New York's 2010 to 2011 school year began for teachers on September 7 and for students on September 8. Since some other staff members were already working, Labor Day, which fell on September 6, 2010, is listed as the first holiday on the school calendar.
It was closely followed by school closings on September 9 and 10 for Rosh Hashanah. This holiday marks the beginning of a new year for Jewish observers.
In October, the only school holiday observed was Columbus day, which fell on Monday the 11th.
There were three days of observance in November. On the 11th, schools closed for Veterans Day. Then, Thanksgiving provided a two day break on Thursday the 25th and Friday the 26th.
The winter recess was an extended break that began on December 24 and spanned through December 31st. According to the school calendar published by the Department of Education, this break was designed to include observance of Christmas and New Years Day on January 1, 2011.
Later in January, on the 17th, schools closed for the celebration of Martin Luther King Day.
The Midwinter recess provided another extended break, which spanned from February 21 to 25. This period was used in part to observe George Washington's birthday.
A Spring recess scheduled for April 18 to 26 was included on New York's school calendar, providing the occasions to celebrate three holidays --- Good Friday, Easter, and Passover.
Schools were scheduled to close for one day in May. On the 30th, students and staff were allotted an opportunity to celebrate Memorial Day. This is New York's final school holiday for the 2010 to 2011 school year.
Changes may be permitted if requests are made at least four weeks in advance and then approved. Those changes cannot affect state aid. The Chancellor has the legal authority to take action against any facility that deviates from the calendar without authorization.