Give students Mondays off to improve well being

Recent signers:
Joey Faircloth and 11 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Many students believe that the current school schedule is overwhelming and does not prioritize their mental health. As students, we experience high levels of stress from the demands of school, and the lack of adequate rest time can seriously affect our mental well-being and academic performance. With the rigors of school work, extracurricular activities, and the pressing need to keep up with both, students find themselves exhausted and unable to recuperate adequately over a mere two-day weekend.

Research backs this sentiment. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly one-third of teens report feeling overwhelmed, sad, or depressed due to school stress. An extended weekend, specifically by adding Monday as a non-school day, would provide students with the much-needed time to relax, engage in meaningful family interactions, and pursue hobbies or rest, leading to reduced stress and burnout. This additional day of rest would allow students to return to school on Tuesdays more refreshed, thus enhancing their focus, engagement, and ability to learn.

Schools across different regions have experimented with four-day school weeks and reported positive outcomes. These include improved attendance and academic performance, as well as better student attitudes towards school. For instance, schools in Colorado, which have adopted a four-day week, have noted increased participation in class discussions and a rise in student morale.

We ask school boards to consider this alternative schedule for the benefit of students’ mental health and overall success. By supporting a change to a Tuesday-to-Friday school week, we can foster an environment where students thrive rather than just survive. Please, join us in urging the decision-makers to give students the opportunity to have Mondays off. Sign this petition to stand with us in promoting better mental health and academic achievements.

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Recent signers:
Joey Faircloth and 11 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Many students believe that the current school schedule is overwhelming and does not prioritize their mental health. As students, we experience high levels of stress from the demands of school, and the lack of adequate rest time can seriously affect our mental well-being and academic performance. With the rigors of school work, extracurricular activities, and the pressing need to keep up with both, students find themselves exhausted and unable to recuperate adequately over a mere two-day weekend.

Research backs this sentiment. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly one-third of teens report feeling overwhelmed, sad, or depressed due to school stress. An extended weekend, specifically by adding Monday as a non-school day, would provide students with the much-needed time to relax, engage in meaningful family interactions, and pursue hobbies or rest, leading to reduced stress and burnout. This additional day of rest would allow students to return to school on Tuesdays more refreshed, thus enhancing their focus, engagement, and ability to learn.

Schools across different regions have experimented with four-day school weeks and reported positive outcomes. These include improved attendance and academic performance, as well as better student attitudes towards school. For instance, schools in Colorado, which have adopted a four-day week, have noted increased participation in class discussions and a rise in student morale.

We ask school boards to consider this alternative schedule for the benefit of students’ mental health and overall success. By supporting a change to a Tuesday-to-Friday school week, we can foster an environment where students thrive rather than just survive. Please, join us in urging the decision-makers to give students the opportunity to have Mondays off. Sign this petition to stand with us in promoting better mental health and academic achievements.

The Decision Makers

State Government Department of Education
State Government Department of Education

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Petition created on March 23, 2026