MATTAPOISETT — After lengthy discussions finalizing the 2025-26 Old Rochester District School calendar, the joint school committee decided against a two week winter break at their meeting on Thursday, Jan. 23. Instead, the committee decided to implement a half day on Tuesday, Dec. 23, with the confirmed break taking place from Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Jan. 2.

The back and forth between the committee considered many perspectives, taking into account how the two week break would impact teaching schedules for schools during finals and toward the end of the school year and the effect it would have on sports and extracurricular activities as well as the potential impact it may have on working parents.

Other arguments were made that a two week winter break would give families and staff more leisure time for themselves, making it easier to travel out of state and make holiday plans.

Ultimately, it was shown that the schools in the district would prefer a half day on Dec. 23 and the vote was finalized.

Highlights to the calendar include the first day of school for grades 1 through 12 beginning on Wednesday, Aug. 27 with the last day of school on Wednesday, June 17.

There will be a half day of school on Wednesday, Nov. 26 preceding Thanksgiving break on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 and spring break will take place from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24.