The Derry School District has released its academic calendar for the 2024-2025 school year, providing students, parents, and educators with a comprehensive overview of important dates and events throughout the upcoming academic year. This highly anticipated calendar outlines key milestones, holidays, and school closures, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed and can plan accordingly.
The calendar commences on August 20, 2024, with the first day of classes for students in grades 1-12. The first semester concludes on January 17, 2025, followed by a brief winter break. The second semester resumes on January 27, 2025, and continues until June 5, 2025, marking the end of the academic year. Throughout the school year, there are several scheduled holidays, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day. Additionally, the calendar includes teacher workdays, professional development days, and parent-teacher conferences, providing opportunities for educators to engage in professional growth and collaborate with families.
The Derry School District has carefully crafted this calendar to optimize learning opportunities for students while also recognizing the importance of breaks and holidays for both students and staff. The calendar aligns with state and federal guidelines and has been developed in consultation with various stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, parents, and community members. By providing this comprehensive calendar, the Derry School District demonstrates its commitment to transparency and collaboration, ensuring that everyone within the school community is well-informed and prepared for the upcoming school year.
2024-2025 Academic Year Overview
The 2024-2025 academic year at Derry School spans from August 26, 2024, to June 12, 2025. This 179-day calendar year is divided into three trimesters, punctuated by two holiday breaks and a spring break. A total of 36 days are dedicated to school breaks, providing ample time for students to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends.
Classes commence on August 26th and conclude on December 20th, marking the end of the first trimester. Students enjoy a two-week holiday break from December 21st to January 5th, before resuming classes on January 6th.
The second trimester runs from January 6th to March 28th. A one-week spring break commences on April 14th, allowing students to disconnect from academic demands and engage in recreational activities or travel. Classes resume on April 21st and continue until June 5th.
The academic year culminates on June 12th, marking the conclusion of the third trimester. This comprehensive schedule ensures a balanced and structured academic year, fostering both intellectual growth and opportunities for relaxation.
Key Dates
The table below summarizes key dates for the 2024-2025 academic year at Derry School:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First day of classes | August 26, 2024 |
| End of first trimester | December 20, 2024 |
| Start of second trimester | January 6, 2025 |
| End of second trimester | March 28, 2025 |
| Start of spring break | April 14, 2025 |
| End of spring break | April 20, 2025 |
| End of third trimester/Last day of classes | June 12, 2025 |
Important Dates and Deadlines
Here are some important dates and deadlines to keep in mind for the Derry School District 2024-2025 school year:
Fall 2024
August 26, 2024: First day of school for students
September 2, 2024: Labor Day (no school)
October 14, 2024: Columbus Day (no school)
November 11, 2024: Veterans Day (no school)
November 25-28, 2024: Thanksgiving break (no school)
Winter 2024-2025
December 23, 2024 – January 2, 2025: Winter break (no school)
January 17, 2025: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no school)
February 21, 2025: Presidents Day (no school)
March 24-28, 2025: Spring break (no school)
Spring 2025
April 10, 2025: Good Friday (no school)
April 14-17, 2025: Easter weekend (no school)
May 26, 2025: Memorial Day (no school)
June 6-12, 2025: PSATs
June 16, 2025: Last day of school for students
School Closures and Holidays
The Derry School District follows a traditional academic calendar with two semesters and a summer break. The school year typically runs from late August to early June, with breaks for holidays and vacations.
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| August 29, 2024 | First Day of School |
| September 2, 2024 | Labor Day |
| November 27-29, 2024 | Thanksgiving Break |
| December 23, 2024 – January 3, 2025 | Winter Break |
| February 17-21, 2025 | February Break |
| April 11-14, 2025 | Spring Break |
| May 26, 2025 | Memorial Day |
| June 12, 2025 | Last Day of School |
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, the Derry School District will make a decision regarding school closures by 5:30 AM. The decision will be communicated through the district’s website, social media, and local media outlets. If schools are closed, all extracurricular activities and events will also be canceled.
