2024-2025 Calendar: Plan Ahead with These Important Dates

The Department of Information Systems and Digital Economy (DISD) has published the 2024 to 2025 academic calendar for the university community. The calendar provides an overview of the academic year, including important dates and deadlines. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with the calendar and plan their academic schedules accordingly. Failure to adhere to the academic calendar and its deadlines may result in academic penalties. Students are encouraged to take note of the following key dates:

The academic year will commence on 1st September 2024 and conclude on 30th June 2025. The first semester will run from 1st September to 31st December 2024. The second semester will commence on 16th January and end on 30th June 2025. Additionally, the calendar includes important dates such as the commencement ceremony, examinations, and holidays. Students are advised to consult the calendar for specific dates and deadlines related to their programs.

In addition to the key dates, the calendar also includes information on academic policies and procedures. Students are encouraged to review the calendar carefully to ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities as members of the university community. The calendar is an essential tool for students to plan their academic year and achieve their academic goals. Students are advised to refer to the calendar regularly throughout the year for updates and important announcements.

Navigating the 2024-2025 DISD Academic Calendar

The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) 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. This calendar outlines the start and end dates for each semester, as well as holidays, breaks, and special events throughout the academic year. Understanding the DISD academic calendar is crucial for planning and making informed decisions about academic activities and commitments.

Key Dates and Events

The 2024-2025 DISD academic calendar includes several key dates and events that are important to note. These include:

Date	Event
August 11, 2024	First day of classes
December 19, 2024 – January 6, 2025	Winter break
March 10-14, 2025	Spring break
May 29, 2025	Last day of classes

Key Dates and Deadlines for the Upcoming School Year

Early Release Days for Teachers

Early release days for teachers provide opportunities for professional development and planning. These days are typically scheduled throughout the school year and allow teachers time to collaborate and prepare for upcoming lessons.

Student Holidays and Breaks

Students will enjoy several holidays and breaks throughout the school year. These breaks provide opportunities for rest, relaxation, and family time. The schedule for student holidays and breaks is as follows:

Date	Holiday/Break
August 16, 2024	First Day of School
September 2, 2024	Labor Day
October 14-15, 2024	Fall Break
November 11, 2024	Veteran’s Day
November 24-25, 2024	Thanksgiving Break
December 23, 2024 – January 2, 2025	Winter Break
January 16, 2025	Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 20-24, 2025	Mid-Winter Break
April 10-14, 2025	Spring Break
May 26, 2025	Last Day of School

Important Dates for Parents

Parents are encouraged to mark their calendars with the following important dates:

August 15, 2024: Back to School Night
October 24, 2024: Parent-Teacher Conferences
February 13, 2025: Progress Report Distribution
April 24, 2025: Parent-Teacher Conferences

Optimized Schedule for Student Success and Well-being

Enhanced Learning Opportunities

The revised calendar provides additional time for student engagement and academic growth. Core subject classes have been extended by 30 minutes, allowing for more in-depth instruction and differentiated learning experiences. This extended time enables students to delve deeper into concepts, participate in hands-on activities, and receive individualized support from teachers.

Expanded Co-Curricular Activities

Recognizing the importance of extracurricular activities for well-rounded development, the new schedule incorporates more time for clubs, sports, and other enrichment opportunities. By offering these activities on designated days and during specific time slots, students can engage in their passions while maintaining a balanced academic load. These activities foster students’ social, emotional, and physical growth, contributing to overall well-being and success.

Comprehensive Support for Student Well-being

The calendar prioritizes students’ mental and emotional health. Additional advisory periods and social-emotional learning opportunities have been integrated to create a supportive and inclusive school environment. These sessions provide students with a safe space to discuss challenges, build coping mechanisms, and develop positive relationships with peers and adults. Regular check-ins and access to mental health resources ensure early identification of any concerns and provide timely support for students who need it.

