Francis Howell School District proposes new calendar ending first semester before winter break

The Francis Howell School District (FHSD) Board of Education is set to introduce a significant change to its academic calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, aiming to enhance student attendance and provide better planning for families. During the meeting on March 20, 2025, the board presented a draft calendar that proposes ending the first semester before winter break, a shift that has garnered positive feedback from both staff and community members.

The proposed calendar maintains the district's tradition of planning two years in advance, allowing families to organize vacations and breaks effectively. The draft calendar follows the established format used since the 2020-2021 school year, with the notable adjustment of concluding the first semester on December 22, 2026. This change is designed to accommodate students who may transition to college or military service in the second semester, ensuring they do not have to return to school after winter break to complete first-semester finals.

In addition to the semester changes, the calendar includes a five-day fall break, a week-long spring break, and ensures that the last day of school occurs before Memorial Day, barring any snow days. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between instructional days and breaks, which supports both student learning and staff retention.

The board also discussed the constraints imposed by state legislation, which limits the start date of the school year to no more than 14 calendar days before the first Monday in September. For the 2026 school year, this means a later start date, with teachers returning on August 13 and students beginning classes on August 24.

Community input is encouraged, with a link provided for feedback on the draft calendar. The board plans to review this input and present a final version for approval in the following month. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the calendar meets the needs of students, families, and staff alike, reinforcing the district's commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment.