As the semester comes to an end, the holidays offer a highly anticipated break from school. A time to travel, spend time with your family and friends, and catch up on much needed rest. 

     The past few years though, it seems like MCPS has been shortening winter break significantly. Between 2019 and 2022 each winter break was 16 days with 10 school days off, last year it was 12 days, and this year it is a short 11 days. 

     According to Hellgate Principal Judson Miller, the district puts together a committee of educators called the calendar committee. That committee sets the entire school year, our start day, our end day, and when we take breaks. 

     “I’m pissed off and I think it should be longer, I want to be able to go skiing. Where’s that time going? Because I feel like we don’t get a longer break,” said senior Lucy Parson. The concern of where the extra few days were going was a common one among students. 

     “Theoretically we get out (of school) a bit earlier, but we always have to go for 180 days,” said Miller. 

      Many Hellgate students are disappointed by the shortened break. “I think it’s ridiculous and not fair, because lots of people want to go visit family but they can’t because of how short our winter break is,” said student Lillian Buchanan. 

     Looking at MCPS calendar all the way back through 2013 there have been a handful of shortened winter breaks over the years. Breaks are typically longer if Christmas lands in the middle of the week. 

     We’re all hoping for a nice long winter break next year, but I hope all Hellgate students can make the best of the winter break!