I crate all three of my dogs when I'm not at home. I don't want to risk them getting into something they aren't supposed to. I tried the whole gating thing, but I've come home too many times to chewed up walls, holes in sheet rock, etc. So, I choose to crate.
For the week you aren't at school, maybe you can go out periodically for an hour or two each time and leave Vickie in her crate so she doesn't get used to being out. |