Recently, the administration told department chairs that teachers should not assign tests or work due the first day back from winter break. This is an important decision that allows students to enjoy their vacations away from school. Throughout the school year, students are expected to keep up with academics, extracurricular activities, friends, and family.

As a result, the student body is very appreciative of this decision. In addition, this rule gives teachers the option to assign homework, but make the assignment due a few days after the break is over. This gives students the chance to finish their work after the break and teachers the ability to savor their last free days before grading assignments. Alternatively, students can also get ahead on their homework, creating a less stressful week following the vacation.

For many, the winter break is meant to give time off for students to rest and recharge. Many kids go on vacation to spend time away from the stresses of school. Or, others just stay at home and take the time to relax. Seniors applying for college take advantage of the extra time to finish their supplements and get their applications ready.

There are also juniors who use the extra-long break to help prepare for standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT. This is is why it’s important that we don’t have a large amount of work due the day after the break. While many students are happy about this rule, there is one downside. Due to the fact that tests are not allowed the day after the break, many teachers cram in many tests the week before. For many students, this makes the week before break almost like a finals week, with tests, essays, projects, and homework due.

In addition, this rule puts teachers who are teaching honors/AP classes in a difficult position, as these classes have much more demanding curricula. AP classes have their finals much earlier in the year, which makes their schedules much more crammed.

Thus, The Schreiber Times appreciates that the administration understands that what students do during their breaks should be up to them.