In 2019, Virginia repealed a law known as the Kings Dominion rule, which made school systems wait until after Labor Day to begin the school year.  This was designed to help tourism in the state by allowing families to continue things like beach and amusement park trips until the end of August. Up until then, the FCPS school year never started until September. 

Once the King’s Dominion rule was gone, the start of the FCPS school year moved to mid-August. It was expected that school would end earlier in June, since we were starting so much earlier, yet the end time of the school year has remained in mid to late June due to all the days off and breaks sprinkled throughout the school year. FCPS must meet a certain quota of days spent in class, so our two week Winter Break, coupled with students’ and teachers’ days off throughout the year, means we still go to school into the middle of June, long after SOLs and AP tests are finished. 

 Now that we begin the school year in mid-August, and end in mid-June, the summer feels too short. We wish FCPS would end the school year in late May or early June, as many school systems around the country do.

After APs and SOLs, most teachers have finished teaching the required curriculum, so many students feel as though the end of the school year is unjustifiably extended. Most classes are spent studying old material, or sometimes doing nothing. It simply seems useless to continue going to school, and some students may even stop attending classes altogether. Starting school in mid-August gives teachers more time to prepare students for SOLs and AP exams, so time in school after these tests is less valuable than starting in August.

Towards the middle of June and the beginning of July, the weather becomes quite hot. Although some people love the hot summer weather, many others prefer the milder temperature before the start of summer vacation.They can use this weather to enjoy a day out with their families, or just relax without the worry of a final project or end of year test on their minds. Ending the school year earlier would allow students and teachers that enjoy less severe weather to spend more time outdoors without having to worry about the frequent, unbearable heat. Moreover, students and teachers can just relax without the worry of a final project or an end of year test on their minds. 

One thing that lengthens our school year are vacations and teacher workdays throughout the year. Some students feel that having random holidays sprinkled in throughout the year relieves the stress of school work even if they extend the school year. Other students feel that it’s better to have longer summers than many short breaks during the school year. 

Ending the school year earlier might also make Winter Break shorter than it already is, since we have to get the required number of school days in somewhere. In the past, FCPS did not always have two weeks off for Winter Break, which allowed the school year to be shorter. The question is, what do we need more a longer summer or a longer Winter Break? 

Also, having more time before finals and to work on the projects and study can cause less stress because we have extra working time individually and with teachers.

A longer school year adds unwanted pressure to the students and staff. Once finals and standardized testing have ended, students shouldn’t have to learn new material. The excess time spent wasted in the classroom could instead contribute to a longer, more productive summer. By allowing students a longer summer break, students can get a head start on preparation for exams like the SAT/ACT and focus on mental wellness. A longer summer gives students a chance to work and earn money, travel with their families, enjoy their hobbies, and relax.

The Jagwire staff believes that the school year should end earlier in June to relieve the stress of both students and staff and increase productivity and mental wellness.