School Calendars Are Changing: New Holidays Parents Should Know About

For years, most school calendars looked the same: Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and the usual federal holidays. But as U.S. schools become more diverse and more communities ask for their traditions to be recognized, calendars are changing. Families are now seeing observances like Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Lunar New Year listed right alongside Veterans Day and Presidents’ Day.

This shift is exciting, but it also means parents need to stay extra aware of what days their child’s school will be closed — and why. Here’s a look at some of the new holidays many districts are recognizing, why schools are adding them, and what it means for families.

Why Schools Add New Holidays

• Representation: Diverse student populations mean diverse traditions. Schools add holidays to reflect the communities they serve.
• Inclusivity: Recognizing cultural and religious days helps families feel seen and respected.
• Fairness: Families no longer have to choose between sending a child to school and observing a sacred holiday.

Some districts, like New York City, have even passed laws mandating holidays such as Diwali and Lunar New Year, while others create “observance days” that excuse absences and pause major tests or events.

Holidays Now Appearing on School Calendars

Here are some examples of holidays that many districts are beginning to observe, either as full closures or cultural observance days:

• Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur (Jewish): Often full closures or observance of High Holidays with no major tests or assignments.
• Diwali (Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist): Added as an official NYC holiday and increasingly recognized in other districts.
• Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha (Muslim): More districts are closing or marking these with excused observance days for the Ramadan holiday.
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Observed in place of or alongside Columbus Day; schools in states like California, New Mexico, and Virginia now mark it formally. Some calendars call it Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor multiple communities.
• Lunar New Year: Recognized in states like New York, California, and New Jersey; some districts close, others treat it as an observance.
• Bodhi Day (Buddhist): Appears in some multicultural calendars as an observance day, reminding teachers to avoid exams or events.
• Orthodox Christmas (Eastern Christian): Sometimes included as a January observance day in districts with large Orthodox Christian communities.

How Schools Handle These Days

Not every holiday means a school closure. Districts often use flexible approaches such as:

• Full closure (no school for students or staff).
• Observance day (students absent are excused; teachers avoid major assignments or field trips).
• Evening-only adjustments (no after-school events on holidays that begin at sundown, like Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur).

This approach helps schools balance instructional time with cultural recognition — keeping the minimum school day requirements while showing respect for students’ diverse backgrounds.

What Parents Should Do

1. Check calendars early: Districts usually release them in the spring. Make note of new holidays and start thinking about childcare arrangements if necessary. 
2. Plan ahead: If your family observes one of these holidays, check whether assignments or activities conflict.
3. Use them as teachable moments: Even if your family doesn’t celebrate, it’s a great chance to talk to kids about the meaning of each observance.
4. Advocate if needed: If your community’s holidays aren’t reflected, consider connecting with parent groups or school boards to request recognition.

Why This Matters

Recognizing more holidays isn’t just about days off. It’s about showing kids that their heritage matters, that schools value inclusion, and that cultural awareness benefits everyone. When districts acknowledge holidays like Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Diwali, or Lunar New Year, it opens the door for conversations, empathy, and respect across the student body.

The Bottom Line

School calendars are evolving to match the cultural diversity of American classrooms. By keeping track of these changes and engaging with them at home, parents can help kids understand that celebrating difference is part of what makes their education richer. Celebrating this change for good!