In Pennsylvania, a father named Jake Thompson, who is also a radio host, qualified for the Boston Marathon and was eager for his nine-year-old twins to join him in cheering him on at the finish line. The family turned this significant event into a mini-vacation.
Thompson felt justified in taking his children out of school for three days to witness such a momentous occasion. This year’s Boston Marathon represented not just a race, but a testament to resilience, patriotism, and community strength—lessons that surpass what can be taught within classroom walls. Unfortunately, the principal at his twins’ school disagreed and refused to excuse their absence. Upon returning, Thompson received a letter indicating the absences would not be excused.
It’s important to recognize the challenges school administrators face, but there should also be mutual respect for the decisions parents make. Taking children out of school to support their father during such a significant event shouldn’t be met with criticism. Anyone who has watched a marathon understands its emotional gravity. I’ve lived along the NYC Marathon route for a decade, and witnessing the dedication of the runners, many of whom have overcome personal challenges, is incredibly moving. It’s an experience I look forward to sharing with my own children one day.
In response to the principal’s letter, Thompson articulated that his children gained experiences that are irreplaceable by anything found in textbooks. He pointed out that the three days missed involved standardized testing that could easily be made up later. Thompson emphasized that their trip was not just a vacation but a powerful lesson in dedication, perseverance, civic pride, and more. He highlighted how his children observed their father triumph over personal struggles, including injuries and weather challenges, to reach an important goal.
Dealing with bureaucracies often leads to frustrations, especially when common sense seems to be lacking. Pennsylvania law allows for “educational travel with prior approval” as a lawful absence, granting schools discretion to evaluate situations individually. Thompson mentioned that his wife had informed the school via email prior to their departure. While the principal’s stance wasn’t without reason, it appeared to lack practical judgment. The tone of her communication felt inappropriate, and it would be beneficial for such policies to be reconsidered. Parents should be treated as equals, not reprimanded for their decision-making.
“When my kids play soccer and want to give up, I teach them to stick with it,” Thompson shared with Today Parents. “They knew I was injured and would often ask, ‘Daddy, do you think you can finish?’ This was the ultimate test of that lesson. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
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In summary, Jake Thompson’s experience running the Boston Marathon with his children highlights the rich lessons that can be learned outside the classroom. His efforts to share this moment with his twins were met with resistance from school authorities, prompting a conversation about the value of real-world experiences in education.