The 2025-2026 school year calendar was approved at the Beecher District 200-U meeting on January 8, and there were a few items of note for teachers, parents, and students to keep an eye on.
The year will start with a staff day on August 13 – a Wednesday – and students will start on August 15.
The biggest change is that Veterans Day – November 11– is an in-person day.
“I already have been working with my principals, and I’m very excited they will provide some kind of veterans service that day,” Supt. Jack Gaham said. “I’m very passionate about that day. There are some ideas out there.”
Gaham added if there are no emergency days, Casimir Pulaski Day, March 2, will be an off day.
All bets are off if there is an emergency day but, if there are two emergency days, Pulaski Day and May 29 will be used. The final day of school is scheduled for May 28, if there are no emergency days used.
Gaham pointed out snow days, with remote learning, are not the same as emergency days, thus they would not affect Pulaski Day or May 29.
Dog days ahead
The district is making inroads on bringing in a therapy dog for students and staff. Gaham said the Beecher Education Foundation will agree to give up $10,000 for the project.
The district is looking to obtain a dog from St. Louis-based Duo Dogs. There is no cost for the dog, but there are expenses for staff members Stephen Sarsany and Kayla Hise to receive training in St. Louis, vet expenses, and $450 for a leash, coat, collar, and other items.
“I promised I would not bring this to the board if it was a money-suck or money-grab or me being fiscally irresponsible,” Gaham said. “This is something Steve brought to life, and it was something I was passionate about when I got here.”
The preliminary contract says the dog will be a Labrador, Board President Ashley Belt said.
The dog would be with the school until it turns 10 and then would be retired. The district figured it will get a two-year-old dog, with two years of training.