That's disappointing to hear about your schools, guys. Our county has a vacation policy, and we are allowed to take a total of five days over a max of two separate vacations. Our 3rd grader received a standard 3rd grade "vacation" package to do while we were gone. He had to find prices of things locally and use them to write three word problems for the class to complete when he gets back, he had to send a postcard to the class, keep a journal each day (including a weather chart), keep a list of new vocabulary words learned, and write papers on best & worst experiences.
My 5th grader's teacher sent his work home the Friday before we left, and he made sure Andrew had all of the books and papers and tools he needed (scissors, calculator, glue, etc.) to take with him. When we came back, Andrew was actually ahead of the class!
Both kids had projects due during our time away, and I received those assignments weeks beforehand, so they actually completed them before we left.
It was a pain to take time away from the fun to do work, but that's life, and we don't have any lingering effects after our great vacation!
Lynne