School calendar review sparks debate over holiday observances

November 11, 2024 | CHSD 128, School Boards, Illinois


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School calendar review sparks debate over holiday observances
During a recent school board meeting, officials reviewed the school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year, focusing on the impact of religious holidays and potential adjustments for the following year. The calendar committee, which includes teachers, staff, parents, and student representatives, assessed attendance data related to the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. They reported that 24 staff members and approximately 197 students were absent on the holiday, but these numbers did not meet the thresholds that would necessitate changes to the calendar.

The committee confirmed that no significant issues arose regarding assessments or major homework assignments on religious holidays, emphasizing their commitment to accommodating students observing these days. They noted that guidelines for handling such situations are available on the district's website, ensuring transparency and support for students who may need to reschedule assessments.

Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 calendar, the committee discussed the challenge of aligning the school year with Memorial Day, which falls at the end of May. To address this, they proposed several adjustments, including adding Indigenous Peoples' Day as a holiday and extending winter break by one day. The committee also planned to introduce a floating day off in April and adjust the spring break schedule to minimize disruptions for families traveling early.

These changes aim to maintain a balanced academic calendar while accommodating the needs of students and families. The board is expected to finalize the calendar details, including the graduation date, in the coming months.

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