Rockwall ISD Seeks Input on 2026-27 Calendar Changes

Rockwall Independent School District late last week released a draft calendar for the 2026–2027 school year and opened a short public comment window that closed on Tuesday, Jan. 6. The district also noted that Jan. 5 was designated as a staff development day, and students were not in session that day. In addition, RISD outlined plans to administer the Naglieri General Ability Test for kindergarten candidates during the school day from Jan. 26 through Feb. 6, a TEA-aligned screening step for identifying potential gifted and talented students.

These calendar items and program notices shape daily life for many families in Rockwall County. Staff development days give educators time for training and planning, but they also create gaps in school-based services and supervision that parents and caregivers must fill. For households that rely on school meals, after-school programs, or school-based counseling, changes to the academic calendar can create short-term disruptions and added costs for childcare. Community members should check the district webpage for any updates or campus-specific logistics tied to the draft calendar and staff development schedules.

The planned in-school administration of the Naglieri test aims to streamline screening by reaching children during the school day. Conducting aptitude screening on campus can reduce barriers for families who cannot arrange outside testing, which supports equitable access to initial identification for gifted services. At the same time, screening tools and referral processes require ongoing oversight to ensure students from all backgrounds receive fair consideration. Community advocates and families may wish to monitor how screening outcomes translate into invitations to further evaluation or services and to raise concerns with campus staff if outreach or language access is limited.

Beyond scheduling and testing, the district highlighted local scholarship application openings and student achievements. Rockwall ISD students and programs, including district TAFE competitors, are advancing to state-level competitions. A counselor at Rockwall-Heath was named a Top-5 finalist for a statewide counselor award, reflecting the role school staff play in student support and college-career readiness. These recognitions and scholarship opportunities can bolster students’ prospects and help address education affordability for local families.

As the district moves forward with calendar planning and program implementation, the practical impacts will fall unevenly across households. Families, employers, and service providers in Rockwall County should review the district’s full posts and linked calendar entries on rockwallisd.com for specifics, and consider how proposed calendar changes and in-school screening plans affect childcare, nutrition, transportation, and access to support services.