The month of February has a lot in store. Students spend their days awaiting Valentine’s Day and wishing for snow storms to keep school away. However, this year, February will feel quite different to NKHS students due to the absence of a cherished annual tradition: February break.

Yes, the beloved and highly anticipated February vacation will not take place at North Kingstown High School this year. Students and faculty alike have little faith in their own ability to endure four consecutive months of school. Together, we struggle to remain positive as we place all of our hopes for fun and relaxation on April vacation.

Students are taking initiative to keep busy and to have “mental vacations” of their own, despite the lack of a scheduled one. Senior Margret Ryan said, “To be honest, I’m not that mad about break being over because us seniors will get out earlier. When I can, I’ll most likely give myself a break off of schoolwork and instead go to Wachusetts in my free time. In the meantime, if I keep thinking about college, graduation, and April break, February won’t be so bad.”

Senior Kaya Horlbogen agreed, and said, “Just remembering I’m a senior and will be free in a few months is reason enough to stay positive.” For seniors, keeping their upcoming graduation and exciting futures post-high school helps them maintain a positive frame of mind.

Students who still have years left of high school, however, take a different approach. Sophomore Ryan Jones said, “I’m just gonna try to stay busy to distract myself. It’s only one extra week of school, so in my free time I’ll be playing a lot of indoor soccer. Sports are always a good outlet to have when you’re bored, stressed, or trying to stay motivated.” It is possible for all students who are feeling down during the uninterrupted month of February to find something that will motivate them to push through. Trying something new, dabbling in a favorite hobby, being active, or making big plans for the weekend will keep everyone’s mind off of school day stress and into a zone of relaxation and fun.

The month of February doesn’t have to feel lengthy to students at North Kingstown High School. As long as we stay positive, keep our minds and bodies busy, and look forward to good things in the future, the week will fly by!

Student Opinions: should we still have February Break?

“February break is essential. It’s definitely gonna be hard without it.” -Kyle Weber

“February break is necessary because that’s usually when people go on ski trips or vacations with their family. It’s also a time when a lot of us are sick so it’s better if we aren’t all in one building.” -Katy Brayman

“It stinks that we don’t have one because we have for so long. I always look forward to it. I stay positive though because we still have a four-day       weekend”   – Alicia Southland