Parents asked to pay up for missed class

[LiberalNation]

If education is gona be free I don't think anyone should be asked to pay because their kids wont be in school for a day or two voluntary or not. If they have money problems maybe they need to look at their buget and the taxes in that area.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070308/ap_on_re_us/pay_for_play;_ylt=AmmtM6MogP0Klaj8.I4.WsRvzwcF

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. - Tired of parents pulling their kids out of school for a ski trip or a visit to Disneyland, the local school system is billing them for the missed class time at $36.13 per day.

That is how much the Scotts Valley district calculates it loses under a state formula that doles out school funding according to daily attendance.

In truth, the bills are merely a request; no one is actually required to pay.

But some parents in the well-to-do community 30 miles south of Silicon Valley are paying up to ease their guilty consciences. Others are refusing, saying the request is offensive in a state where nearly half the annual budget — $66 billion — already is devoted to education.

"I tossed it. It's a public school. I'm not going to be told to pay when I have my kids out," said Helene Handy, who received the explanatory letter three times, once for each of her children. "We've got to have a better way to pay for our schools."

School officials said the purpose is twofold — to discourage parents from aiding and abetting hooky, and to recoup money lost to absences.

The 2,800-student district — which is populated with a large number of high-tech specialists and managers and had a median household income in 2000 of more than $72,000 — sent a letter of explanation in January to parents. It was titled "If You Play, Please Pay."

"Are the ski slopes calling? Is the beach beckoning? Are you taking the kids to Disneyland midweek to avoid the crowds?" the letter asked. "If so, we would encourage you to reconsider. When your child misses school, there are consequences for the student and the district."

In California, under a formula that dates to the 1930s, how much a school receives in tax dollars is based on how many students are in class on any given day.

"Elective absences," or days missed for reasons other than illness, cost the Scotts Valley district $223,000 during the 2005-06 school year, according to the school system. On average, it says, a Scotts Valley child misses 2.3 days because of elective absences.

Within two weeks after the letter went home, the district collected more than $2,000, said Brenda Spalding, assistant to Superintendent Susan Silver.

Stan Wilson took his two children to Hawaii for a week earlier this school year. Connor, 6, and Courtney, 8, missed five days of school. When the family returned, the Wilsons received a note from the school system asking for compensation. The letter did not specify how much, but it would have totaled more than $360.

Wilson happily gave even more, writing a check for $500. The tax-deductible "donation" was a bargain compared to the private school tuition he and his wife were prepared to pay before they decided to keep their children in public school, Wilson said.

"We saved so much money, we decided it was fair," he said.

The 10,000-student San Mateo-Foster City elementary school system started doing the same thing a few years ago, when Silver was an administrator there. Representatives of the associations representing state and national school boards said they had not heard of any other districts trying to recover costs when students miss class.

Charlotte Multer, a member of the PTA at two Scotts Valley schools, said the request for reimbursement is fair.

"Our schools are duct-taped together and they're in portables. It's a shame. We need every penny we can keep," she said. "If you can afford to go to Disneyland or go on a ski trip, maybe you can afford a donation."

[shattered]

How about you take your kids on a ski trip during winter break, then? Or go visit Disneyland during summer vacation?

[gabosaurus]

Sounds like a good plan to me. If you want good schools, you need to help pay for them. Taking vacation trips during the school year is ludicrous.

[CockySOB]

I agree with the school. If the school is receiving state/federal monies, there is most probably a stipulation that the funding is dependent upon students attending class regularly. I know at the college I work at, we have to watch attendance and report it a couple of times during the semester to ensure as part of the state funding package. So if a student skips, the school actually goes in the hole as relates to the money it puts out to pay for the tools to educate that student.

[Yurt]

I think tying funds to "daily" attendance is not good business sense. I can see funds given according to overall student population on a quarterly or monthly basis, but to dock a school who must pay the teacher for teaching X number of students regardless if Y number of students are not there is illogical. Imagine docking a manager pay because Y number of employees were not there that day. Imagine that manager is in charge of 1200 employees.

