While many schools in the U.S. begin summer in early June or even late May, we are still in class halfway through June. A week or two may not seem like a big deal, but in my opinion, those extra weeks aren’t adding any value, just wasting students’ time.
Finals week feels especially dragged out. We get half days and take one or two tests a day, stretching the schedule across to a full week. Why not just condense the finals into two days, knock them out and give us a head start to summer? Most of us students just want to get the exams over with and not spend five stressful days waiting for the last bell.
Meanwhile, the sun is out, days are longer and the weather is nice enough to be doing anything besides sitting in a hot classroom. We could be at the pool, heading up north, on a walk, or working a summer joband so many other things. Instead, students are inside the school where they have already been for almost nine months, counting down the hours until school ends.
It’s draining; the longer the school year continues, the more burnout sets in. I notice students stop trying as hard, grades slip and overall energy fades. Not all students struggle with this, but I find that a lot do. By June, we’re mentally done, and those extra days before finals aren’t helping us learn any better, just wearing us out.
A longer summer isn’t just about having fun, but it’s about giving students a highly-needed break from the intensity of school and time to focus on other aspects of life. Starting summer later creates a rushed feeling, making the break feel shorter and less meaningful. This cuts into the personal growth that students need during their time off, which should be theirs to spend however they want and enjoy their youth.
