Here's the short version. My son was born with a blocked megaureter. For those who don't know what that is, it is the tube that runs from the kidney to the bladder. It is usually something that is diagnosed at a really early age because children with this defect usually have issues like UTI's etc. His went undiagnosed/misdiagnosed until last Sept when we finally took him to Children's Hospital of Pa. He has had three surgeries since Sept of last year. He has one final surgery that has been scheduled for Sept 12th. I found out the date this afternoon. What is the best way to ask for this day off? Do I wait to mention it until next week? Or tell my Principal now? The positive is that this is his last surgery, and I will not need to miss future days. I have a great support network for my kids so my parenting does not conflict with my work. In this case, though..obviously I have to be there with him, as it is major surgery and we will be spending the weekend there. Thoughts? I want to do everything right with this.
Which will be next Tuesday for inservice. Will that give him enough time? I hate to take off, but I have to consider that this is my son and surgery, not my son and the sniffles. I knew it was coming, but we were hoping to have it done before school started. Unfortunately there was not a way to do that. I just feel like if I wait, I am springing it on him. But I also feel like if I tell him tomorrow, things are too tenuous to take the chance before I have been actually "processed" by HR and the closing date on the position posting past on the 27th. KWIM? Jeepers cats, it would nice to have things easy for a change. Please. (Hope someone somewhere hears that???)
I would tell him asap. I'm sure he'd be understanding (since it's surgery). Maybe even talk with your classroom teacher. Our district has a protocol for missed days (we have an online way to request off). We also have 10 sick days/year. Do you know how many sick days you get?
I wouldn't worry about rushing in to tell him asap, but I would tell him as soon as reasonably possible. Do you have paperwork showing the date of the surgery? That could help ease your fears. Unless your P is Vlad Dracul, he'll be more than understanding.
I can't see anyone being "mad" at someone for attending a surgery with their child. This is pretty normal - your child is not getting in the way of work, you just need one day off. I'd tell him as soon as possible and bring in any paperwork. If you don't have any, I'd get a note or something from the doctor to just put in your principal's box to be sure it's known that it was a surgery (important) date for you guys.
I have paperwork, and his doctor will write me a doctor's note, as he did so last year for college classes I missed for the same reason. I am sure they will fax me anything I need to the Principal as well. I think I am going to tell him tomorrow, just so he is prepared for that day. Since I am basically a one on one aide to my new student, he is going to need someone there. I have to make sure he has the coverage. I just hope he does not think I am going to make a habit of this. I do not know how many sick days I get yet, as I have not gotten all my processing done yet.
I wouldn't worry about it. Actually telling someone ahead speaks of your honesty (unless it is a dracula school).
So far it does not seem like a Dracula school. (Ok, basic common sense tells me what that means, but is there an inside meaning I have not learned yet?) My Academic Advisor, who was one of my references, said I need to speak to my teacher first, as that is the proper chain of command. I do not know how to get in touch with her yet. We only met during the parent/teacher conference briefly and she had to leave. We did not have a lot of communication, and actually, I think she was a little surprised by me being there. Heck, I was surprised at being there. :lol: Will it be disrespectful of her if I call the Principal tomorrow and tell him my situation? Also keep in mind I have not signed diddly, or done anything in the way of processing yet....supposedly since he is sliding me into this position without all the crap, even after my little mistake of emailing HR, now we have to wait until the posting close date, which is tomorrow. But according to him, I am in. I just don't want to ask for off tomorrow and be out tomorrow.
I would think they'd be understanding. Maybe it would be a good idea to contact both the teacher and P. Could you check your school's website for her contact information?
Can I ask what a Dracula school is? Also, I would tell your principal ASAP. Since it is a surgery, he will assume that you were given some sort of notice, so if you "spring it on him" closer to the 12th, he will probably wonder why you didn't tell him sooner. These things happen, which is why we are given sick and personal days (even in Spetember!)
I just sent him an email this afternoon but have not heard anything yet. I am not that worried; I am more worried about not being there for the students, especially the one I am primarily working with. My Academic Advisor, who is also my good friend, said it would not hurt to make up a contract with him, outlining what his teacher expects for him to have completed that day, and some other fun activities for him, and providing him a "reward" if I come in on Monday and find that he was on task all day. I like this idea, but I am going to wait until I speak to the teacher. I also asked the Principal to provide her with my email and phone number if he thinks it is appropriate, so that I can talk to her prior to school next week. I figured it is better to let her reach out to me. I don't feel comfortable emailing her first without her knowing. It seems sort of weird to get it off the school page, kwim? :lol: I would feel too Stalky McStalkerish.