Time Block	Activities
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM	Breakfast and Morning Announcements
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM	Core Subject 1
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM	Advisory Period
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM	Core Subject 2
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM	Co-Curricular Activities
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM	Core Subject 3
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM	Dismissal

Accommodation of Religious Observances and Holidays

General Policy

DISD recognizes the importance of religious observances and holidays to its diverse student body and community. The district strives to accommodate religious observances while ensuring educational equity for all students.

Student Absences

Students may be excused from school for religious observances and holidays upon providing advance notice to their teachers. The district encourages students to make up missed work as soon as possible.

Accommodation of Religious Practices During School Hours

Prayer and Meditation

Students are permitted to pray or meditate silently during non-instructional time, such as before school, during lunch, or after school. The district provides designated spaces for religious activities, such as prayer rooms or meditation spaces, in accordance with applicable laws.

Wearing Religious Clothing and Symbols

Students are permitted to wear religious clothing and symbols as long as they do not disrupt the educational environment or pose a safety hazard. The district may request students to modify their attire in rare cases where it does present a significant disruption.

Dietary Restrictions and Observances

The district makes reasonable accommodations for students with dietary restrictions related to religious observances. School cafeterias may provide alternative meal options or assist students in bringing their own meals.

Accommodation for Religious Holidays

The following table lists the religious holidays recognized by DISD for the 2024-2025 school year:

Date	Holiday
October 10, 2024	Yom Kippur (Jewish)
November 28, 2024	Thanksgiving (Christian)
December 25, 2024	Christmas (Christian)
April 10, 2025	Good Friday (Christian)
April 13, 2025	Easter (Christian)
June 28, 2025	Eid al-Fitr (Muslim)

Early Dismissal and Extended Hours at a Glance

Early Dismissal

Early dismissal times vary depending on the day of the week and grade level. Please refer to the district website or your child’s school website for your specific dismissal time.

Extended Hours

Select schools offer extended hours programs before and after school. Participating schools are listed below. Extended hours programs may offer a variety of services, such as homework help, enrichment activities, and child care.

Participating Schools

The following schools offer extended hours programs:

School	Grades	Extended Hours Program
Elementary School A	Pre-K – 5	7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Elementary School B	K – 5	6:30 AM – 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Middle School A	6 – 8	7:30 AM – 8:15 AM and 3:15 PM – 5:30 PM
High School A	9 – 12	6:45 AM – 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Program Fees

Program fees vary depending on the school and the number of hours the child is enrolled. Financial assistance may be available for families who qualify.

How to Enroll

Please contact the school directly to inquire about enrollment in the extended hours program. Enrollment information and forms can be found on the school’s website or in the school office.

Balancing Rigor and Flexibility in Academic Timelines

Creating a Balanced Academic Calendar

The 2024-2025 DISD calendar has been designed to strike a balance between academic rigor and student well-being. The schedule provides ample time for instruction and assessment while incorporating breaks and stress-reducing initiatives.

Rigorous Curriculum

The academic calendar includes a rigorous curriculum aligned with state standards. Core subjects, such as math, reading, science, and social studies, are allocated significant instructional time to ensure student mastery.

Flexible Scheduling

To accommodate diverse student needs, the calendar offers flexible scheduling options. Class periods can be extended or shortened to allow for differentiated instruction and remediation.

Extended Learning Opportunities

The calendar incorporates extended learning opportunities, such as tutoring, enrichment programs, and field trips, to enhance student engagement and support academic growth.

Student Breaks

Recognizing the importance of breaks in promoting student well-being, the calendar includes several periods of extended breaks, including winter break, spring break, and summer vacation.

Stress-Reducing Initiatives

To mitigate stress and promote a positive learning environment, the calendar includes stress-reducing initiatives such as mindfulness activities, stress management workshops, and dedicated quiet time.

Table: DISD Academic Calendar 2024-2025

Quarter	Start Date	End Date
1	August 12, 2024	October 10, 2024
2	October 14, 2024	December 19, 2024
3	January 7, 2025	March 20, 2025
4	March 24, 2025	May 29, 2025

Preparing for the 2025-2026 School Calendar

To ensure a smooth transition to the 2025-2026 school calendar, here is a comprehensive plan to facilitate the alignment of events and minimize disruptions:

Communicating the Calendar Changes

Disseminate information about the new calendar to all stakeholders including students, parents, staff, and the community. Communicate the changes clearly and transparently through various channels such as email, website announcements, and school newsletters.

1. Planning and Preparation

Establish a task force or committee involving key stakeholders to plan and coordinate the transition. Review the current calendar and identify potential challenges and areas for improvement.

2. Curriculum Adjustments

Align the curriculum with the new calendar to ensure all units of study are covered adequately. Review and update lesson plans and materials as necessary to accommodate the change in schedule.

3. Calendar Integration

Integrate the new calendar into all relevant systems and platforms, such as student information systems, scheduling software, and online calendars. Ensure that all events and activities are accurately reflected.

4. Staff Training

Provide training to staff members on the changes to the calendar and any implications for their roles and responsibilities. Ensure that all staff are comfortable with the new schedule.

5. Student Orientation

Conduct orientation sessions for students to familiarize them with the new calendar and any changes to the school day, class schedules, or extracurricular activities.

6. Parent Engagement

Inform parents about the calendar changes and provide them with resources and support to assist with adjustments to their schedules.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation

Continuously monitor the transition process and collect feedback from stakeholders. Make necessary adjustments and improvements based on feedback and data analysis. Regularly review the calendar and make updates or revisions as needed to ensure optimal alignment with the school’s needs.

Month	Start Date	End Date	Total Days
August	August 18, 2024	September 12, 2024	26
September	September 15, 2024	October 10, 2024	23
October	October 13, 2024	November 7, 2024	23
November	November 10, 2024	December 12, 2024	23
December	December 15, 2024	January 9, 2025	23

District-wide Events

Back to School Celebration

The district will kick off the school year with a celebration for all students, families, and staff on August 15th, 2024. This event will include a variety of activities, including food, games, and live music.

Fall Festival

The district will host its annual Fall Festival on October 28th, 2024. This event will feature pumpkin carving, hayrides, and a costume contest.

Winter Wonderland

The district will transform into a winter wonderland on December 15th, 2024. This event will include ice skating, sledding, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Spring Fling

The district will celebrate the arrival of spring with a Spring Fling on April 21st, 2025. This event will feature a petting zoo, carnival games, and live music.

Professional Development Opportunities

New Teacher Orientation

The district will host a New Teacher Orientation on August 8th, 2024. This orientation will provide new teachers with information on district policies, procedures, and curriculum.

Staff Development Days

The district will hold two staff development days on September 5th and 6th, 2024. These days will provide teachers with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and learn about new instructional strategies.

EduCon Conference

The district will send a team of teachers to the EduCon Conference on March 10th and 11th, 2025. This conference will provide teachers with opportunities to learn about the latest educational trends and best practices.

Summer Institute

The district will offer a Summer Institute for teachers from June 23rd to July 25th, 2025. This institute will provide teachers with opportunities to earn graduate credit and learn about new instructional strategies.

Alignment with Community Needs and Student Interests

The DISD 2024-2025 academic calendar was thoughtfully crafted to align with community needs and student interests. The following are key considerations that shaped the development of the calendar:

Pre-K and Early Learning Community Needs

The calendar includes dedicated days for Pre-K and early learning screenings and enrollment events to ensure that young learners have access to essential educational opportunities.

Community Engagement and Enrichment

The calendar provides ample opportunities for community engagement through designated days for school tours, open houses, and family engagement events. This fosters strong relationships between schools and the community they serve.

