Danville Local Schools has announced changes to its 2025-26 academic calendar in response to state requirements regarding calamity days. The school district emphasized its commitment to exceeding the state's minimum instructional time standards, citing the importance of consistent classroom engagement for student achievement and well-being.
According to Superintendent Jason Snively, "Danville Local Schools is committed to providing an educational experience that exceeds minimum expectations and reflects the high standards held by our students, families, staff, and community." He added that while the state now tracks instructional time in minutes or hours rather than days, Danville increased its allowable calamity days from five to eight when this change was made. However, Snively stated that only meeting minimum requirements does not fully address students' academic, social, and emotional needs.
The superintendent highlighted the value of uninterrupted instructional time: "High levels of academic achievement require sustained instructional time. True learning is built through consistent classroom engagement, guided practice, assessment, and feedback. Reducing instructional days to the lowest allowable threshold limits opportunities for mastery, enrichment, and intervention. By making up calamity days, students receive the depth and continuity of instruction necessary to meet rigorous academic standards and prepare for future success."
Snively also explained why alternative methods such as blizzard bags or remote learning will not be used as substitutes for lost in-person instruction. "This is why, as the Superintendent, I will not recommend blizzard bags or remote learning as an alternative to making up lost instructional time due to calamity days," he said.
To recover missed classroom hours before spring assessments while preserving as much of spring break as possible, the board approved amendments adding February 16th and March 13th as make-up days for all students and staff. If further cancellations occur before March 30th, additional make-up dates could include April 6th—and if needed—March 30th, March 31st, and April 1st during spring break. No classes will be held on April 2nd (Comp Day) or April 3rd (Good Friday), which remains a district holiday.
Parents who have pre-existing vacation plans on designated make-up days may still take their children out of school; these absences will be recorded but should not result in truancy issues unless they are excessive. Students will need to complete any missed assignments.
For further questions or concerns about these changes or specific circumstances related to calamity make-up days, parents are encouraged to contact Superintendent Jason Snively at 740-599-6116 ext. 3229 or via email at [email protected].
