Expectations for June 6 Eid al-Adha in HCPSS Schools and Offices

April 11th, 2025

When the 2025-2026 HCPSS School Year Calendar was developed and approved, it was believed that Eid al-Adha would be on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Since that time, representatives from the Howard County Muslim Council (HCMC) informed us that the date has been adjusted to be Friday, June 6, 2025. Currently, that date is a half day of school for students and Professional Work Day for staff.

HCPSS staff have been in close collaboration with representatives of HCMC to consider the expectations for that day.

While HCPSS schools are scheduled to be open a half day for students on Friday, June 6, it is important that our Muslim neighbors can celebrate Eid al-Adha without concern of having an unexcused absence and missing important instruction at school. For that reason, several expectations are in place for June 6, including:

• All student absences for religious purposes are considered lawful absences and are excused.
• Tests and quizzes will not be given on that date, and no graded assignments will be due.
• Students will be excused from any scheduled extracurricular activities.

While students do not need to fill out the request for religious observation form for June 6, a parent/guardian should submit a note to the school clarifying their student was absent to celebrate Eid al-Adha.

HCPSS values the cultures and religions of all students, staff and families, and school system leadership continues to appreciate the close partnership with HCMC as we consider ways for members of the Muslim community to observe this important religious holiday with minimal impact to their academic experience.

The Howard County Muslim Council developed a statement to share with the HCPSS community. View the statement online.