Dear Cashion Families,

As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, I want to make you aware of an adjustment to our daily schedule and explain why this change is necessary.

During the 2025 legislative session, the Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Bill 1481, which establishes new requirements for daily recess for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. While Cashion Public Schools has always valued the importance of recess and provided daily opportunities for students to be active and socialize, this law creates new requirements that directly impact the amount of instructional time schools must provide.

Historically, recess was included as part of the instructional day. Under the new law, schools must provide at least 40 minutes of recess each day for elementary students. Initially, the Oklahoma State Department of Education interpreted the law to mean that none of those 40 minutes could count toward required instructional hours. Had that interpretation remained in place, districts across Oklahoma would have been required to significantly extend the school day or add several additional days to the school calendar. School leaders throughout the state worked with legislators and the Oklahoma State Department of Education to address these concerns. As a result of those discussions, districts are now permitted to count up to 20 minutes of the required recess time toward instructional hours. However, schools must still make up the remaining 20 minutes each day to meet state instructional requirements.

Oklahoma accreditation standards require school districts to provide a minimum of 1086 instructional hours each year. To remain compliant with state law, districts essentially had two options:

• Add additional instructional days to the school calendar, or

• Extend the length of the school day.

After carefully reviewing both options, Cashion Public Schools determined that a slight extension of the daily schedule would be the least disruptive choice for students, families, and staff. By adding 15 minutes to the school day, we are able to maintain our current school calendar, preserve scheduled breaks, and avoid extending the school year.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, breakfast will be served starting at 7:35 a.m., and classes will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will end at 3:15 p.m. We encourage families to plan accordingly to ensure students arrive on time and are ready to begin learning each day. We understand that schedule changes affect family routines, and we appreciate your flexibility and support. Our goal is always to maximize learning opportunities for students while meeting state requirements in the most practical way possible.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for supporting Cashion Public Schools.

Sincerely,

Shane Hood