Pennsylvania resident and radio host, Adam Wells, qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon and was eager for his nine-year-old twins to join him in cheering him on at the finish line. The family decided to turn this significant event into a mini-vacation.
Wells believed it was entirely reasonable to take his children out of school for three days to witness such an inspiring occasion. The 2015 Boston Marathon was more than just a race; it symbolized resilience, community spirit, and patriotism—valuable lessons beyond what a classroom can offer. Unfortunately, the principal of his children’s school disagreed and refused to excuse their absence. Upon returning, Wells received a rather stern note about the missed days.
School administrators undoubtedly work hard and deserve respect, but the same courtesy should be extended to parents. If a family chooses to have their kids miss school to support their father in a monumental event like the Boston Marathon, they shouldn’t be reprimanded. Anyone who has experienced the electrifying atmosphere of a marathon can attest to its profound impact. Having lived for a decade along the NYC Marathon route, I’ve seen firsthand the inspiration that spectators draw from the stories of those who persevere through challenges to achieve their goals.
Wells crafted a heartfelt response to the principal’s letter, emphasizing that the experiences his children gained couldn’t be replicated in a classroom. He pointed out that the three days of school they missed coincided with standardized tests, which could easily be made up later. He asserted that the trip offered invaluable lessons in dedication, perseverance, civic pride, and American history—experiences rooted in real-life challenges like injuries and weather conditions that he faced during the marathon.
Navigating bureaucratic policies can often be frustrating. Pennsylvania law allows for “educational travel with prior approval,” permitting schools to evaluate absences on a case-by-case basis. Wells mentioned that he had informed the school via email prior to their departure. While the principal may not be entirely at fault, her decision seemed to lack common sense. The tone of her communication felt impersonal and should ideally be more considerate of parents’ choices.
“When my kids play soccer and want to give up, I teach them to stick with it. I wanted to set an example for my children. They knew about my injury, and they were invested in my journey,” Wells shared with Today Parents. “This experience was the culmination of a whole semester of life lessons. I would do it all over again without hesitation.”
In summary, Adam Wells took his twins out of school to experience the Boston Marathon firsthand, believing it offered lessons that transcended the classroom. Despite facing resistance from school administrators, he remained firm in his belief that the experience was invaluable for his children.
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