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Adel DeSoto Minburn Community School District

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December Parent and Family Update

Posted Date: 12/09/25 (03:31 PM)
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December Parent and Family Update

12/9/25

ADM Families,

Happy holidays! Thanksgiving break has come and gone and it is hard to believe that winter break is only a week and a half away. We continue to focus on our wildly important goal of decreasing the % of PS-11 students scoring “Not Yet Proficient” in reading/ELA from 12% to 10% by June 1, 2026. To meet this goal, we are committed to maximizing the minutes we have with students between now and the upcoming break. Please take a few minutes to read through this month’s edition of the Parent and Family Update to learn about the 2026-27 draft calendar and other important updates.
 
A calendar graphic with the text '2026-27 Draft School Calendar'.

2026-27 Draft School Calendar Public Hearing and Feedback

The following proposed DRAFT ADM Academic School Calendar has been developed, reviewed by the Board, and is being shared for feedback from families and staff. ADM’s calendar is considered an “hours calendar” which must include a minimum of 1080 student instructional hours to meet state requirements.
The Proposed Calendar Includes:
  • 1109 Instructional Hours (Minimum of 1080 Required)
  • 176 Student Attendance Days
  • 189 Certified Staff Contract Days
  • First Day of School: 8/24
  • Note: Iowa law sets August 23 as the earliest allowable school start date. In 2026, August 23 falls on a Sunday, so the earliest possible start date for schools is Monday, August 24.
  • Thanksgiving Break: 11/25-11/29 (including weekend)
  • Winter Break: 12/23-1/3 (including weekends)
  • Spring Break: 3/12-3/21 (including weekends)
  • Notes: Spring break aligns with area schools and DMACC.
  • Seniors Last Day: 5/20
  • Commencement: 5/23
  • Last Day of School for Students: 5/27

Public Hearing:
  • A public hearing for the proposed 2026-27 Academic School Calendar will be set for January 12 at 5:30 PM at the next regular board meeting. 
Review and Feedback:
  • Families and staff will be encouraged to review the draft calendar and provide feedback using the links below by end of the day on 12/17.
Winter Break Notes:
  • The draft 2026-27 calendar restores winter break to a more typical length of 12 days including weekends.
  • ADM indicated last year that the 16 day winter break for the 2025-26 school year was a one year anomaly due to the unique needs of the 2025-26 school calendar. We have been able to return to a more typical winter break length as planned for the 2026-27 school year.
  • Previous Winter Breaks:
  • 2021-22: 12 days (counting weekends)
  • 2022-23: 12 days (counting weekends)
  • 2023-24: 12 days (counting weekends)
  • 2024-25: 13 days (counting weekends)
  • 2025-26: 16 days (counting weekends)
  • 2026-27: 12 days (counting weekends)

April No School Teacher Work Day Notes:
  • The 2026-27 calendar restores an April no school teacher work day.
  • An April no school teacher work day was removed from the 2025-26 school calendar due to the unique needs of that calendar.
  • In future years ADM will work to position this no school teacher work day around the Easter holiday. This was not feasible this year due to Easter occurring in March.

View Proposed 2026-27 ADM Academic Calendar

Provide Calendar Feedback (Complete by 12/17/25)

 
A presentation slide with the ADM Community Schools logo.

Focus on Learning: PS-12 ELA Curriculum

Each month the ADM School Board receives a “Focus on Learning” report at the monthly School Board meeting. At the December Board Meeting, ADM’s building principals provided an update about each building’s work related to implementing curriculum changes in literacy. Use the following link to review the slide deck and learn more: PS-12 ELA Curriculum Update Focus on Learning
 

Winter Weather Communication Plan:

Winter weather is upon us and with winter comes questions about communication related to late starts, early outs, and school closure. Please take a moment to review the following information about ADM's winter communications.

How Are Closing and Delay Decisions Made?
School may be closed, delayed, or dismissed early due to inclement weather or other emergency situations. Decisions to cancel school are not taken lightly, and any changes to our regular schedule are made by the superintendent after consultation with the director of transportation and other related personnel. ADM's number one priority is ensuring the safety of all students. A decision to close or delay school will normally be made no later than 5:30 AM.

How Are Parents Notified?
ADM uses the SchoolMessenger alert system to directly notify parents of weather and emergency related delay, dismissal, or cancellation decisions.  Parents are notified by email, phone, and text message. Messages are also sent to area television stations, Raccoon Valley Radio, and displayed on the school website at www.admschools.org.
 
Have a great day!

Greg Dufoe
ADM Superintendent