High school students are under more pressure today than ever. Between hours of homework, and even part-time jobs, and other responsibilities, teens are basically juggling adult-like tasks on top of their full school days. It’s time to seriously consider a new type of policy in our U.S. education system. How about moving from a five-day school week to a four-day one?
Just think about it: a regular three-day weekend instead of just a rare treat. This would provide additional time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and quality family time. For a lot of high schoolers who are constantly stressed out, that extra day could give Gen Z students a little more happiness and definitely more energy to make it through the rest of the week.
Over the past week, I talked to two students at El Rancho High School about this idea. One of them, Lee Vesgus, was pretty clear about how he felt. “If a referendum ever happened, it would give me more time with my grandma, dude,” he told me. “And it would give me more time to focus on my schoolwork too.” He even added, “I think if there was a poll, most students would be down for this.”
Next, I talked to Ishmel, or Russell Dominguez. He thought the idea of a four-day week sounded good, but he pointed out that the real issue with teen motivation isn’t just the long hours; it’s that students often struggle with staying focused. “You can shorten the week all you want,” he said, “but if students aren’t staying on track, it won’t really help.”
Teachers, from what I see, are put out after long weeks. I think a four-day school week could allow them more time to catch up on lesson planning and grading or even take a breather to improve their social skills. Having that extra day could help them come back to class more energized and ready to engage with students. It could also improve the overall learning environment, making the experience better for both teachers and students alike.
Overall, I firmly believe that this ideal policy has the potential to significantly impact the future generation. A four-day school week isn’t just some dream; it’s a chance to create a healthier, more balanced routine for students and teachers across the country. More time to relax, focus on what really matters, and come back to school feeling more refreshed and ready to take on the week. Just imagine, folks, what that could do for everyone’s mental health and productivity.
