Should Indiana and Kentucky Add Extra School Holidays Like New York? [POLL]

Taking Time Off Around Labor Day

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a break from work. With Labor Day right around the corner, I took a look at my vacation schedule and realized I have a few days I need to use up. We took a big trip in May so I doubt we'll be going on any more vacations this year, but I like to bump days off up against long holiday weekends so I can get bigger projects done at home.

My daughter just started school and I can tell she's ready for a break too. She's old enough to stay by herself now, but I remember the days when I had to find childcare for holidays, snow days, and even sick days when I couldn't take off work. What a huge hassle that was. It's always nice to have days off, but for parents of small children, it can be a real pain to find childcare if your vacation schedules don't line up.

New York School Holidays Added for 2025-2026

It was announced that New York State has added three extra holidays to the school schedule for the 2025-2026 school year:

• Diwali: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Asian Lunar New Year: Monday, February 17, 2026
• Eid al-Adha: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (observed mid-June)

While the change gives representation to more religions and cultures, not all parents are excited about finding extra childcare or making up the missed days during summer break.

Common School Holidays in Indiana & Kentucky

Holiday schedules differ from district to district, but here’s a look at common holidays in Indiana schools for the 2025-2026 year:

• Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025
• Fall Break: Often held in October (dates vary by district)
• Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28, 2025
• Winter Break: Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 2, 2026
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026
• President's Day: Monday, February 16, 2026
• Spring Break: One week in March
• Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2026 (if still in session)

Indiana School Attendance Law Update

Recently, it was announced that Indiana is cracking down on attendance with Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 482. Schools must track and report absences consistently, notify families, and use intervention plans before prosecutors get involved.

Students cannot be suspended or expelled just for being absent, but repeat unexcused absences will be reported to the courts, the Department of Child Services, or prosecutors.

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When Students Are Counted as Present (Exempt/Excused, Not Absent)

• Legislative page at the Statehouse
• Serving on election day
• Testifying in court
• Active duty military or National Guard (15 days or more)
• Civil Air Patrol (up to 5 days)
• Approved educational activities like the Indiana State Fair or 4-H/FFA events

Excused but Reported as Absent

• Administrator Approved (emergencies, religious reasons, etc.)
• Family Choice Planned (vacations or planned absences)
• Family Choice Unplanned (transportation issues, weather, emergencies)
• Funeral or Bereavement
• Medical (illness, injury, mental health with note or parent call)
• Religious Observances

Unexcused

• Any absence not authorized by the school

Read More: Indiana School Attendance Law Update SEA 482 Explained

Should Indiana and Kentucky Add More School Holidays

So what do you think? Should Indiana and Kentucky add more holidays so families of different cultures can celebrate too?

Here at Townsquare Media, we get two floating holidays. We can use them for official holidays or just as personal days off. I always use mine for Christmas Eve and Cyber Monday. Yes, I think getting all my Christmas shopping done is a holiday.