Growing up, five-day school weeks were fine. But now, four-day weeks are crucial to the overall wellness of students and staff and Mill Valley.
When we were younger, we would have 30 minutes of homework and then go play catch outside.
But now that we’re in high school, our days are filled with more than just school and homework. We have practice after school and on weekends, along with clubs and all eight classes with half an hour of homework, and on top of all of this, some students have to work. There is no time to rest.
Four-day weeks would prevent and eliminate burnout by giving students the time they need to take a break and care for themselves before returning to school. They would be able to get everything in their personal lives done, along with getting caught up and ready for the week ahead. The agenda in place currently causes students to spend almost all of their time outside of school thinking or working on schoolwork.
This isn’t a good setting for students and is likely a cause of many adults struggling with having a work/life balance. Only having a couple of days off during the busiest part of a teenager’s life only adds to the mountain of stress a teenager has.
Having a weekday off could allow students to pick up college classes, more work hours, or even become an intern. This can set up opportunities for students to think about their careers and prepare for their future.
If four-day weeks were implemented, our district wouldn’t be the first to try it: 71 schools in Kansas have already switched to having four days a week. Not only schools, but many companies have also continued to shift to only four days a week stating that having more time off increases work incentive and focus, which I’m sure would be reflected in a school setting as well.
Having Friday off wouldn’t be the only schedule change. Other districts that have already moved to this schedule, and start at the same time we do: 7:50. They only end school later, around 3:45. While this might seem like a downside, it would coincide better with parents who work longer, and younger siblings who currently get out of elementary school at 3:30.
Other than having longer school days, four-day weeks would create a better schedule. We wouldn’t need a reminder at the beginning of every week for if it’s a silver or blue day, because it would stay the same each week. We also wouldn’t need a late start on Wednesday, since teachers could just have professional development days.
This would also greatly benefit teachers, who would not only get another day off, but would get more planning time and not have to worry about having only two days with one class, while three with the other. Because of these benefits, it would be easier to find teachers to hire in general, because working at Mill Valley would have a greater appeal than working for a school that has five-day weeks.
Students could spend their Friday getting caught up on homework and studying for their tests the next week, while still saving time to enjoy their weekend and spend time on their other hobbies. Having four-day weeks would make everyone’s life easier, it’s a win-win.
