In Students’ Perspective: Is Spring Break Important?

March 9 marked the start of Hastings High School’s Spring Break, going until March 13. The students of HHS claim their reasoning to why having a spring break is important.

“It’s a good idea to give students time to relax during stressful times and get prepared for the last quarter of the year. Also, it gives students time to spend with family, travel, relax, and catch up,” senior Meeka Francis said.

Given the fact that spring break is a time off of school for both students and teachers, some say that the amount of days given is not enough. HHS students have different opinions on whether or not to extend the given days of spring break.

“For me personally, I think about a week of days off of school is a good amount. This gives me lots of time to do other things like practicing sports, catching up on school work, relaxing, and traveling,” senior Monika Janska said.

Even though many students believe that extending the amount of days off for Spring Break is beneficial, there are some factors that go against it. 

“There is a chance that there are some students who get so used to breaks that they do not want to come back, yet if we provide enough breaks, this could be prevented,” Francis said.

Even though many students always look forward to going into Spring Break, students have to first overcome the amount of tests given since it is the end of third quarter. Not only do students have to study for the upcoming test, but teachers also assign homework to do during break.

“This year, my workload was definitely larger going into Spring Break. Many teachers try to finish up a unit and assign tests before Spring Break. Also, doing the assignments that are assigned during Spring Break makes it feel like it is not a break anymore,” junior Emma Ventura said.

This year, Hastings High School has an early and late Spring Break. The late Spring Break starts on April 7 through April 10. With another break ahead, many students are able to have more freetime.

“It is really nice that the school is providing another Spring Break this year because the second semester tends to be the most challenging. Mostly for Spring athletes, you are rarely at school anymore because the games take all day. Because of this, the extra Spring Break can help the athletes get caught up,” Ventura said.

Not only do students need a break from school, but teachers and staff as well.

“Teachers, especially during these times, need a long break to catch up due to the fact that many teachers don’t even get their planning periods anymore. They all get behind and things get out of order, feeling more stressed than what is needed. I do agree that the teachers need a long-deserved spring break,” Francis said. 

As many students have stated, Spring Break is beneficial in many ways, both to students and teachers.

“Spring Break is important to have, and not just for students, but teachers need it as well,” Janska said.