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Wisconsin Public School Observance Days: 2025-26

School Year Observance Days Background

Wisconsin's 21 special observance days are part of state statutes governing general school operations (Wis. Stat. sec. 118.02). Federal law has moved the celebration of many legal holidays to Monday, however, state law recommends that each Wisconsin Special Observance Day be held on the day itself. When an observance day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it should be observed on the preceding Friday or the following Monday.

Honoring observance days can teach the elements of tradition that preserve U.S. society and foster an awareness of our cultural heritage. Observance days can be part of a rich social studies curriculum that gives these individuals and events proper emphasis, both in the context of Wisconsin and U.S. history and in relation to their effect on or improvement of our political, economic, and social institutions.

Wisconsin Public School Observance Day commemorating the date during World War II when the largest number of Americans were captured in the Conquest of Bataan. Customarily observed through gubernatorial proclamation, the day recognizes those who…
Wisconsin Public School Observance Day recognizing the American's Creed, written in 1917 by William Tyler Page, a messenger in the U.S. House of Representatives. His essay was judged the "best summary of American political faith" in national contest…
Wisconsin Public School Observance Day to mark the date in 1775 when shots were fired in Lexington, beginning of the Revolutionary War.   Enacted August 30, 2001, from the 2001 Laws of Wisconsin, Act 16 budget bill.   More information…
Wisconsin Public School Observance Day, marking the anniversary of Earth Day (April 22, 1970) and urging schools to conduct programs across subject areas to enhance students' understanding of the environment and to promote an ethic of environmental…
The Arbor Day movement began in the 1800s to promote conservation and beautification of the environment. Arbor Day is a Wisconsin School Observance Day and national observance day to encourage people to plant and care for trees. Observed in…
Wisconsin Public School Observance Day required by statute if school is in session. Commemorates Robert LaFollette, born June 14, 1855, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives, as governor in Wisconsin, and in the U.S. Senate. He was one of…