School calendar adopted for 2020-21

The Fairfax County School Board has adopted a calendar for the 2020-21 school year, Fairfax County Public Schools reports.

The first day of school for students will be Tuesday, Aug. 25. The last day is Friday, June 11.

Here are the highlights:

• There will be a three-day break for Thanksgiving – Nov. 25-27. 
• Winter break is Dec. 21-Jan. 1. 
• Spring break is March 29-April 2. 
• There are six teacher workdays and staff development days during the school year, when students will not come to school: Oct. 12, Nov. 2 and 3, Jan. 25, March 6, and April 5.
• Teachers will start work on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. 

Virginia law was changed this year to enable school districts to start the school year before Labor Day, with the stipulation that a student holiday be designated for the Friday before Labor Day as well as Labor Day. 

The calendar was developed by a committee composed of representatives from internal and external constituent groups, including community religious organizations, teachers, employees, principal association representatives, and central office staff.  It was developed with a focus on instruction and learning time for students. Families were surveyed to determine preferences and gather feedback.