I think the current evaluation system needs to go. I was often taken out of school and guess what, that was/is my parents right. The Government can mandate an education, but cannot and should not interfere with family affairs, that is to much of an intrusion into privacy.

[shattered]

I think tying funds to "daily" attendance is not good business sense. I can see funds given according to overall student population on a quarterly or monthly basis, but to dock a school who must pay the teacher for teaching X number of students regardless if Y number of students are not there is illogical. Imagine docking a manager pay because Y number of employees were not there that day. Imagine that manager is in charge of 1200 employees.

I think the current evaluation system needs to go. I was often taken out of school and guess what, that was/is my parents right. <b>The Government can mandate an education, but cannot and should not interfere with family affairs, that is to much of an intrusion into privacy.</b>

But at the same time, you have parents constantly blaming the teachers because their kids aren't "learning". I can see pulling a kid from school for something important.. But.. just for a vacation, or some fun? If parents want teachers to teach their kids, teachers need bodies in chairs.

If an employer is missing too many employees, perhaps it's time for that employer to start evaluating said employees, and start making the necessary changes to make sure the bodies required to get the job done are there/

[Yurt]

But at the same time, you have parents constantly blaming the teachers because their kids aren't "learning". I can see pulling a kid from school for something important.. But.. just for a vacation, or some fun? If parents want teachers to teach their kids, teachers need bodies in chairs.

If an employer is missing too many employees, perhaps it's time for that employer to start evaluating said employees, and start making the necessary changes to make sure the bodies required to get the job done are there/

If they kids are gone from school so much that they aren't "learning", then that is different.

Many parents take their kids with them on business trips to get an education about/with the world. Books are not everything.

As to your second paragraph, are you suggesting to close down a school because parents want to take their kids on trips/their kids are sick etc...? If the manager/school wants to make sure the job is done, then it is simple, teach the student. That is all that is required with schools. I know you believe that schools should not teach our kids everything, my parents and many others feel the same way.

Btw, I am not talking about incessant absences, that is completely different.

[shattered]

If they kids are gone from school so much that they aren't "learning", then that is different.

Many parents take their kids with them on business trips to get an education about/with the world. Books are not everything.

As to your second paragraph, are you suggesting to close down a school because parents want to take their kids on trips/their kids are sick etc...? If the manager/school wants to make sure the job is done, then it is simple, teach the student. That is all that is required with schools. I know you believe that schools should not teach our kids everything, my parents and many others feel the same way.

Btw, I am not talking about incessant absences, that is completely different.


Illness is obviously different.. I'm referring to ski trips (as mentioned), trips to Disneyland, etc. School breaks are pretty much the same time each year. That would be the time to do it. Not just on a whim.

[Yurt]

Illness is obviously different.. I'm referring to ski trips (as mentioned), trips to Disneyland, etc. School breaks are pretty much the same time each year. That would be the time to do it. Not just on a whim.

Isn't that an invasion of privacy? You want the government telling you when you can take your kids on vacation?

[shattered]

Isn't that an invasion of privacy? You want the government telling you when you can take your kids on vacation?

If common sense isn't going to come in to play, and it's becoming a big enough problem to where it's now a major issue, someone needs to step in somewhere. Is it *really* too much to expect parents who have their children enrolled in school to actually SEND them to school for the lousy 6-8 months out of the year classes are in session? C'mon.. You get a week off for this, 2 weeks off for that, 2-3 months off for summer, etc.

[shattered]

Incidently, teaching kids it's ok to just leave on a "whim" also fails to teach them JOB responsibility, and that's where you start getting excuses like "Oh, I can't work, I'm going to a concert, or I'm going up north for a few days", etc. The 20-somethings that are now on the job market prove that.

[Yurt]

If common sense isn't going to come in to play, and it's becoming a big enough problem to where it's now a major issue, someone needs to step in somewhere. Is it *really* too much to expect parents who have their children enrolled in school to actually SEND them to school for the lousy 6-8 months out of the year classes are in session? C'mon.. You get a week off for this, 2 weeks off for that, 2-3 months off for summer, etc.

I said before, too much is not good. What you are advocating is that the government set our holidays, our trips and our time off with our kids.

