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Dear Parents and Families,
We are writing to share a draft of the 2026–2027 academic calendar and to explain several important changes the district is considering for next school year and beyond. Your partnership is essential, and we want to be transparent about both what is being proposed and why.
Proposed Change to Professional Development Days
For many years, our district has dismissed students early every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. to provide staff with weekly professional development. While this model has allowed us to meet regularly, we have found that the limited time does not allow staff to meaningfully analyze student data, collaborate deeply, or engage in sustained learning. We often have time to do one or the other, but rarely all three, which is what needs to be done in order to move students forward, whether it’s in academics, behaviors, or in college/career readiness.
To better support high-quality teaching and learning, the district is considering moving away from Wednesday early dismissals and instead providing professional development on 15 predetermined Fridays within the 36-week student academic calendar.
As a result:
* Instructional time will increase from (25-26 calendar) 1,111 hours to (26-27 calendar) 1,123 hours.
* The total number of student school days would be 164 days, compared to 174 days this year (this is still over the state requirement of 160 days).
* Professional development would occur in longer, more focused blocks of time, allowing staff to engage in deeper learning and collaboration.
* Our older students would have more time for internships, career exploration, scholarships, testing, college visits, and pre-apprenticeships--allowing them a full day twice a month with employers instead of just a few hours here and there (although they’ll have that too).
Why This Change Is Being Considered
Longer, planned PD days allow educators to:
* Engage in deeper professional learning, lesson planning, and data analysis
* Collaborate meaningfully with grade-level teams and colleagues
* Reflect, practice, and apply new strategies that directly benefit students
Weekly 1.5-hour early release sessions often become filled with urgent needs and logistics, leaving little time for the in-depth work that leads to sustained improvement. By contrast, fewer but longer PD days allow staff to move beyond “scratching the surface” and truly focus on student success.
Benefits for Students and Families
* This proposed calendar also offers important benefits for students and families:
* More consistent, predictable school days with fewer weekly schedule disruptions
* Improved instructional flow, allowing teachers to plan full lessons without weekly interruptions; this will also allow more uninterrupted time for grade levels to plan together. That way, we can ensure that the instruction that is best practice in one classroom is carried throughout all classrooms.
* Easier family planning, as fewer schedule changes can be planned well in advance
Many families have shared that weekly early dismissals can create ongoing childcare challenges. Planned PD days are easier to anticipate and coordinate with community and childcare partners.
Our Commitment
Our primary reason for considering this calendar model is our commitment to providing the highest quality education for all students. High-quality instruction depends on well-supported, well-prepared educators. By creating more meaningful professional learning opportunities, this calendar better supports both student learning and staff growth now and into the future.
We value your feedback and encourage you to review the draft calendar carefully. We welcome all to attend the public hearing that is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the MS/HS Success Center.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our schools.
There is a slight mistake in the math. It is only 163 days, not 164. The week of November 30-December 4. You counted November 30th twice. And actually you also counted your flex days in that count, so it's actually only 161 days.
So 10 less days per year for students to have in classroom in front of teacher instruction? That is going to give students a better education? By my count it’s dropped to 161.
I also would support a 4 day school week like what was originally proposed. Just my thoughts if you’re doing every other Friday you just as well just make it every Friday so it’s not confusing to anyone.
This fundraiser ends on Friday! Thank you for your support!Middle School Unfundraiser – Now Through January 30!
We’re excited to launch our Middle School Unfundraiser! All proceeds help cover expenses for our 8th graders’ annual overnight trip to St. Louis, including the bus, hotel, and entrance fees.
Donation options range from $1–$30, so everyone can give what they’re able—no selling required!
Thank you for supporting our students and helping make this memorable experience possible!
How can I donate?