School is a place where students come to expand the knowledge in their brains, but when do they have time to rest? Many students are tired after weeks of relentless school. There is a never-ending dread of everything piling up and feeling like you never have enough time for assignments, work, or sports. This cycle can negatively impact students’ mental health. Recently, Minnesota school districts and students have found that a 4-day school week schedule would better help their focus and organization skills. Junior Scarlet Wenzel says, “I think I would be doing better in school if we started 4-day school weeks.”
The adoption of a four-day school week presents many benefits, including improved wellness for students and teachers and a higher teacher retention.
A main advantage is the positive impact on the school community’s well-being.
The Journalist Resource states, “4-day school weeks show a major decrease in bullying, starting at 44% to 31% and fighting from 35% to 27%.” The article also states that students found that their sleep quality improved significantly.
Students are approving of a new 4-day school week schedule. Junior Michiah Lawson says, “I think everyone would benefit from a 4-day school week, I know I would.”
Joe Erickson, Superintendent of the North Iowa Community School District, says, “When we go to a career fair, every student that stops by wants to talk about the four-day school week”.
This extra day will allow for growth and change. Students can also relax and focus on schoolwork during the 3-day weekend. This gives students time to think critically and take much-needed time on assignments. Students who sometimes feel rushed or misunderstood when it comes to certain assignments can take this time to think more critically and actually learn.
