my job to get them caught up not yours. Take them. Enjoy the trip. The memories matter so much more than a few 3rd/4th grade worksheets

Answer 6

We went to Maui in January for a week and took my daughter out. The teachers were great with it!  

Answer 7

They are still young ! We take our kids to travel with us all the time and you just need to tell the teachers , they will give you the homework to do during your trip . One mother told me when her kids were in college that she regretted not Travelling with her kids and felt guilty to take them out of school . Missing 1 or 3 days of school is not going to make them behind . The memories that they will share with you will be forever ! High school is another game more problem if you miss school .  

Comments

@dutton2 yeah I get that. we do travel a lot and especially when the school breaks are on. unfortunately my kiddo is behind already as it is. in SPED classes and IEP and now no real school for remainder of the year most likely and will be further behind. hence the reason for my concern ultimately

Answer 8

Go on your vacation and enjoy your time. Most learning in life is outside the class room.  

Answer 9

Take the trip and I’ll catch him up when you come back! Haha

Comments

@roz8208 aww You’re the best!  

Answer 10

My son is 3rd grade and it honestly doesn’t matter. They’ll catch up. It’s not like it’s 8-12th grade and more serious

Answer 11

We miss 2 weeks for our Disney trips every year. I try to plan them over days off so it’s not 10 straight missed days. But I’ve never had any issues with the school. I fill out the vacation forms and communicate with teachers. They get the makeup work when they return and get enough time to turn it all in. 2nd grade was a ton compared to 3rd grade for some reason  Maybe it depends on the teacher. No worries though, it’s not a problem to go on a family vacation! Enjoy!  

Answer 12

We take a vacation during school every year and they miss a week, usually a week and a couple days. You get the letter in the mail, but that’s about it.  

Answer 13

I am not sure what they do now. But we used to take our kids out of school every year off times. They missed a week and we went around a time when we could incorporate additional days. They were required to make up all work Teacher and school did not like but Family time is just as important as school lessons. Might not be thinking that right now. Book the trip make the memories. I took them out every year from 1 st grade until they graduated from HS. Have fun enjoy ! As we are learning life is short ! WE are in 204. Springbrook Gregory NVHS. Both kids enjoyed out trip. They both got into college graduated and are great adults.  

Comments

@greenshank thank you!  

Answer 14

Just be sure to give the teachers as much notice as possible. It is hard to pull together work for a student for an extended time since lessons change based one what kids know, wonders, and discuss, but it is impossible when the kid says it is my last day.  

Comments

@jory73 yeah. I will let them know the first day of school bc I should have everything rebooked by then

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@ufo527 maybe just remind them again when it gets closer. Family vacations are important and often teach more to kids than people realize

Answer 15

Just go, we take our kids out all the time

Answer 16

My kids miss 3 weeks of school to see grandparents (overseas) every year. We give ample notice to the school and teachers and it’s never been a problem! Enjoy while they are little! They learn so much when they travel! Plus it’s a great bonding experience as well  

Answer 17

We’re doing the same thing because Disney is closed. Not ideal to miss time next fall when they’ll all be playing catch up, but my kids emotional health would be slaughtered if we fully cancelled.  

Answer 18

Take the trip! Memories are so important. ❤️ I don't doubt the teachers will be totally understanding.  

Answer 19

I would avoid during high school but thru 8 Th grade family first.  

Answer 20

We usually take the kids out of school a week in mid-January since I usually have to work during Xmas/New Year. It hasn’t been a problem. My kids miss more school because of illnesses they catch at school, that’s what concerns me more! Also a reason why I’m not that upset about them not currently going to school.  

Answer 21

Who knows if travel will be allowed by then. I waited til my flight was officially cancelled so that I could get a full refund. I did not want to risk not being able to travel again as the rebooking is at your own risk.  

Comments

That's what we're doing for our flight. waiting for them to cancel hopefully b/c then we are entitled to a refund for 'non refundable flights"

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@ufo527 yes don’t rush it I was supposed to fly to London yesterday and got my refund yesterday morning.  

Answer 22

Make memories and go. I’m a teacher and I have students who go on vacation. They really won’t remember what they did in school, but they will remember the memories that are made.  

Answer 23

Enjoy your time on the most beautiful place on earth. We take our children out to visit there often. We don’t as much now bc our oldest is in high school. But from kindergarten to 8th grade the teachers are super understanding. Plus now you get to go during whale season. I think it’s smart you postpone bc Maui (alone with all of Hawaii) is in lockdown and most likely will be for awhile. If you would like any suggestions for restaurants or things to do please reach out. We spend a lot of time on Maui and I love to share all it’s beauty.  