Student Activities and Extracurriculars

The calendar allows for flexible scheduling to accommodate student activities, extracurriculars, and enrichment programs. This ensures that students have the time and space to pursue their interests and develop their skills.

Student and Teacher Well-being

The calendar includes extended breaks and professional development days to support the well-being of students and teachers. This ensures that they have adequate time for rest, rejuvenation, and professional growth.

Community Holiday Observances

The calendar recognizes important community holidays and cultural celebrations, ensuring that students and staff can participate in these events and foster a sense of community pride.

Special Education and Support Services

The calendar includes designated days for special education assessments, evaluations, and planning meetings to ensure that students with special needs receive timely and appropriate support.

Test Administration and Data Collection

The calendar incorporates strategic testing dates to maximize learning time while providing opportunities for data collection and assessment to inform instructional decisions.

Summer Break

The summer break period provides students with an extended break to rest, engage in enrichment activities, and prepare for the upcoming school year.

School Calendar Committee

A representative school calendar committee consisting of parents, teachers, administrators, and community members was involved in the development of the calendar, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives.

Month	Days (Including Holidays)
August	31

Empowering Students and Families Through Calendar Transparency

1. Empowering Families with Advanced Notice

The 2024-2025 calendar provides families with ample notice of important school events, including holidays, breaks, and testing dates. This transparency allows families to plan activities, travel, and childcare arrangements well in advance.

2. Identifying Key Dates for Students

The calendar clearly outlines important dates for students, such as the first and last days of school, early release days, and exam periods. This information helps students manage their workloads, plan for assessments, and make informed decisions about their schedules.

3. Supporting Student Attendance

The calendar’s visibility encourages consistent attendance by providing a clear understanding of important dates and deadlines. Regular attendance is crucial for student success, and the calendar supports this by making it readily available.

4. Facilitating Family Communication

The calendar serves as a central communication tool, ensuring that families are aware of school events and activities. This minimizes misunderstandings and fosters open communication between families and school staff.

5. Creating a Sense of Community

The calendar promotes a sense of community by highlighting school-wide events and activities. Families can plan to attend and participate in these events, fostering a collaborative and inclusive school environment.

6. Supporting Student Achievement

The calendar helps students achieve success by providing clear timelines and expectations. Knowing the dates of assignments, projects, and assessments allows students to plan and prioritize their work effectively.

7. Balancing Family and Work Schedules

The calendar empowers families to balance work and family schedules by providing advanced notice of school events, holidays, and early release days. This enables parents to plan and adjust their schedules accordingly.

8. Enhancing Student Well-being

The calendar includes mental health awareness days and other initiatives aimed at promoting student well-being. This transparency supports a positive and healthy learning environment for all students.

9. Fostering Parent Involvement

The calendar facilitates parent involvement by providing a clear understanding of school events and activities. Parents can use this information to volunteer, attend meetings, and participate in their children’s education.

10. Meeting the Diverse Needs of Students

The 2024-2025 calendar has been designed to meet the diverse needs of students by including various cultural holidays and events. This promotes inclusivity and recognizes the diversity within the school community.

Holidays	Dates
Thanksgiving	November 27-28, 2024
Christmas	December 23-26, 2024
Lunar New Year	February 12, 2025
Memorial Day	May 26, 2025

DISD 2024-2025 Calendar: Points of View

The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has released its 2024-2025 academic calendar. The calendar includes important dates for students, parents, and staff, such as the first day of school, holidays, and breaks. There are also several proposed changes to the calendar, which are currently under review by the DISD Board of Trustees.

Some stakeholders have expressed concerns about the proposed changes to the calendar. For example, some parents are concerned that the calendar does not include enough days off for students. Others are concerned that the calendar does not align with the schedules of other schools in the area.

The DISD Board of Trustees is currently considering feedback from stakeholders before making a final decision on the 2024-2025 calendar. The board is expected to vote on the calendar at its meeting on February 28, 2023.