Early Dismissals
On rare occasions, the district may decide to dismiss schools early due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Early dismissals will typically be announced by 12:00 PM. After-school activities and events may still be held, but parents are advised to check with their child’s school for specific information.
Student Holidays and Breaks
The 2024-2025 Derry School District Academic Calendar includes various designated student holidays and breaks throughout the school year. These breaks provide students with opportunities for rest, recuperation, and family time.
Fall Break
Fall break typically occurs in October and lasts from Monday through Friday. Students can enjoy a long weekend and take part in fun activities with family and friends.
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving break typically starts the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and lasts until the following Monday. This extended weekend provides students with ample time to celebrate the holiday with their loved ones.
Winter Break
Winter break begins in late December and ends in early January. This extended break allows students to fully unwind and spend quality time with family, engage in winter sports, or travel.
Spring Break
Spring break typically occurs in March and lasts for one week. Students can enjoy warmer weather, go on vacation, or simply relax and recharge.
Summer Break
Summer break begins in June and lasts until the end of August. This extended break allows students to participate in summer camps, travel, pursue summer jobs, and engage in other activities that foster their growth and development.
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the 2024-2025 student holidays and breaks:
| Holiday/Break | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Break | October 13, 2024 | October 17, 2024 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 26, 2024 | December 1, 2024 |
| Winter Break | December 22, 2024 | January 2, 2025 |
| Spring Break | March 16, 2025 | March 22, 2025 |
| Summer Break | June 8, 2025 | August 31, 2025 |
Special Events and Activities
Fall Festival
The Fall Festival is a community event held annually in October. It features a variety of activities, including games, food vendors, and a pumpkin patch.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is a holiday event held annually in December. It features a Christmas tree lighting, a visit from Santa Claus, and a snow tubing hill.
Spring Fling
Spring Fling is a school-wide event held annually in May. It features a carnival, a talent show, and a dance.
Memorial Day Parade
The Memorial Day Parade is a community event held annually on Memorial Day. It features a parade of local organizations and a ceremony honoring veterans.
Field Day
Field Day is a school-wide event held annually in June. It features a variety of games and activities for students of all ages.
Graduation
Graduation is a ceremony held annually in June to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class. It includes a speech from the valedictorian and salutatorian, the awarding of diplomas, and a reception for graduates and their families.
Athletic Schedules
The Derry School District offers a wide range of athletic programs for students in grades 7-12. These programs include varsity, junior varsity, and middle school teams in a variety of sports.
Athletic Schedule Table
| Season | Sports |
|---|---|
| Fall | Football, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, cross country |
| Winter | Basketball, cheerleading, indoor track, swimming, wrestling |
| Spring | Baseball, softball, golf, lacrosse, tennis, track and field |
Middle School Athletics
The middle school athletic program offers a variety of sports for students in grades 7 and 8. These sports include:
- Fall: football, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, cross country
- Winter: basketball, cheerleading, indoor track, swimming, wrestling
- Spring: baseball, softball, golf, lacrosse, tennis, track and field
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to participate in high school athletics, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a Derry School District high school
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Have a physical examination on file with the school nurse
- Complete an athletic registration form
Sportsmanship and Athletic Conduct
The Derry School District is committed to promoting sportsmanship and ethical behavior in all athletic programs. All athletes are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Respect opponents, officials, and coaches
- Play fair and with integrity
- Be a positive role model for younger athletes
- Follow all team rules and regulations
Extracurricular Activities
Derry School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to participate in. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and creativity. They also allow students to explore their interests and passions outside of the classroom.
