With Christmas just a few days away, many students have visions of holiday break dancing in their heads.
Maria Rubio, 13, a seventh grader at Greene County Middle School, said she is looking forward to spending time with family and friends and having time off from school.
While students look forward to the vacation, teachers and other officials voiced concern about the break’s impact on students and their progress.
Lenoir County Public Schools Superintendent Stephen Mazingo said there are a few things students can do to retain their skills over break.
“Anytime there is a break from school I think teachers worry if students will maybe forget what they are doing or take a step back. One of the best things students can do over the break is just read. They should read something that is of interest to them or something they have been studying in school,” he said.
When students at South Lenoir, North Lenoir and Kinston high schools return from break, they will be faced with exams from Jan. 13 to 17.
“For them it would be wise to spend time looking over their courses, starting to prepare to take the exams by reviewing. We want them to have a break and enjoy the holiday season, but at the same time, we’d like them to spend some time thinking about what they are going to be dong when they get back,” he said.
Greene Middle Band Director Joanne McGowan said her students have already taken their instruments home with instructions to practice. But, she does have a few worries.
“I’m concerned that they will sit and play video games for five to six hours a day and forget to socialize, go outside or read something,” she said.
Rashard Curmon, a language arts teacher, said students have a tendency to slip back into “summer mode” during the break.
“It’s sort of like starting the school year over again. You have to reteach those expectations because they don’t have much structure over the Christmas holiday,” he said.
Curmon said students should find a balance during their time off.
“They should have fun over course, but also do something educational,” he said.
Deborah Fleming, a consumer science teacher, said is concerned about the exams students will face when they return from break.
“I’ve given them study guides and I’m giving them things on the computer so they can practice at home. My concern is that they won’t study,” she said.
Samantha Hawkins, 12, a student at Greene Middle, said she will take some time to study while spending time with her family, but she isn’t too concerned about the break having any negative effects on her academics.
“I’m not worried about forgetting anything,” she said.
Noah Clark can be reached at 252-559-1073 or Noah.Clark@kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @nclark763.
Holiday Break Schedule
Lenoir County Public Schools:
Early release, Dec 18. Break, Dec. 19- Jan. 1. Classes resume Jan 2.
Greene County Schools
Early release, Friday. Break Dec. 21 to Jan 5. Classes resume Jan. 6.
Jones County
Early release, Friday. Break Dec. 21 to Jan 5. Classes resume Jan. 6.
Arendell Parrott Academy
Early release, Dec. 17. Break Dec. 18 to Jan 5. Classes resume Jan. 6.
Bethel Christian Academy
Early release, Friday. Break Dec. 21 to Jan 5. Classes resume Jan. 6.