On Tuesday, Nov. 16, Hinsdale Central students and staff received an email regarding the anticipation of a two-day extension of Thanksgiving break.

District 86 Board President Terri Walker and Superintendent Tammy Prentiss notified the district around 9 a.m., so most students were informed of the news during their second period class.

The purpose of this extra time off was for the good of students’ mental health. The email touches upon using the days off as a way to relax, recharge, reconnect with people and more.

Most students agree that this decision accomplishes its goal. There were many daunting academic expectations across curriculums that needed to be met in those first two days of the week prior to the start of Thanksgiving break.

“I am excited to use the extra time off to catch up on sleep and spend time with my friends,” said Hana Freburg, senior. “School has made it difficult to get enough sleep and socialize as much as I’d like to.”

For some students, however, these additional days off have done more harm than good for their mental health. As many students’ tests and assignments’ due dates were pushed until after the break, this interferes with their ability to relax during the week off since they feel like they will then be unprepared for their assessments.

“I was looking forward to getting my big tests and assignments out of the way before break,” said Mai-Jeanna Sakho, junior. “Now I feel like I will be stressing out over them all week and need to study when I should be relaxing.”

It’s not only students and faculty that have been affected by this decision. Parents received the email as well and are excited to spend more time with their children.

“I’m happy that my daughter will be able to spend more time with us next week,” said Kara Levin, mother of Taylor Levin, junior. “I think Thanksgiving time is meant to be spent around loved ones.”

If you have any questions regarding the school board’s decision, contact Superintendent Prentiss [email protected].