ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As students across the Rochester area wrap up their February break, some parents may be wondering about the origins of this mid-winter tradition.
Paige Drake, who moved to the Rochester area from Virginia, shared her perspective. “There’s nothing like February break down south,” she said. “It’s hard to find affordable care for multiple kids, and just the fight trying to get them into places for February break is always a constant headache as well,” she added.
So, how did February break start? Amy Thomas, executive director of the Monroe County School Boards Association, explains that February break dates back to the 1970s oil crisis.
Thomas elaborated on the history: “Governor Carey at the time ordered that all schools shut down during February break, and it became what is now known as February break. Since then, it’s become embedded in our collective bargaining agreements, so you look at transportation, you look at staffing, they all have agreements in their contracts.”
The break also serves another purpose. Thomas says it’s meant to help stop the spread of illnesses.
“February is typically the most difficult stretch of wintertime,” said Thomas. “Long periods of cold, ice storms, winter storms, illness comes with that, limited daylight is another thing we have to consider. So, I think mitigating some of that by having this mid-winter reset if you will definitely helps when you’re living in a climate like this.”
Drake noted the challenges for working parents. “I don’t get the week off, my husband doesn’t get the week off. I’m sure like a lot of people, we save our time off for the summer,” she said.
While February break is common in northern states, schools in the south and warmer regions often opt for a longer spring break instead.
If you have a question you’d like answered, send an email to [email protected]
Good Question: What’s the history behind February break? WHEC.com.
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