Four Days Are Enough? — by Tess Rosen, 9th grade
Imagine a school week of only four days, with a long weekend every week. In some places around the world, schools have tried this idea. At first it sounded like a dream to me. After reading more about it, I am not so sure.
Supporters of the four-day week say that students come back to school rested and more motivated. Teachers get an extra day to prepare lessons, and families can spend more time together. Some schools also hope to save money on buses and electricity.
However, there are serious problems. To teach the same material in fewer days, each school day must be longer. A ten-year-old who sits in class until five in the afternoon will probably be too tired to learn well. In addition, many parents work five days a week. Who will look after the younger children on the free day? Families who cannot pay for a babysitter or a club would suffer the most.
There is also the question of what students do with the extra day. For some, it means sports, music or volunteering. For others, it may simply mean more hours in front of a screen.
In my opinion, the four-day week solves one problem and creates two new ones. Instead, I would suggest a smaller change: shorter school days with fewer tests and more time for projects. Sometimes the best solution is not the most dramatic one.