Do Schools Have Off for Veterans Day?
Contents
School Holidays and Observances
With numerous federal holidays throughout the year, many schools close or observe specific days, allowing students and teachers a break from classes. However, when it comes to Veterans Day, the story is not straightforward. Veterans Day, observed on November 11th, is a federal holiday in the United States, but not all schools close on this day.
Variability in School Closures
School districts and individual schools have discretion over whether to close for Veterans Day. Only 11 states require all public schools to close, while other states may recommend or encourage schools to do so, but ultimately, it’s up to local authorities. Additionally, private schools and charter schools are not obligated to follow federal holidays, and their holiday schedules vary.
| States that require schools to close on Veterans Day |
|---|
| California |
| Delaware |
| Idaho |
| Indiana |
| Maine |
| Maryland |
| New Jersey |
| New Mexico |
| North Carolina |
| Wisconsin |
Factors Affecting School Closures
Several factors contribute to the decision to close schools for Veterans Day. These include:
• Local significance: If there are significant local connections or events honoring veterans, the school district might decide to close or schedule a ceremony.
• Budget and resources: Small or struggling school districts might not be able to afford to compensate teachers for an additional holiday.
• Academic calendar: The timing and scheduling of the academic calendar can impact the decision, as schools may already be on a modified schedule around Veterans Day.
• Community preferences: Parents and community members might advocate for or against school closures for Veterans Day.
Alternatives to Closure
For schools that don’t close, they often arrange alternative activities to honor and recognize the holiday. These may include:
• Veterans’ Day ceremonies: Schools hold assemblies, ceremonies, or events to recognize the service and sacrifices of veterans.
• Lessons and activities: Teachers incorporate special lessons and activities into their curriculum, focusing on American history, patriotism, or community service.
• Volunteer opportunities: Schools organize volunteer events or initiatives, such as collecting care packages for troops or serving at local food banks, to involve students in acts of service.
• Virtual or asynchronous learning: Some schools might offer flexible learning arrangements, allowing students to complete assignments remotely if they can’t attend physical classes.
Challenges and Benefits
Closing schools on Veterans Day poses logistical challenges, such as reorganizing the academic schedule, communicating with parents and staff, and accommodating snow days (in colder regions). Additionally, some students might not have family ties to veterans or might not understand the significance of the holiday. However, when schools do close, students and teachers can commemorate the holiday through community events, volunteer activities, and patriotic expressions, fostering a sense of connection and gratitude.
Conclusion
While not all schools close on Veterans Day, many do recognize the significance of this federal holiday by offering alternative activities or adjusting their academic schedule. School districts and individual schools take into account various factors before making a decision, aiming to strike a balance between honoring the sacrifices of veterans and maintaining educational continuity.
