For many families in Millburn, NJ, the week-long break in February is more than just a pause from school—it's a lifeline. It offers a much-needed respite during the taxing tail end of winter, allowing families to escape to warmer climates, hit the ski slopes or visit distant relatives. These opportunities aren't always accessible during Christmas/New Year's break and are crucial for maintaining family bonds and mental health.

The proposed removal of this break in favor of scattered individual days off throughout the year poses significant challenges for working parents. Coordinating these sporadic days off with work schedules is difficult and often results in parents having to split their vacation time into single days spent at home rather than enjoying an uninterrupted family getaway.

Moreover, research shows that longer breaks can have positive impacts on student learning and well-being (American Psychological Association). The continuity provided by a week-long break allows students to relax fully without worrying about imminent schoolwork deadlines.

We urge our local education authorities not only to consider these personal stories but also take into account empirical evidence supporting longer breaks. We ask them not to remove our cherished February break during the 24-25 school year. Please sign this petition if you believe that preserving this tradition is important for our community's well-being.