The Wittenberg-Birnamwood School Board approved the district’s 2025-26 calendar Jan. 28 with one change to what was originally presented.
The calendar originally offered Jan. 5, 2026, as a teacher work day to get classrooms ready again following the Christmas break, according to Superintendent Garrett Rogowski. A survey of district staff indicated they would rather give students Jan. 19 off to honor the late Martin Luther King Jr.
“Most wanted Martin Luther King Day, and I know some schools take that day off to recognize Martin Luther King,” Rogowski said. “That would still be a staff work day.”
Where the calendar diverges from staff wishes is the date for high school graduation. Rogowski said he set the date for May 22, 2026, because it was a date that did not conflict with any sports playoffs.
“Our seniors don’t have to make a choice between going to their events or attending graduation,” Rogowski said. “Some high school staff have said: ‘Can we push it later?’”
Rogowski said the only day of the week that would likely work for a later graduation would be Wednesday, but that conflicts with the arrangement the school district has with local clergy to avoid Wednesday night events so it didn’t conflict with religious classes or services.
The calendar includes 175 student days and 190 days for educators. There are three built-in weather days in the event of heavy snowfall or extreme cold.
“We don’t have to have virtual instruction,” Rogowski said. “Kids can go play in the snow and not have to worry about getting something done.”
The school year begins Sept. 2 and ends June 5, 2026, possibly earlier if the weather days are not used.
The calendar includes days off for Thanksgiving and the day after. Nov. 24 would be a half-day to allow teachers to catch up on grading, Rogowski said. He noted that attendance that week is down due the gun hunting season, but that the district was not offering a full week off — even though some school districts like Shawano do so.
The calendar retains a full week for spring break.
“That is preferred by staff,” Rogowski said.
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
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