The state of Illinois requires every public school district to mandate 185 school days in a year in order to accomplish the required student attendance of 176 days in the school year. Along with that, school districts can accommodate what days to take time off school for either holidays or through school breaks. Monticello is quite unique for Central Illinois as their students graduate/end school much earlier than other area schools in return for not as many holiday breaks in the year.
Students and staff are split on favoring the longer fall and shorter winter breaks. Those opposed to it feel as though it takes too much time away from student’s academics in such a pivotal point in the school quarter, while giving student’s so little time to take a break before heading into the second semester.
Mr. Webb explained through his thoughts of the break, “…I think the school gave way too much time away from school in general, including teachers as well…”
Along with this, Señora Walk has similar sentiment, along with the overall idea of student’s break away from school. She explained, “I am more in favor of a longer winter break…like most students and teachers I know…Plus Mr. Webb complained about being cooped up for too long so there’s that!”
With both teachers being considerable advocates for student’s mental health, students need to take time to reflect what they need to do to balance breaks for not only their mental health and stress, but also to improve their academics throughout the year.
Jose Ocadiz, Staff Writer
ocajo24@sages.us
The Sage Informer 
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