In the past, TO students have gone into winter break anxiety-driven about the crammed finals week that would be shoved on them upon their return to school. This is an issue recently addressed by faculty and administration.
Now in 2023, the schedule has been changed so that finals happen before break. Due to the earlier finals week, winter break will occur later than usual, from Dec. 25 through Jan. 5. This new schedule allows Lancers to enjoy their break to the fullest without worrying about studying.
With finals before winter break, Lancers can agree on one thing.
“The subjects will be fresh in our minds, and we would have a relaxing, calming winter break,” as freshman Audrey Gharzuzi said.
Some students believe this winter break should be calming, and a way to destress once testing ends.
Principal Dr. Eric Bergmann supports this notion.
“It’s nice to give everybody — teachers and students — an absolutely clean break, so I’m in favor of that,” Bergmann said.
Finals for students with periods A, 1 and 2 are on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Additionally, students with periods 3,4, and 7 will have finals on Thurs., Dec. 21. All other finals and makeups will be taken on Fri., Dec. 22. This way, Lancers can knock out the finals in three days leaving plenty of time for preparation for the upcoming holidays.
“If the finals are after break, everyone will most likely forget about them and have to cram [studies] right after break,” senior Sanaa Kuenstle said in an online survey created by the Lancer Newspaper. ‘‘A break should be relaxing, not for studying for finals.”