Pasco County Schools introduces four-day mini breaks to tackle ‘chronic’ student absence

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco County Schools introduced four-day mini breaks into the calendar for the upcoming school year that will “revolutionize student engagement and combat chronic absenteeism.”

The extended weekends will be held from Oct. 12-15, 2024, Feb. 14-17, 2025, and April 18-21, 2025.

According to a press release, the primary objective for the change is to encourage families to use the breaks for family trips, vacations, and appointments, while “ensuring that students attend school consistently during scheduled contact days.”

“This forward-thinking initiative not only benefits students but also accommodates the needs of parents and guardians who often struggle to coordinate family vacations with the academic calendar,” the press release said.

The district noted that chronic absenteeism has been a “persistent challenge” for many school districts.

“By fostering a harmonious balance between education and family life, the district is paving the way for a world class education for its students.”