Each year, my family and I look forward to spending time at my grandma's house for Easter. It becomes a cherished tradition that reinforces our bonds and creates unforgettable memories. However, our family tradition has been disrupted because the scheduled spring break coincides with the Easter weekend.

The overlapping timing prevents students like myself and other family members from fully enjoying both the much-needed spring break and the significance of Easter with our family. Besides personal stories like mine, this schedule conflict puts undue pressure on many students and families in the Southwest community, causing emotional stress and robbing them of family time that is crucial for mental well-being.

A 2015 study from Pew Research Center shows that 71% of Americans describe spending time with family during holidays as their most important holiday tradition. This suggests that many others are likely facing similar difficulties to mine especially if family lives far away, showing the wider importance of this issue.

Recognizing this, we ask the school board to reconsider the 2025-2026 academic calendar and ensure that the spring break and Easter holiday do not fall within the same timeframe. This simple change will allow students and families alike to fully enjoy both breaks and contribute to preserving important family traditions and mental health. Please sign this petition to help make this crucial change happen.