I am bit surprised.

[LiberalNation]

I took a trip to florida during school but that's only because they changed the fall break after plans had already been made. Why should my parents have to pay quite a bit of money just to take me on a vacation to an education system that is supposed to be free.

[Yurt]

Incidently, teaching kids it's ok to just leave on a "whim" also fails to teach them JOB responsibility, and that's where you start getting excuses like "Oh, I can't work, I'm going to a concert, or I'm going up north for a few days", etc. The 20-somethings that are now on the job market prove that.

I stand before you.

PM if you want to know where I am at.

[Yurt]

I took a trip to florida during school but that's only because they changed the fall break after plans had already been made. Why should my parents have to pay quite a bit of money just to take me on a vacation to an education system that is supposed to be free.

It is not free. Are you serious???????

[LiberalNation]

You only have to pay for books. The rest is funded by taxes not your personal money through tuition like in private schools.

[shattered]

I said before, too much is not good. What you are advocating is that the government set our holidays, our trips and our time off with our kids.

I am bit surprised.

Are you not setting, or agreeing to those same holidays by the particular school you enroll your children in? You know a year in advance when those breaks are going to be. If it weren't always somebody elses fault when something goes wrong, this probably wouldn't be an issue.. But, if a child is held back a grade, or doesn't graduate, or isn't grasping what's being taught, it's always the teachers fault, and in a lot of cases, those are the SAME parents yanking their kids mid-semester FOR those goofy vacations.

So, exactly where is the line to be drawn?

[Yurt]

You only have to pay for books. The rest is funded by taxes not your personal money through tuition like in private schools.

Are you well? And the books, up to 12th grade are provided by the personal money of the taxpayers.

I don't get you now.

[shattered]

I stand before you.

PM if you want to know where I am at.

Consider yourself PM'd.

[LiberalNation]

Are you well? And the books, up to 12th grade are provided by the personal money of the taxpayers.

I don't get you now.
Not eveyone pays the same tax, some people have kids in school that pay very little tax. It's nearly free for them. It's as free as any other government program or building. The library was built by government money but it's free to go to, road that aren't tolls were built by tax dollars but their free for everyone to drive on. That's what I'm getting at by calling it free.

[shattered]

You only have to pay for books. The rest is funded by taxes not your personal money through tuition like in private schools.

Who the hell do you think pays those TAXES???

I don't even have kids in school, and I'm STILL paying for the schools in my area.

[Yurt]

Let's break this down



shattered;25165]Are you not setting, or agreeing to those same holidays by the particular school you enroll your children in?

No. Unless I homeschool, then I am mandated by the Government to "enroll" my child in school. Not have him/her attend every class. Enroll. To learn, to pass his/her grade. In fact, even if my child does not pass their grade while showing up every single solitary day to school, guess what, the same school gets paid, ooooops, maybe a bit more than the school whose students showed up less but all graduated.



You know a year in advance when those breaks are going to be.

So.


If it weren't always somebody elses fault when something goes wrong, this probably wouldn't be an issue..

I never mentioned fault. Ever.




But, if a child is held back a grade, or doesn't graduate, or isn't grasping what's being taught, it's always the teachers fault, and in a lot of cases, those are the SAME parents yanking their kids mid-semester FOR those goofy vacations.


I respectfully disagree.




The line is easy, quality, NOT quantity.

[shattered]

Gee, when I went to school, it was entroll and ATTEND. You actually got fined if your kid missed too much school for lame reasons. And by lame reasons, I mean reasons that didn't warrant doctors excuses.

[Yurt]

Gee, when I went to school, it was entroll and ATTEND. You actually got fined if your kid missed too much school for lame reasons. And by lame reasons, I mean reasons that didn't warrant doctors excuses.

That does not make the system correct. There are many things in the past that should not the same as today.

[shattered]

That does not make the system correct. There are many things in the past that should not the same as today.

And at the same time, people are getting weaker, and weaker, and crying "victim!" earlier and earlier for more and more candy-assed reasons.

