At first I thought it was a joke. How would finals be after break?

When the supposed rumor rang in the hallways about finals being after break this school year, I completely ignored it. I knew there was no way that would happen because it would be too challenging for students to handle.

At LFHS, finals have always been the week leading up to a well-deserved winter break. Every student crams their studying in, takes their finals, and leaves with a sense of relief while looking forward to enjoying their time off.

Unfortunately, I was given the news that finals were postponed to be held shortly after we return from winter break.

This set up the rest of my semester for stress. What was the point of a break if I had to study during it?

Many parents have expressed the impracticality of this idea and are upset that their child will have to study over a period of time that’s supposed to be devoted to family and holidays.

Teachers and staff explained why this is occurring.  The first semester is a few weeks shorter than the second semester. However, many are asking the question: Why is this important?

It takes me the first week back to adjust back into my routines and ease back into school work. How would I perform well in finals just a week after getting back?

That began to be a stressful concern amongst students, as many are already overwhelmed before leaving, just for the anxiety to come back the first day they return.

The new schedule consists of students back to school, having a week of review, and then taking finals the following week.

It is proven that students will face severe mental health challenges and an overwhelming amount of stress, coming back to school after a couple of weeks off.

Although we don’t have “finals,” many students—including myself—have had several tests before leaving to finish the current units we are studying. Several have said this week was “stressful” and “hard”. Unfortunately, the week we return will be the same.

Now, with winter break about to take place, it hasn’t even felt like the holidays. Several students expressed that they feel this way because of all the tests and studying they have had to do in just one week, wishing the studying were for finals, not extra tests.

We want a break, and hope this won’t continue in the future, so we can leave with a peace of mind and a true “break.”