NYC schools grant extra holiday break after student advocates for change

Mayor Eric Adams, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, and United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew announced an extra recess day on December 23, marking the start of the holiday break for New York City students.

This decision, hailed as a significant victory for student voices, stemmed from an initiative led by Isaac Regnier, a determined student who advocated for the change.

“This announcement is an early holiday present for all our school communities,” said Mulgrew during a press conference at the UFT headquarters. He credited Isaac’s grassroots effort, which began when he questioned the necessity of holding classes on December 23. “Nothing ever gets done by any individual,” Mulgrew emphasized, highlighting the collaborative spirit among teachers, administrators, parents, and students.

Mayor Adams praised Isaac’s initiative as a symbol of the importance of listening to young people. “What Isaac did is going to be a symbol for the entire school community that their voices matter,” he said. “It’s about common sense, a willingness to listen, and coming together to make education more inviting and promising for our young people.”

Isaac, visibly proud, shared his journey during the announcement. “I feel so proud of myself for all that hard work I did, even with the advocating and those emails. Even though I didn’t get a response from David Banks, I still made it successful,” he said. Isaac’s passion resonated throughout the room as he reflected on the positive impact of student advocacy.

Chancellor Aviles-Ramos recognized the significance of empowering students like Isaac, stating, “You took a stand. You said December 23rd is a must. You reached out to everyone, and you made it happen.” She reiterated the administration’s commitment to uplifting the voices of families and students across the city.

This unprecedented early holiday break is expected to enhance family time during the festive season and alleviate attendance issues that often arise just before the holidays. Mayor Adams noted, “One day is going to turn into a longer experience for families.”

Isaac’s advocacy underscores a broader commitment within New York City schools to empower students to take an active role in shaping their educational experiences. As the announcement reverberates through school communities, it serves as a reminder that every voice matters—especially those of the students.