Use the 2026-2027 school calendar to make family memories while keeping attendance strong.
September is Attendance Month, and it is a great time to think about how families can support strong attendance throughout the school year.
We know family vacations, weekend getaways, and trips are important. Spending time together creates memories that last a lifetime. At the same time, every day in the classroom matters, and missing school can make it harder for students to keep up with instruction, assignments and classroom routines.
The good news? Planning ahead can help families enjoy time together without students missing school.
Make the Most of the School Calendar
McDonald County Schools follows a four-day school week, which means most Mondays are already scheduled as days off for students. This gives families several opportunities to plan a long weekend or short getaway without taking students out of class.
Families can also plan longer trips around our scheduled breaks.
📅 2026-2027 Major Breaks
Labor Day Weekend
September 5-7
Thanksgiving Break
November 23-30
Christmas Break
December 23-January 4
Spring Break
March 19-29
Summer Break Begins
May 26
There are also several additional days throughout the year when students are not in class for professional development, conferences or other scheduled days off.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Before booking a family trip, take a look at the 2026-2027 school calendar and see if you can plan your trip during a scheduled day off.
For example, a family may be able to plan a Friday-through-Monday getaway during one of our many three-day weekends. Longer trips can be planned around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Spring Break.
That way, students can enjoy time with their families and return to school ready to learn without having missed valuable classroom instruction.
❤️ Plan ahead. Make memories. Keep attendance strong.
Good attendance is about more than simply being present. It allows students to be part of classroom learning, participate with their classmates, build relationships with teachers, and stay on track throughout the school year.
Before planning your next family adventure, check the calendar first.
Plan the trip. Not the absence!
Every child. Every day. Whatever it takes.