Athletics
Derry School offers a variety of athletic programs for students of all ages. These programs include:
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Softball
- Soccer
- Field Hockey
- Volleyball
- Lacrosse
- Track and Field
- Swimming
Clubs
Derry School offers a variety of clubs for students to join. These clubs provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and passions, as well as develop their leadership skills.
| Club | Description |
|---|---|
| Art Club | Provides students with opportunities to develop their artistic skills and explore different art media. |
| Drama Club | Provides students with opportunities to develop their acting, singing, and dancing skills. |
| Music Club | Provides students with opportunities to develop their musical skills and explore different instruments. |
| Science Club | Provides students with opportunities to explore different scientific topics and conduct experiments. |
| Technology Club | Provides students with opportunities to explore different technology topics and develop their coding skills. |
| Writing Club | Provides students with opportunities to develop their writing skills and explore different writing genres. |
Service Learning
Derry School offers a variety of service learning opportunities for students. These opportunities provide students with opportunities to give back to their community and make a difference in the world.
- Volunteering at local organizations
- Organizing community service projects
- Raising money for charitable causes
Other Activities
In addition to athletics, clubs, service learning, and the arts, Derry School also offers a variety of other activities for students to participate in. These activities include:
- Student government
- Yearbook
- Newspaper
- Model United Nations
- Debate team
- Chess club
- Photography club
School District Contact Information
For any queries or concerns, please contact the Derry School District using the following information:
- Address: 41 East Broadway, Derry, NH 03038
- Phone Number: (603) 437-3200
- Fax Number: (603) 437-3221
- Website: https://www.derry.k12.nh.us/
- Email: info@derry.k12.nh.us
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Superintendent:
Dr. Paul DeMinico
School Committee:
- Stephen Colcord (Chair)
- Carolyn Bourke
- Kathy Dolan
- Robert Gillis
- Rick Young
Department Directors:
| Name | Department | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Lowe | Curriculum and Instruction | (603) 437-3211 |
| Keith Cloutier | Finance | (603) 437-3205 |
| Karen O’Driscoll | Human Resources | (603) 437-3204 |
| Jamey Albert | Operations | (603) 437-3210 |
| Dr. Daniel Perreault | Special Services | (603) 437-3215 |
Online Calendar and App Access
The Derry School District provides an online calendar and mobile app for convenient access to the academic year schedule. The online calendar is available on the district’s website, while the app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
Online Calendar Features
The online calendar offers a comprehensive view of the school year, including:
- Important dates (e.g., first and last day of school, holidays, breaks)
- School events (e.g., sports games, concerts, assemblies)
- Teacher workdays
- District events (e.g., board meetings, community gatherings)
The calendar can be filtered and customized to display specific information (e.g., events for a particular school or grade level) and can be exported to a variety of formats (e.g., PDF, ICS).
Mobile App Features
The mobile app provides all the functionality of the online calendar, with the added convenience of mobile notifications and push alerts. Users can receive reminders about upcoming events, set up personalized notifications, and access the calendar offline.
App Download and Setup
To download the app, search for “Derry School District” in the App Store or Google Play. Once the app is installed, you can sign in using your district account or as a guest.
| Platform | Store Link |
|---|---|
| Apple iOS | App Store |
| Google Android | Google Play |
Point of View on Derry School Calendar 2024-2025
The Derry School District has released its proposed calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year. The calendar includes several notable changes from the current calendar, including a later start date, more professional development days, and a shorter winter break. The district’s decision to make these changes was based on feedback from parents, students, and staff, as well as a review of best practices in education.
One of the most significant changes to the new calendar is the later start date. The first day of school will be September 4, 2024, which is two weeks later than the current start date. This change was made in response to concerns from parents and students about the early start date, which often conflicted with family vacations and other summer activities. The later start date will also give teachers more time to prepare for the school year and to participate in professional development opportunities.
The new calendar also includes more professional development days. These days will be used for teachers to participate in training and workshops on best practices in education. The additional professional development days will help teachers to improve their skills and knowledge, which will benefit students in the classroom. The district recognizes the importance of ongoing professional development for its teachers, and the new calendar provides more opportunities for this to occur.
The final major change to the new calendar is the shorter winter break. The winter break will run from December 23, 2024, to January 2, 2025, which is two days shorter than the current break. The district made this change in order to reduce the amount of time that students are out of school and to minimize the potential for learning loss. Research has shown that students who experience long breaks from school are more likely to fall behind academically.
