As a student with limited social connections in my hometown Clewiston, our long summer break becomes a source of solace to me. It's a time to escape the ordinary and reconnect with my relatives, especially my grandmothers in Miami. It's also a chance to catch up with friends whom I dearly miss. Besides, the three-month breather feels like a well-deserved reward for enduring approximately 180 days of intense academic rigors typified by 7-hour days.

However, by 2027, our school schedules are set to morph into a year-round calendar threatening to disrupt this deeply cherished summer break. The thought of this is causing more negative connotations with school for me and my peers, making the school life less balanced. It surely will make it even harder to distinguish between school life and home life.

Research shows that a balanced school schedule contributes to the overall well-being of students. A study by the American Psychological Association highlighted that prolonged school periods without sufficient breaks could lead to burnouts thus affecting the physical and mental health of students (American Psychological Association, 2014). This reiterates our need for the summer break.

We do not wish to carry the burden of schoolwork all year long without an extended period of rest. Therefore, we appeal to the relevant educational authorities and policymakers to reconsider their decision to change the school calendar and maintain our standard school schedule. Please sign our petition and join us in the fight to save our summer breaks, tigers! 🐯 ⭐️💙💛