You may have noticed that this year’s Thanksgiving break schedule was unlike that of past years. As opposed to the usual three-day school week leading up to Thanksgiving, FHS implemented a two-day school week instead. What once was a week consisting of a seven-block Monday followed by two block days is now just two block days, meaning students and teachers get an extra day of break.
The schedule change came about through a vote from the Teachers Association. Members noted that nearby districts give the entire week off, so they explored options to make a change at FHS. Principal Bryan Emmert commented on one of the obstacles they faced in the decision-making process.
“The issue is, we have a certain number of school days, so we can take the whole week off, but if we take the whole week off, it means we need to start the school year earlier or end it later,” Emmert said. “And I don’t think that people love either of those ideas.”
A big factor contributing to this decision is the timing of Thanksgiving Day in 2024. With 2024 being a leap year adding an extra day back in February, combined with Halloween being on a Thursday, the dates aligned to make Thanksgiving the latest possible day, which will not occur again until 2030. For FHS, this means that there are two weeks between the Thanksgiving break and finals week, instead of the usual three-week interim period.
The Wednesday subtracted from Thanksgiving week hasn’t disappeared into thin air—instead, it has been added to the upcoming finals week, altering that schedule as well. This year, winter final exams will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and end Friday, Dec. 20. Monday of that week will be like any other Monday, with seven blocks.
Students and teachers have varying opinions on this schedule change. FHS history teacher David Rognas is in favor of the change.
“I feel like I’m generally hearing positive things about it,” Rognas said. “For me, at least, it seems like it’s better for students, and it’s also better logistically for travel, so I think it’s good overall.”
Many students approve of the schedule change. FHS senior Natalie Yip shares Rognas’ sentiment.
“I’m glad that compared to last year, we actually gained a Wednesday,” Yip said. “Because I feel like only getting Thursday and Friday off never feels like a break.”
Ultimately, the new schedule’s effectiveness will be evaluated by the district and FHS may see this extra day of Thanksgiving break again for years to come.
“As long as I’ve been in the district, [the school week has] been three days,” Emmert said. “Does one day make that big of a difference? I don’t know.”
