Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is meant to honor Dr. King’s legacy of equality, justice, service, and social change. Across the country, the day is used to reflect on his impact, participate in community service, and have important conversations about civil rights and unity. For students, it should also be a true day off that allows time for reflection, rest, and family. However, when midterm week begins immediately after MLK Day, that purpose is often lost.
Each year, many students spend the MLK Day weekend studying, cramming, and stressing about exams that begin the very next day. Instead of being able to fully engage with the meaning of the holiday, students are focused on grades, deadlines, and academic pressure. If midterms were scheduled for the week before or pushed to the following week, students would be able to honor Dr. King’s legacy without the constant worry of upcoming exams.
It is important to note that the timing of midterm week is not determined by the Port Washington administration alone. New York State Regents exams, which take place later in January, heavily influence the academic calendar. S chools must finish courses and assessments before Regents week begins, leaving limited flexibility when scheduling midterms. Even so, acknowledging this constraint does not mean students cannot question whether the current structure is the most supportive option.
“I think midterm week should not fall after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day because students should have the opportunity to use this break as a day to relax and recharge,” said sophomore Jared Kohn.
Another major issue is student mental health. Long weekends are meant to give students time to reset, especially during an already stressful part of the school year. When midterms immediately follow MLK Day, that extra day off becomes a high-pressure study session instead of a break. Stress and anxiety can increase, which negatively affects focus, performance, and overall well-being.
Midterms following MLK Day also take away from time spent with family and friends. Many families share the day off, making it one of the few opportunities during the school year for meaningful time together. When students are overwhelmed by exam preparation, that opportunity is often lost.
“No, I don’t think midterms should fall after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day because students should be able to relax over this holiday and honor him for all of his accomplishments,” said sophomore Chase Beckenstein.
Teachers are also affected by this schedule. Preparing, finalizing, and administering major exams immediately after a long weekend adds pressure for educators as well. A schedule that allows both students and teachers to return from a break without immediate high-stakes assessments could lead to a healthier and more productive environment.
“I think midterm week should be moved to before the break, so students can actually enjoy their break,” said sophomore Gus Esposito.
Parents benefit from this change as well. When major exams loom over a holiday weekend, stress extends beyond students and into households. Moving midterms away from MLK Day would allow families to spend quality time together without academic pressure hanging over them.
While Regents week limits scheduling options, that reality should not prevent meaningful discussion about student well-being and the purpose of school breaks. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is meant to be a time for reflection, growth, and unity. When midterms immediately follow the holiday, that purpose is undermined.
In conclusion, midterms should not fall directly after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Students, teachers, and families all deserve a true break, especially on a day meant to honor such an important legacy. With thoughtful planning that acknowledges Regents scheduling, schools can better balance academic responsibility with mental health and respect for meaningful national holidays.