Comments

@rickety oh we went last time during Whale Season and it was MAGICAL! We were on a boat and the whales were breaching all around us.  

Answer 24

$3000 is lot of money! As most of responses already suggested I would choose the family trip and not much stress out for elementary school kid. Teachers are quite understanding and help in catchup. Go girl enjoy family time!  

Answer 25

9 days is the limit for the school year, so you would get the letter from the district. Overlapping your trip with some scheduled days off would help if that is your concern. Although once the airline cancels your flight you should get your money back and not have to worry about this. I am not sure anyone knows when it will be safe to travel again right now to rebook.  

Comments

@ufo527 Crowell Amato even if they get sent a letter, it’s just that. We got a letter one year bc my daughter left early once a week for therapy. The school has to send it they said, but nothing came of it and I didn’t really care. It’s just a piece of paper

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@view49222 agreed as I said if that is a concern of hers. Her post seemed she was worried about school and this trip.  

Answer 26

Don’t worry about it. Take your vacation and enjoy it. I planned a vacation when my son was in 3rd grade and I told the principal that I would make sure my son did homework and extra workbook pages and he simply said my son will learn things he can’t in a classroom and that family time is very important as well. Now it is a different story in high school.  

Answer 27

When I took my daughter to disney for a week in October, and all the times she missed school for competitive cheer competitions, I always just let the teacher know “hey rylee won’t be at school for a week can you please send home the work she will miss during that time” and we’d complete it prior to leaving so we wouldn’t have to worry about it when we got back. My daughter missed more than the allotted 9 days and I received two letters about it.  

Answer 28

Hi there, just to share, if your kids miss 10 days of school (or more), they will be dis-enrolled by the district. They will have to be re-enrolled when they return. But it’s mainly administrative. We had to miss 11 days of school as we travelled back to my home country for a family wedding. Definitely give their teachers as much advance notice as you can! My 3rd grader was given some work to finish while away, but my kindergartener got a free pass!  

Comments

@phlegmy1249 thanks so much!  

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Yes speak to the school first to see what are their requirement. I'm in district 204 at the time my son went, they were very strict about missing days. We were only allow 3 days to miss during the school year. So make sure you speak to them first.  

Answer 29

With elementary age take the trip! Definitely let school know ahead if time. You'll get the letter, just throw it away  

Answer 30

We don’t do public (we are in Montessori). Because Montessori is into learning in your environment there really isn’t a true “keeping track” because it is a really world experience. But, couldn’t you just “be sick”. I mean does the school really check up on you. I say this because I honestly don’t know. maybe it’s a stupid question.  

Comments

@idaho Craig-Somerlot I wish I could’ve gotten him into Montessori when we lived in California because he doesn’t thrive in traditional school. But we didn’t get selected in the lottery . but I think if you’re “sick” you need to provide a doctor’s note.  

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@ufo527 oh. ok yeah, that makes sense  I am a Montessori Administrator so I know that in the schools I have worked with that families do it constantly. It’s a bit frustrating when elementary/middle school/Erkinder students take time off multiple times a year, but families do it throughout the school year.  

Answer 31

My oldest never missed because I was afraid. My middle missed so much due to my surgeries, my third daughter missed every other Friday for competitions. And now kids aren't going at all! We have come along way baby! I have learned that kids are learning a lot more just doing life! Enjoy your vacation!  

Answer 32

DOT just issued today that airlines must issue cash refunds to travelers if the airline cancels or makes a significant change to their flight schedule and a passenger chooses not to accept the alternative offer.  

Comments

@adelleadelpho where did you see this? I can’t find anything

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@adelleadelpho thank you! I had a non stop flight booked to California over the summer and I got a notice yesterday saying I now have to stop kansas, boise, utah then oakland. Um no. I switched it to another direct flight so we will see what happens but it was my miles not dollars so if canceled it will go back to my acct anyways. But still so obnoxious! LOL

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@ufo527 You’re welcome  

Answer 33

As a teacher, take it! Especially with a 4th grader. Until they get to high school, take every trip you can, when you can, and don’t even think about those days off.  

Comments

@saliva it’s only this year due to restrictions on travels that I had planned have to be postponed bc of covid19. Normally it’s on breaks when i go!