[avatar4321]

Isnt this a bit backwards? Shouldnt the parents be charging the school for a refund of their money since they wont be teaching their kid that day?

I wish I could run a business like what is being proposed here. Pay me for not using my product. Id be rich since i dont have a product to use.

[Mr. P]

I took a trip to florida during school but that's only because they changed the fall break after plans had already been made. Why should my parents have to pay quite a bit of money just to take me on a vacation to an education system that is supposed to be free.
Cuz it ain't 'free'.

[avatar4321]

Cuz it ain't 'free'.

Which is exactly why i think the school should be refunding the money to the taxpayers, not demanding more.

[CockySOB]

I took a trip to florida during school but that's only because they changed the fall break after plans had already been made. Why should my parents have to pay quite a bit of money just to take me on a vacation to an education system that is supposed to be free.

News flash, LN. Your education is NOT free. It is funded by taxpayers both in your state and from across the nation. You have an obligation to EVERY taxpayer to attend school as it is being provided for you. And here's another tidbit, the portion of your parents' taxes which goes to public education doesn't even BEGIN to cover the costs of your education.

When you graduate, reality is gonna bitch-slap you something fierce. :slap: And not in this fun-loving way, either....

[LiberalNation]

Maybe so but that trip was the last I had with my grandmother before she passed away and didn't hurt my grades as I made up all the work. It's not like a job, if you get it approved by the principle you can leave for a trip.

[shattered]

Maybe so but that trip was the last I had with my grandmother before she passed away and didn't hurt my grades as I made up all the work. It's not like a job, if you get it approved by the principle you can leave for a trip.

Maybe that's the problem. You're not looking at it as a job. If you can't even go to school for the 6.5-7hrs a day 6-8 months a year required, how the sam hell are you going to consistently show up for a 9-5, or even a part time job?

[Mr. P]

Which is exactly why i think the school should be refunding the money to the taxpayers, not demanding more.

And I should get 6 years of tax money back because we went private and still payed tuition and the taxes. I'm not holding my breath.

[LiberalNation]

Maybe that's the problem. You're not looking at it as a job. If you can't even go to school for the 6.5-7hrs a day 6-8 months a year required, how the sam hell are you going to consistently show up for a 9-5, or even a part time job?

I could have showed up I chose not to. One because I wasn't getting paid, and two because it didn't hurt me or my education a bit.

[shattered]

I could have showed up I chose not to. One because I wasn't getting paid, and two because it didn't hurt me or my education a bit.

Obviously, it's had an impact, since you're by far the largest fucking idiot I've seen here to date. You're too stupid to know right from wrong, you're too lazy to learn how to spell, and you're too dense to realize it.

But..imagine where you'd be if you actually showed up for school. :)

[LiberalNation]

I do show up for school, far more than most kids. See they lock you up if you don't and haven't officially dropped out. Education through force.

[Mr. P]

I do show up for school, far more than most kids. See they lock you up if you don't and haven't officially dropped out. Education through force.

:laugh2: Right, where the hell do you live?

[CockySOB]

I could have showed up I chose not to. One because I wasn't getting paid, and two because it didn't hurt me or my education a bit.

According to who, you? What makes you qualified to judge your own education at this point? Have you been to the real world yet to know how your coursework is supposed to help you out once you get there? Been practicing your, "care to super-size that for a quarter, sir?"

Seriously hon, when you wake up and realize just how much you DON'T know, THEN you'll be ready to actually begin your education.

[CockySOB]

I do show up for school, far more than most kids. See they lock you up if you don't and haven't officially dropped out. Education through force.

But are you simply trying to be a little better than "the other kids?" Or do you care at all about trying to be the best you can be? So far, it sounds like the first choice is the one you've made. And that choice is a road to perpetual failure.

[shattered]

According to who, you? What makes you qualified to judge your own education at this point? Have you been to the real world yet to know how your coursework is supposed to help you out once you get there? Been practicing your, "care to super-size that for a quarter, sir?"

Seriously hon, when you wake up and realize just how much you DON'T know, THEN you'll be ready to actually begin your education.

