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The Houston Independent School District (HISD) Board of Managers has approved the academic calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. The new calendar provides students with more learning time, increasing the number of instructional days from 172 to 180. This decision is based on research that shows the benefits of extended time spent in school.
Starting from August 12, 2024, and ending on June 4, 2025, the academic calendar includes various breaks and holidays. Students will have a week off for Thanksgiving, a two-week winter break, and a week-long spring break. In addition, there will be designated holidays and professional development days throughout the school year. The earlier start date will allow students to receive more than a week of additional instruction before vital spring assessments, such as the STAAR, AP, and IB exams.
The development of the calendar involved input from various committees and the HISD community. The District Advisory Committee, Principal Advisory Committee, and Teacher Advisory Committee reviewed four potential academic calendars and provided valuable feedback. This input influenced the creation of two draft calendars, which were then presented to the HISD community for further input. A survey was distributed, and over 4,000 employees, HISD families, and other stakeholders provided their feedback. This feedback played a crucial role in shaping the final calendar that was proposed to and approved by the Board.
HISD Board President Audrey Momanaee expressed gratitude for the community's involvement in the calendar decision-making process. She emphasized the importance of the school calendar in the lives of families and acknowledged the instrumental role that community input played. Momanaee stated, "We want to thank those who shared their thoughts and comments with us as they were instrumental in the process. This approved calendar reflects the District's effort to ensure students have the learning time they need while balancing the needs of our diverse community."
The approved 2024-2025 academic calendar demonstrates HISD's commitment to providing students with the necessary learning time. By extending the instructional days and strategically scheduling breaks, the district aims to optimize student success. This decision is a result of collaboration and engagement from various stakeholders, reflecting HISD's dedication to serving its diverse community.