School Calendar Adjusts for Eid After Community Leaders' Collaboration in Lewisville

The Lewiston Public Schools School Committee convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss significant changes to the school calendar for the upcoming academic year, particularly regarding the observance of Eid. The committee has engaged with local community leaders, including multiple imams, to establish a calendar that accommodates the lunar-based holiday, allowing families to plan around it for childcare and after-school activities.

Next year, two Eid observances will occur during the school year, with one falling on a Wednesday after Memorial Day. To facilitate this, the committee proposed a shift of the teacher exchange day from March to May, creating a long weekend for students and staff. This change aims to enhance the overall school experience by providing teachers with additional preparation time at the start of the year, rather than at the end when they are often fatigued.

The committee also addressed concerns about early release Wednesdays, ensuring that these do not coincide with holidays or vacations, which was a point of feedback from members. Additionally, the alignment of early release days with neighboring districts was discussed to improve student participation in local programs.

The proposed calendar changes have received preliminary approval from the state and are now pending final approval from the six districts involved. If adopted, the calendar will reflect the needs of the community while adhering to state regulations. The committee emphasized that this is a one-year trial to assess the effectiveness of the changes, with the potential for future adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness to community needs, particularly for families observing Eid, while also striving to enhance the educational environment for both students and teachers.