She doesn't even possess the literary and grammar skills to fill out a simple one-page job application yet. C'mon...Even McDonalds applications are 4x6" sheets of paper you have to write on.

[LiberalNation]

:laugh2: Right, where the hell do you live?
Kentucky and it is true. They'll even send a cop to your house to drag you to school if your on the Truant list but have not got that far along for that yet. Plus your parents also have to go to court to explain why they can't make you go to school.

[LiberalNation]

But are you simply trying to be a little better than "the other kids?" Or do you care at all about trying to be the best you can be? So far, it sounds like the first choice is the one you've made. And that choice is a road to perpetual failure.
Not if your just a little better than your peers throughout life.

Do I still have plenty to learn, sure. Are my grades and knowlage of the subjects where tought better than many and worse then some in my school, yes. I'm I fine with that, of course. Busting my ass for strait A's which wont even do that much for me is not my goal right now.

[CockySOB]

Kentucky and it is true. They'll even send a cop to your house to drag you to school if your on the Truant list but have not got that far along for that yet. Plus your parents also have to go to court to explain why they can't make you go to school.

She's right about this. Same thing happens here in southern Illinois as well.

[Mr. P]

Kentucky and it is true. They'll even send a cop to your house to drag you to school if your on the Truant list but have not got that far along for that yet. Plus your parents also have to go to court to explain why they can't make you go to school.

Yup, it falls on the parents, you won't be arrested nor locked-up. Your parents may be.

[LiberalNation]

No you will be if your parents say that can't make you go to school to get out of it themselves.

[CockySOB]

Not if your just a little better than your peers throughout life.

Do I still have plenty to learn, sure. Are my grades and knowlage of the subjects where tought better than many and worse then some in my school, yes. I'm I fine with that, of course. Busting my ass for strait A's which wont even do that much for me is not my goal right now.

Seriously LN, right now the only measuring stick you have is your local "peers." The real world is comprised of much more than your local competition. If you're satisfied with mediocrity, that's your call. But my money (sadly) says that you'll have regrets about your choices later in life. Probably around the time you want to purchase a big-ticket item like a new car or a house.

ADDED: Not thinking of pursuing a college career after high school? Those straight A's come in VERY handy when you're trying to get into the program of your choice, and at the institution of your choice. And then there's financial aid.....

[Mr. P]

No you will be if your parents say that can't make you go to school to get out of it themselves.

Works for me.

[LiberalNation]

Maybe, but then if I had some real incentive like a new car I might pick it up a bit.

[CockySOB]

Maybe, but then if I had some real incentive like a new car I might pick it up a bit.

Life lesson: no one OWES you a damned thing. If you want it, EARN it.

Your incentive should be on how to achieve your desire, not expecting someone else to supply incentive to entice you to do what you should do for yourself.

[shattered]

Seriously LN, right now the only measuring stick you have is your local "peers." The real world is comprised of much more than your local competition. If you're satisfied with mediocrity, that's your call. But my money (sadly) says that you'll have regrets about your choices later in life. Probably around the time you want to purchase a big-ticket item like a new car or a house.

ADDED: Not thinking of pursuing a college career after high school? Those straight A's come in VERY handy when you're trying to get into the program of your choice, and at the institution of your choice. And then there's financial aid.....

You're preaching on deaf ears. (Not that you didn't know that already)

[shattered]

Maybe, but then if I had some real incentive like a new car I might pick it up a bit.

Incentive? Here's some incentive..

Get off your ass, go to school, get a part time job while you're in school, save your money, and BUY that new car yourself. You'll feel much better about it.

[LiberalNation]

Life lesson: no one OWES you a damned thing. If you want it, EARN it.
Of course.

Not disputing that, no one will just hand you a new car. You have to make enough to buy it.

[Mr. P]

Maybe, but then if I had some real incentive like a new car I might pick it up a bit.

No dreams, nothing you want to have, huh? Well that does = no incentive.

Ya won't fries with that? How about an apple pie today?

[LiberalNation]

Incentive? Here's some incentive..

Get off your ass, go to school, get a part time job while you're in school, save your money, and BUY that new car yourself. You'll feel much better about it.
I'll have a job this summer. Doing an internship right not in the city government so not going to mess with it now. I don't need to buy myself a new car to be happy. So it's not an incentive right now.

[shattered]

I give. My head hurts.

[LiberalNation]

Okay, 10:30 I need to go to bed anyway.

[Mr. P]

I give. My head hurts.

Lead em to water, but....

[shattered]

Lead em to water, but....

...can't make'm drink, so shove their head so far under, they have no choice but to try to gasp for air, thus drinking the water anyway?

[Mr. P]

...can't make'm drink, so shove their head so far under, they have no choice but to try to gasp for air, thus drinking the water anyway?

:laugh2:

[stephanie]

...can't make'm drink, so shove their head so far under, they have no choice but to try to gasp for air, thus drinking the water anyway?

Hey..That might work....:laugh2:

[avatar4321]

And I should get 6 years of tax money back because we went private and still payed tuition and the taxes. I'm not holding my breath.

Oh i agree.

[avatar4321]

According to who, you? What makes you qualified to judge your own education at this point? Have you been to the real world yet to know how your coursework is supposed to help you out once you get there? Been practicing your, "care to super-size that for a quarter, sir?"

Seriously hon, when you wake up and realize just how much you DON'T know, THEN you'll be ready to actually begin your education.

True wisdom consists of knowing that you know nothing.

[avatar4321]

Seriously LN, right now the only measuring stick you have is your local "peers." The real world is comprised of much more than your local competition. If you're satisfied with mediocrity, that's your call. But my money (sadly) says that you'll have regrets about your choices later in life. Probably around the time you want to purchase a big-ticket item like a new car or a house.

ADDED: Not thinking of pursuing a college career after high school? Those straight A's come in VERY handy when you're trying to get into the program of your choice, and at the institution of your choice. And then there's financial aid.....

Heck, i worked hard for my education. I was sick quite a bit and Id come back still knowing more than like half the classmates in my advanced cirriculum classes and I still regret not doing better because it does open so many more doors down the line.

[Insein]

just more evidence that PUBLIC Schools are a failure as a business.

[Yurt]

So the government should dictate when our kids take a vacation/learning experience outside of government mandated school?

[Mr. P]

So the government should dictate when our kids take a vacation/learning experience outside of government mandated school?

The government shouldn't be involved in education at all.

[Dilloduck]

The government shouldn't be involved in education at all.

If I were a foreign government I could make a great case to "my" people that it was indoctrination. Come to think of it---I can do that now ! :coffee:

[Mr. P]

If I were a foreign government I could make a great case to "my" people that it was indoctrination. Come to think of it---I can do that now ! :coffee:

Sure you could. What's the solution for the failing system these days, track some to college and some to tech school, and the working class jobs.

I don't have a problem with tech school and personally believe those kids will be better off than 'most' of the college kids. So it's all good for them, but not for the Country. Plumbers and welders may make good money but probably won't make any new discoveries.

[Dilloduck]

Sure you could. What's the solution for the failing system these days, track some to college and some to tech school, and the working class jobs.

I don't have a problem with tech school and personally believe those kids will be better off than 'most' of the college kids. So it's all good for them, but not for the Country. Plumbers and welders may make good money but probably won't make any new discoveries.

Hard say. With a son graduating from high school this year all I can do is hope he gets some good breaks and that he makes choices that work out for him.

[LiberalNation]

...can't make'm drink, so shove their head so far under, they have no choice but to try to gasp for air, thus drinking the water anyway?
So they can then spit the water right back in your face upon resurfacing.

[KitchenKitten99]

So they can then spit the water right back in your face upon resurfacing.

typical arrogant ungrateful youth...
It is sad that you are too young and stupid to realize those here who have been there done that are trying to help you avoid the mistakes they made, and see the light of what you are given and to not only do your best and beyond, but not take it for granted.

