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Fox Chapel Area School District Proposes 2025-2026 Calendar

Students participate in various activities at Fox Chapel Area School District.

News Summary

The Fox Chapel Area School District has proposed an academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, marking key dates including the first day of school on August 21, 2025. Notably, the calendar does not include built-in snow days, with missed classes needing to be made up starting June 8, 2026. The draft calendar was presented on January 13 and will be voted on February 10. Parents are encouraged to review the calendar online, helping them plan for summer and family activities.

Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania — The Fox Chapel Area School District has unveiled a proposed academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, revealing key dates and indicating a departure from built-in snow days. The draft calendar was presented on January 13, and it is available for public review on the district’s website, with a formal vote scheduled for February 10.

The proposed calendar outlines critical dates for the academic year. The first day of school for students is set for August 21, 2025, followed by a Thanksgiving break from November 27 to December 1, 2025. Winter break will run from December 24, 2025, to January 2, 2026, while spring break is planned for March 30 to April 3, 2026. Other significant dates include Kennywood Day on May 27, 2026, with the last day of school scheduled for June 5, 2026, and commencement planned for June 7, 2026.

Notably, the proposed calendar does not feature built-in snow days. In the event that classes are canceled due to inclement weather, the district has stated that students will need to make up any missed days starting June 8, 2026. However, students may participate in virtual classes if in-person sessions are hampered by severe weather conditions.

The academic calendar includes a total of 182 days of student instruction, surpassing the state requirement by two days. District officials highlighted that these additional instructional days are vital, as they align with various contractual agreements that aim to optimize the educational experience for students.

In an effort to assist families with long-term planning, the administration typically releases the upcoming school year’s calendar in January. This advance notice is intended to help parents arrange summer vacations and activities for their children, according to district representatives.

Interestingly, January also serves as School Board Recognition Month. On the same day as the calendar presentation, fifth graders from Kerr Elementary expressed their appreciation for the board members. They presented gifts, including a picture frame featuring two young foxes, and shared a video showcasing other students’ gratitude for the board’s decisions and their impact on education and overall student happiness. This event can be viewed on the district’s official YouTube channel.

During the January 13 board meeting, members and the superintendent acknowledged the efforts of the students, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in educational decision-making.

The proposed academic calendar for the Fox Chapel Area School District not only outlines significant dates for the upcoming school year but also reflects the district’s commitment to providing ample instructional time while addressing practical concerns regarding weather-related disruptions. As the calendar awaits final approval, parents, students, and staff will be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding school operations for 2025-2026.