Please be informed that the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) Governing Board has approved the 2025-2026 school year calendar at its regular meeting on January 28, 2025.

This calendar ensures the required 180 days of instruction and includes:

• Four (4) Staff In-Service/Work Days - July 29, 30, 31, and August 1, 2025

• First Day of School - August 4, 2025

• Labor Day Holiday - September 1, 2025 (no school)

• Professional Development Day/All Staff - September 15, 2025 (no school)

• End of First Quarter - October 6, 2025

• Parent-Teacher Conferences - October 7 - 9, 2025 (early release)

• Fall Break - October 10 - 13, 2025 (no school)

• Veterans Day - November 11, 2025 (no school)

• Thanksgiving Break - November 24 - 28, 2025 (no school)

• End of Second Quarter/Semester 1 - December 19, 2025

• Winter Break - December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026 (no school)

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday - January 19, 2026 (no school)

• Presidents' Day Holiday - February 16, 2026 (no school)

• End of Third Quarter - March 3, 2026

• Parent-Teacher Conferences - March 4 - 6, 2026 (early release)

• Spring Break - March 9 - 13, 2026 (no school)

• Last Day of School - May 21, 2026

• Graduation/Teacher Work Day - May 22, 2026

• Make Up Days will be made up in the following order: April 20, 2026, and May 8, 2026

The full 2025-2026 school year calendar is available for viewing and download on the FUSD website in English here and in Spanish here.

Change to Arrival and Dismissal Times for 2025-2026 School Year

Establishing each school’s arrival and dismissal times are the responsibility of the Superintendent to ensure adequate instructional time at or above state requirements and create school environments that address students’ needs. Please review this update on the upcoming changes to the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) arrival and dismissal times, effective with the start of the 2025-2026 school year. I understand that this change may require adjustments for students, families, and staff, and I hope having this information in advance supports a smooth transition.

Background:

In April 2024, FUSD announced a decision to adjust its school start and end times beginning in August 2025. This change will involve:

• Earlier start and end times for elementary schools.

• Later start and end times for middle and high schools.

Why is FUSD making this change to its arrival and dismissal times?

In recent years, we've observed a concerning rise in mental health challenges among youth, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This is a complex issue with numerous contributing factors.  While adjusting school start times won't single-handedly address all these challenges, it's one important step our district is taking to prioritize the well-being of our students.

Research suggests that later school start times can have a positive impact on adolescent health. By aligning school schedules more closely with adolescents' natural sleep-wake cycles, we aim to:

• Improve student focus and academic performance: Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive function, attention, and learning.

• Enhance physical and mental health: Sufficient sleep is linked to better physical health, reduced stress levels, and improved emotional regulation.

• Promote overall well-being: Later start times can contribute to a more positive school climate and a greater sense of community.

This initiative demonstrates our district's commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment where all students can thrive. 

How was this decision made?
The Superintendent annually convenes a Calendar Committee with members consisting of employee liaisons, certified, ancillary, and classified staff representing all school levels (elementary, middle, high school), district administration, school administration, Director of Transportation, Director of Operations, FACTS Coordinator, athletic director, and FUSD parents.

Last school year, the committee reviewed research highlighting the potential benefits of later start times for middle and high school students (between 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.), including improved sleep, mental and physical well-being, academic performance, and school attendance. 

Valuable input was gathered through surveys of both staff and families with over 1,900 responses.  While the responses showed strong support on both sides of the issue, more of the staff and families who responded preferred flipping the arrival and dismissal schedules than maintaining the current schedules.

The district’s Calendar Committee, alongside the district's Negotiations Committee, carefully considered the survey feedback and potential impacts.  The recommendation to flip the arrival and dismissal schedules, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, was unanimously supported by the Negotiations Committee on March 27, 2024. The Superintendent presented this recommendation to the Governing Board on April 16, 2024, and communicated to FUSD staff and families last spring.

Delaying the implementation of this change to August 2025 has allowed the Superintendent and Calendar Committee to proactively prepare schedules and consider impacts to after school activities/athletics, transportation, childcare, and staff schedules.  The district’s Negotiations Committee voted again to reaffirm its commitment to these schedule changes on January 22, 2025.

What are the new schedules for each FUSD school for the 2025-2026 school year?
The new arrival and dismissal times, beginning in August 2025, are listed below.  To ensure the safety of all students, we request that students arrive at school no earlier than twenty (20) minutes before the start of the school day.  FUSD staff are available to supervise students during this designated period.  We encourage all students to take advantage of the nutritious breakfast offered in the morning at each school.

When will the FACTS program be offered?
The FACTS program provides safe, fun, and enriching opportunities for students in grades K-5 before and after school at FUSD’s elementary schools. The hours of service are not changing for the 2025-2026 school year.  FACTS will continue to open in the mornings at 6:45 a.m. until twenty (20) minutes prior to the beginning of the school day, and after school until 6:00 p.m. 

How will the changes to the Arrival and Dismissal times impact the Middle and High School athletics and clubs?

The Flagstaff Unified School District is committed to continuing to offer a wide range of engaging athletic and student interest clubs for our middle and high school students.  Practices will be scheduled by the school athletic directors and coaches/sponsors, and will likely conclude about an hour later than in previous years. Some high school practices may be scheduled in the morning to ensure access to necessary facilities. Activity buses for middle and high school students on designated rural routes will be offered on the afternoons of Monday through Thursday. Morning activity bus transportation will not be available.

I believe that by addressing the well-being needs of our students, the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) can build healthier and more resilient school communities.  I appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this important change next school year.

Sincerely,

Michael Penca
Superintendent