And the previous posters are right-If you ever grow up, you will regret many of your current decisions and look back at your current attitude and arrogance, and realize that you should have listened. However that is provided you grow up and that means several things. 1. You realize that life isn't fair and never will be and was never meant to be. 2. Stop expecting things from others and assuming you are entitled to anything. 3. Stop worrying about what every one else thinks, including those from other countries. You'll find that your life becomes surprisingly simple, but you have lower blood pressure and do better overall.

[Nukeman]

I would like to comment on this and say that sometimes it just isnt finacialy possible to travel only during the Christmas, spring, or summer vacations.

The travel industry is very aware of the fact that this is the only appropriate time for parents to travel with school age children. They jack-up prices on all airlines during this time, hotel don't offer discounts during these times and it is just too damn expensive.

I will give you an example

Florida vacation on the beach the month of October 700.00 for a week on the beach 3 br condo.

Florida vacation on the beach Christmas break 2000.00 for a week on the beach 3 br condo.

Now that just tripled in price for the same place. Dont even get me started on Disney or any of the parks, they all offer "OFF SEASON" discount big time.

Some times you cant get away from work at those times of year because everyone with children are attempting to do the same thing...

I am not advocating parents always take their children out every year but every once in while or every few years as long as your children are academicly sound this should not be an issue.

Now back on topic the school system attempting to charge the parents for thier children being out is absolutely rediculous. The parents are already paying thru taxes and other fund raisers for the school. The problem as I see it is the way they do the funding, it shoud be based on overall attendance at the end of each quarter not each day. That is just stupid and why would you want to pay someone to set there and calculate this every day. I am assumeing that if you eliminated thier job you could save the taxpayers a little money and wouldnt have to charge for kids missing school...

[Mr. P]

I would like to comment on this and say that sometimes it just isnt finacialy possible to travel only during the Christmas, spring, or summer vacations.

The travel industry is very aware of the fact that this is the only appropriate time for parents to travel with school age children. They jack-up prices on all airlines during this time, hotel don't offer discounts during these times and it is just too damn expensive.

I will give you an example

Florida vacation on the beach the month of October 700.00 for a week on the beach 3 br condo.

Florida vacation on the beach Christmas break 2000.00 for a week on the beach 3 br condo.

Now that just tripled in price for the same place. Dont even get me started on Disney or any of the parks, they all offer "OFF SEASON" discount big time.

Some times you cant get away from work at those times of year because everyone with children are attempting to do the same thing...

I am not advocating parents always take their children out every year but every once in while or every few years as long as your children are academicly sound this should not be an issue.

Now back on topic the school system attempting to charge the parents for thier children being out is absolutely rediculous. The parents are already paying thru taxes and other fund raisers for the school. The problem as I see it is the way they do the funding, it shoud be based on overall attendance at the end of each quarter not each day. That is just stupid and why would you want to pay someone to set there and calculate this every day. I am assumeing that if you eliminated thier job you could save the taxpayers a little money and wouldnt have to charge for kids missing school...
Year round school solves this vacation only at Christmas or summer problem.

Here this school year, the kids had 1 week off in October and one week in November, 10 days in December that extended into January, one week in February and one week in April. Last day for students is 25th of May, June and July off, back to school in August.

PS these are only M-F off days and do not include weekends.

[Nukeman]

Year round school solves this vacation only at Christmas or summer problem.

Here this school year, the kids had 1 week off in October and one week in November, 10 days in December that extended into January, one week in February and one week in April. Last day for students is 25th of May, June and July off, back to school in August.

PS these are only M-F off days and do not include weekends.
I whole hartedly agree all year school is the way to go. There is a misconception that all year school is just that when in actuallity they still only go 180 days it is just spread out over the entire year.

When I lived in Florida one of my friends children went to all year school, they loved it, the kids were in 8 weeks out 2 weeks and they were always off around the time of christmas and a shortend summer.

The school schedule that we currently use is out dated and impracticle. Most children are not farming and helping the family, or snowed in in the winter anymore. Hey as long the teachers union gets to have all sumer off than thats just great.....

[LiberalNation]

This UK game the whole shool has on is bad for education too.

It's a rockin game tho, UKs playing Kentucky. We were up them Miss makes a 3 point shot in the last fave seconds of the game. In over time now. Come on UK.