With the new addition of fall break in mid-October this school year, many OHS students were able to enjoy the luxury of what seemed like another week of summer. This break allowed students to take their minds off of school amidst a busy academic and sports season, giving them time to relax and reorganize their lives. The shorter breaks were added starting this year, not only providing obvious benefits for teachers and students, but also a transition to year-long school, which can harm schools in the long run.
Especially because fall break landed on the week after Homecoming, students could relish in the weekend, without worrying about the upcoming school week. With the homework they had to complete pushed back with a week’s extension, they would catch up on the assignment they had missed over their break. Students participating in organizations at school, such as STUGO and clubs, could also unwind after a busy homecoming week when important events such as the carnival, assembly, and the homecoming parade take place. The numerous activities students participate in causes students to be pulled out and miss classtime, which fall break helped make up for.
Many families could also take advantage of a quick getaway, especially those who typically do not travel during the Thanksgiving and winter seasons. Because the new fall break is not centered around a holiday, various families could portion out time for themselves without the pressure of having to prepare for reunions or events.
However, because there are Thanksgiving and winter breaks provided in the first semester of school, the addition of fall break may seem irrational. A break every month would limit the time students spend in school as it takes out a week of school every month. On the other hand, there are fewer breaks in the second semester which is typically a busier season for students. The second semester is far more demanding academically, as in addition to sports seasons, students need time to be ready for their finals and AP exams. Upperclassmen also need to focus on national exams, such as the ACT, which can be stressful and challenging. Due to these factors, students may feel more need for additional breaks in the second semester in comparison to the first.
Typically, schools in Arizona are known to start and end early to avoid the scorching heat of summer months. Schools in the DVUSD school district, at least, start their school year on the first day of August and end in the middle of May, benefiting from the cool spring and fall weather. Some schools in the Tempe school district even start in July.
The addition of fall break is a start to creating a year-round schedule, which shortens summer break and instead sprinkles week-long breaks throughout the school year. With this, elementary to high school students would be attending school without a prolonged break.
According to a 2024 article published by AZCentral, year-round school minimizes learning loss and helps students who rely on services from their school district, such as a free and reduced lunch program. The class material remains fresh in students’ minds as they have shorter break periods and can easily remember their curriculum. Without wasting time reviewing in the first weeks of school, teachers can dive right into new material because students would more easily remember the information they had learned two weeks ago, rather than two and a half months ago. By having more time to unwind between their busy weeks, teachers can catch up on their grading and students to their studies, leisurely.
Year-long school may take away from the long summer months when students can completely forget about school and enjoy life without worries. Students can take long vacations out-of-state or even out of the country, which especially can only be enjoyed through longer breaks. Although having a year-long school with a two-week summer vacation may harm students, only shortening it by a few weeks and having more tiny breaks can benefit them to have a fulfilling educational experience during high school. By enjoying more leisure in between the school year, and having material fresh in the mind, high school may turn out to be a better stepping stone into college life and beyond. Although the introduction of fall break is a luxury for the students, the year-long school it may lead to, should be considered before putting it into place at OHS.
