MCPS currently schedules breaks in December and April. Introducing a mid-winter break in February, similar to those in other East Coast states like New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, could offer significant benefits. A break like this could help reduce burnout, enhance mental health and improve academic performance.
New York schools’ February break originated in 1977 when then Governor Hugh Carey ordered all schools to close for two weeks due to a shortage of gas used to heat the schools. Since then, it has remained a standard break for every county in the state of New York and has been adopted by other counties in the Northeast. Since Maryland experiences similar weather patterns, MCPS should consider aligning its calendar with these school systems.
The stretch between winter and spring breaks can be long and exhausting for both students and teachers. Implementing a week-long extension of Presidents’ Day would provide a much-needed pause, allowing everyone to recharge. Research by Edutopia suggests that short breaks help students focus, increase productivity and reduce stress.
Teachers also benefit from a mid-winter break. A positive school environment with adequate rest periods has been linked to improved teacher performance and job satisfaction.
In recent years, growing concerns about student mental health have emerged. Anxiety, depression and stress have become increasingly prevalent among school-aged children and teenagers. The long winter months can be particularly challenging, as cold weather and shorter daylight hours contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and general fatigue.
A mid-winter break could serve as a crucial mental health reset. Students can use this time to rest, spend time with family or engage in hobbies and activities they enjoy. For those struggling with sleep deprivation due to school workloads, an extra week off could allow them to catch up on much-needed rest.
Schools often emphasize the importance of self-care and balance, so adjusting the calendar would be a meaningful way to reinforce that message.
One concern about adding a February break is that it could extend the school year into late June. However, this issue could be resolved by adjusting the school calendar in other ways. For example, schools could start the academic year slightly earlier or shorten other breaks by a day or two. Districts that offer a February break manage to fit it into their schedules without major disruptions.
Another argument against a February break is the potential loss of instructional time. However, well-placed breaks can improve academic performance by allowing students to return to school more focused and engaged. Instead of seeing a February break as a loss of time, MCPS should view it as an investment in student success.
Adding a February break to the MCPS calendar would provide significant benefits for students, teachers and families. It would reduce burnout, support mental health and align Montgomery County with other school districts that have already adopted this practice. As schools increasingly recognize the importance of student well-being, implementing a mid-winter break would be a practical and necessary change.
By prioritizing rest and balance, MCPS can create a healthier and more productive learning environment for everyone.
