'Show Grace' As Students Return To School Tuesday In Prince George's: Superintendent

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Students across the county will be dashing out the door Tuesday, Aug. 26, for the first day of class with Prince George's County Public Schools.

Dr. Shawn Joseph, interim superintendent of PGCPS, told Patch that the district is ready for the influx of students and eager to start the school year off on a high note.

“As we begin this school year, I am energized by the progress we’re making and clear about the work ahead. Our focus is on streamlining efforts, monitoring the growth that truly matters and keeping our goals visible to families and staff. From accelerating learning for our most vulnerable students to strengthening partnerships and improving operations, we are committed to moving with urgency, clarity and accountability. I encourage families to stay engaged with their schools and with us, because their partnership is vital to student success," Joseph told Patch.

Joseph recommended that families start easing students into their school year routines now - especially earlier bedtimes.

"Families facing challenges with school supplies should reach out to their child’s school for support," Joseph advised Patch.

Also, with so many buses on the road, Joseph recommended parents and guardians use the PGCPS bus app to stay updated on bus routes and timing.

"And most importantly, we encourage families to show grace during the first few days – whether it’s a delay at the bus stop or a longer wait in the drop-off line. We’re all in this together, and we’re committed to making this a great start for every student," Joseph told Patch.

Below are important dates that families should have on their calendar for the 2025-2026 school year:

2025

• Aug. 26 - first day of school
• Sept. 1 - Labor Day - school buildings and offices closed
• Sept. 12 - teacher planning - early dismissal for students
• Sept 23 - professional development - school closed for students
• Oct. 2 - Yom Kippur - school buildings and offices closed (potential inclement weather make-up day)
• Oct. 17 - professional development - school closed for students
• Oct. 31 - grading and report day Q1 for teachers - early dismissal for students
• Nov. 11 - parent-teacher conferences - school closed for students
• Nov. 26-28 - Thanksgiving break - schools and offices closed
• Dec. 19 - teacher planning - early dismissal for students
• Dec. 22-31 - winter break and Christmas holiday - schools and offices closed

2026

• Jan. 1 - New Year's Day - schools and offices closed
• Jan. 2 - winter break - schools and offices closed
• Jan. 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day – schools and offices closed
• Jan. 26 - grading and report day Q2 for teachers - early dismissal for students
• Feb. 13 - teacher planning - early dismissal for students
• Feb. 16 - Presidents' Day - schools and offices closed
• March 20 - professional development - school closed for students (potential inclement weather make-up day)
• March 27 - grading and report day Q3 for teachers - early dismissal for students
• March 30- April 2 - spring break - schools closed
• April 3 and April 6 - spring break and Easter holidays - schools and offices closed
• April 22 — teacher planning - early dismissal for students
• May 8 - last day of school for high school seniors
• May 25 - Memorial Day – schools and offices closed
• May 27 - Eid al-Adha* – schools and offices closed (potential inclement weather make-up day)
• June 12 - last day of school for students - early dismissal
• June 15, 16 and 17 - potential inclement weather make-up days that could be used if needed
• June 16 - last day for teachers