Do Schools Close on Veterans Day?
An Overview
Veterans Day is a federal holiday that honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is celebrated on November 11th every year, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I. As a nation, we take a day to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans and pay tribute to their service and bravery.
Do Schools Close on Veterans Day?
The answer to this question varies depending on the school district, state, or country. In the United States, Veterans Day is a federal holiday, which means that federal government offices, banks, and many businesses are closed on this day. However, the decision to close schools is typically made by local authorities, such as school boards or district administrators.
**Schools in the United States
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 92% of public schools in the United States are under the jurisdiction of local boards of education. These local boards have the authority to decide whether to close schools on Veterans Day.
- In some states, such as California, Connecticut, Florida, and Texas, many schools are closed on Veterans Day.
- In other states, such as Alaska, Arizona, and Nebraska, schools are open and operate on a regular schedule.
- Some school districts may choose to close on Veterans Day as a matter of policy, while others may make the decision based on the needs of the community or the availability of substitute teachers.
Examples of School Closures
Here are a few examples of school districts that have announced closures on Veterans Day:
- New York City Public Schools: NYC public schools are closed on Veterans Day.
- Los Angeles Unified School District: LAUSD schools are closed on Veterans Day.
- Chicago Public Schools: CPS schools are closed on Veterans Day.
- Houston Independent School District: HISD schools are closed on Veterans Day.
Schools in Canada
In Canada, the decision to close schools on Veterans Day is typically made by the province or district. Here are a few examples:
- British Columbia: Many schools in British Columbia are closed on Remembrance Day (which is celebrated on November 11th), but it is not a statutory holiday.
- Ontario: Some school boards in Ontario may close on Veterans Day, but it is not a mandatory holiday.
- Quebec: Quebec schools are closed on November 11th as a statutory holiday.
Schools in Other Countries
In other countries, the decision to close schools on Veterans Day may depend on the local culture and traditions. Here are a few examples:
- United Kingdom: Remembrance Day is celebrated on November 11th, and many schools in the UK may hold special assemblies or events to mark the occasion. However, schools typically remain open.
- Australia: Anzac Day (April 25th) is a national public holiday in Australia, which honors the sacrifices of soldiers who have served in wars. Some schools may choose to close on this day, but it is not a mandatory holiday.
- Germany: Germany honors its war dead on Volkstrauertag (National Day of Mourning), which is celebrated in November. While some schools may hold special events to mark the occasion, it is not a statutory holiday.
Conclusion
Do schools close on Veterans Day? The answer is, it depends. While Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, the decision to close schools is typically made by local authorities. Some schools choose to close on this day as a matter of policy, while others may keep their regular schedule. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of school closures on Veterans Day in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Appendix
Country/Region | Veterans Day School Closures |
---|---|
United States | Varies depending on school district |
Canada | Varies depending on province or district |
United Kingdom | No, schools typically remain open |
Australia | Optional, some schools may choose to close |
Germany | No, schools typically remain open |
Further Reading
- National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Public High School Graduation Rates in the United States.
- Education Week. (2020). Will Schools Close on Veterans Day?
- CBC News. (2019). How Canada is marking Remembrance Day.