The day after Halloween, school feels different. Students stumble into class half asleep, buzzing from candy, too tired to focus, leaving teachers to deal with rooms full of half-attentive teenagers. Although a day off after Halloween uses up school time, many students may benefit from the time off. 

Whether it’s trick-or-treating, hanging out with friends, or going to parties, most students don’t get home until much later than usual. An NIH study shows that the lack of sleep and distracted thinking impacts students’ engagement and understanding of the school curriculum. LASA freshman Catherine Mombel explained that the day after Halloween is one of the hardest times of the year for teachers. 

“I think students should have a day off after Halloween because it would be a nice rest day,” Mombel said. “It would benefit both teachers and students because teachers wouldn’t have to waste their energy teaching kids who aren’t really willing to be there.”

Mombel explained that not every student spends Halloween night celebrating, and for some, it’s just another school night. She also explained that the day after could still be useful, even for someone who doesn’t celebrate.

“As someone who doesn’t celebrate, I still think it would be a good rest day where I can catch up on work,” Mombel said. “If someone who doesn’t celebrate doesn’t have homework to catch up on either, that’s even better.”

Lack of sleep is already a huge issue for high school students. A 2018 CDC study found that 73% of high school students do not get enough sleep on school nights. Better Health stated that the recommended amount of sleep for teenagers is 8-10 hours per night, but most only get around 6.5-7.5 hours of sleep. According to the American Association of Sleep Technologists, after a night like Halloween, this problem is even worse. Hershner and Chervin, researchers at the University of Michigan, reported that tired students don’t learn as well, and teachers have to slow down lessons the next day to keep everyone caught up.

Perspective from students highlighted ways school schedules can be improved. Freshman Kay Chukwunyelum explained that a day off could actually make school more productive overall. 

“A day off after Halloween would be great,” Chukwunyelum said. “I think a lot of teachers wouldn’t have to adjust their schedules as much, you know? And the kids would be grateful for it, even the ones who don’t celebrate. It’s a win-win.”

Freshman Rubi Dahal explained her view on the topic and shared her firsthand experience as a student. According to her, after Halloween, students aren’t prepared to learn.

“Every year after Halloween, kids come to school energetic, but no one’s really in the mood to learn,” Dahal said. “I think a day off could be a good catch-up day and very effective in terms of how school will be the following day. I’d love that, honestly.”

While a day off after Halloween isn’t likely to be added to the school calendar, students like freshman Mombel, Dahal, and Chunkwunyelum say it would make the following days more productive. Whether through extra sleep, time to catch up on work, or simply a chance to reset, the idea reflects how a small change could cause a difference in student lives.