A growing number of school districts is now extending winter break to create a COVID buffer and give staff and students extended mental health relief.
Many took the entire week of Thanksgiving off for the same reasons, as COVID rates see-sawed around the country and administrators grappled with staffing shortages.
Richmond Public Schools in Virginia will be closed Dec. 20 and 21 to give students and staff a full two weeks of winter break “to rest and recharge-physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Superintendent Jason Kamras said in a message to the community. “I believe we face an emotional and mental health emergency right now that requires us to think differently about this year,” Kamras said. “I’m under no illusion that two extra days will be a panacea, but—based on dozens of conversations I’ve had over the last couple of weeks with students, teachers, and parents—I believe the additional time will help tremendously.”
Saint Paul Public Schools in Minnesota will also close on those same two days to give students and staff extended time off. “This change is being made in an effort to acknowledge the stress and challenges students, families and staff are facing due to the pandemic,” says an announcement on the district’s website. “We also encourage everyone to use this time to get vaccinated or get your booster shot if you are eligible.”
Osseo Area Schools in Minnesota and the Warrick County School Corporation in Indiana will also be closed on those two days.
“Our students, staff and families have never needed a head start on their vacation as much as they do this year,” Warrick County Superintendent Todd Lambert said in a message posted by WKQD.com. “Our teachers and staff members have been challenged physically, emotionally, and mentally to keep our schools open and provide our students with a quality education during a pandemic. Our students and families have endured adjustments to their lives and routines, with school being the source of many of those changes.”
Worcester County Public Schools in Maryland has made Dec. 20-22 virtual learning days and is adding mental health resources.
“This change is just one component of a comprehensive effort on our part to address the well-being of our students and staff as the trauma of this pandemic lingers to nearly two years now,” Superintendent Lou Taylor said in a message on the district’s website. “We know that it is nearly impossible to provide a high-quality education in our classrooms if our students, our faculty and our staff are not whole—both physically and mentally.”
Finally, in Tennessee Loudon County Schools will close on Dec. 10 so staff members can get COVID booster shots.
