In Pennsylvania, radio host and devoted dad, Tom Elliott, was thrilled to qualify for the Boston Marathon this year. From the beginning, he envisioned his nine-year-old twins, Jake and Mia, cheering him on at the finish line. So, they transformed the marathon into a mini-family getaway.
Tom felt it was entirely reasonable to take his kids out of school for three days to witness such an inspirational event. This year’s Boston Marathon represented far more than just a race; it stood for resilience, patriotism, and community spirit—lessons that go beyond the classroom. However, the principal at Jake and Mia’s school didn’t share the same perspective, refusing to excuse their absences. Upon returning, Tom received this rather formal note:
It’s crucial to support school administrators, as they have demanding roles, but mutual respect is key. If a family decides their children will miss school to support their father at the Boston Marathon, they shouldn’t be criticized for it.
Anyone who has experienced the thrill of a marathon can attest to its electric atmosphere. I spent a decade living near the NYC Marathon route, and I can still remember the rush of cheering for determined runners, many of whom have triumphed over personal challenges. Reading their stories and seeing their names on bibs brought tears to my eyes—it’s an experience I can’t wait for my children to share.
In response to the principal’s letter, Tom eloquently expressed that the experience his children had was irreplaceable, one that couldn’t be learned inside four walls or through textbooks. He pointed out that the three days of missed school coincided with standardized tests that could easily be made up later. He emphasized that this wasn’t just a vacation; it was a lesson in dedication, perseverance, and civic pride. His children witnessed their father overcome injuries, the loss of a loved one, and even poor weather to achieve a significant personal milestone.
Navigating school bureaucracy can be frustrating, especially when common sense seems to be lacking. According to Pennsylvania law, “educational travel with prior approval” is considered a valid reason for absence, allowing districts to assess each situation individually. Tom mentioned that his wife had emailed the school before their trip, but the principal failed to exercise discretion. While her position is understandable, the approach was certainly lacking in empathy. The tone of her correspondence came off as overly formal—parents should not be treated like errant students.
“In sports, when kids want to quit, we teach them to push through. I wanted to model that for my kids,” Tom told Today Parents. “They knew I was injured, and they would ask, ‘Daddy, do you think you can finish?’ This was like a final exam in perseverance. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
In summary, Tom’s heartfelt story reminds us that some lessons are best learned outside the classroom. The joy of experiencing monumental events like the Boston Marathon can teach kids invaluable life skills—ones that standardized tests simply can’t measure.
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