Academic Calendars
School Year Calendars
Preschool Calendars
BEGINNINGS & ENDINGS
At Mason City Schools, we believe how we start and finish the year matters. That’s why we’ve created intentional experiences that build connection, joy, and confidence for students and families from the first hello to the final goodbye of each school year.
MCS Day 1 - Phase In Start for Students
To help students begin the year with confidence, Mason uses a phased start called MCS Day 1. Students attend in smaller groups so staff can build strong relationships, provide extra support, and create a calm, welcoming environment.
MCS Day 2 - All K-12 Students Come to School
All students in Grades K–12 attend together and begin a regular school schedule.
FAMILY ORIENTATION
Kick off the year with a warm welcome! Family Orientation is a joyful opportunity for families and students to visit classrooms, meet teachers, and get ready for a fantastic school year. These Welcome Days help make the transition back to school smooth, supportive, and exciting.
HOLIDAYS – No School for Students
The following dates are holidays when all Mason City Schools are closed.
*District offices may be open with limited hours during break periods; see notes for full closures.
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Labor Day
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Fall Break*
*District and school offices closed on Nov. 25 & 26 -
Winter Break*
*District and school offices closed on Dec. 24, 25, 31 & Jan 1 -
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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Presidents’ Day
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Spring Break*
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Memorial Day
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Juneteenth
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Independence Day
JOURNEY DAYS
Experience learning beyond the classroom! On Journey Days, students do not report to school, but instead step outside the traditional school day to participate in hands-on, meaningful experiences tailored to their passions and pathways. Whether exploring careers, volunteering in the community, expressing creativity, or focusing on wellness, these student-centered days foster growth, curiosity, and connection. Contact your child's school to discover the unique Journey Day experiences planned this year.
PROFESSIONAL WORK DAYS – No School for Students ![]()
To support excellent teaching, Mason City Schools sets aside days when students stay home, but staff are learning, planning, and preparing. These are not vacation days—teachers and staff use this time to strengthen instruction and support student success.
On these days, teachers may focus on:
To support excellent teaching, Mason City Schools sets aside days when students stay home, but staff are learning, planning, and preparing. These are not vacation days—teachers and staff use this time to strengthen instruction and support student success.
On these days, teachers may focus on:
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Professional learning and training
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Parent-teacher conferences
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Grading, planning, and collaboration
Staff Professional Learning Days - occur for all staff during some professional work days
Some Professional Work Days are designated as full-day learning events for all Mason staff. During these days, staff engage in sustained, collaborative, and responsive learning designed to empower professional growth and improve student outcomes in alignment with the district’s vision and goals.
Staff benefit from:
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Choice in what they are learning
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Opportunities to explore topics deeply over time
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Collaboration and application of learning
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Time to connect across grade levels and departments
📅 2025–2026 Dates: September 26, November 21, February 13
Flex Days - occur for teachers during some professional work days
Some Professional Work Days are designated as Flex Days. On these days, teachers may choose where to work (at school or another location) while completing important responsibilities such as grading, planning, or collaborating with colleagues.
📅 2025–2026 Flex Days: October 13, January 2, March 13, May 26