Mondays Matter: How a Four-Day School Week Could Reduce Student Burnout By: Rachel Arrey

Feeling burnt out or stressed is very common among students and staff. As the school year continues to progress, demands must be made, and deadlines must be met. Long school weeks make days feel like an eternity creating constant anxiety and academic burden. Using Monday as an asynchronous day would put an end to restlessness and allow time for preparations to be made for the week. The shortened work weeks would also create more time for productivity and educational achievements.

Brinasza McGary, A junior at Hillgrove High School explains what she thinks about having Mondays off during the school year. “I just feel that the weekend goes by really fast, and we're in school five times a week, and we get two days off that week, and I just feel like having an extra day, especially a Monday, because everybody knows Mondays are the worst day to come back, and this would be beneficial both mentally and physically.” Brinasza shares that weekends go by quickly leaving little to zero time to accomplish tasks. When students feel pressured to complete tasks in a certain amount of time, it causes students to become overwhelmed and maybe even break down. Overstimulation leaves no room to finish the work week, making it difficult for both students and staff to do what’s required of them. Utilizing Mondays as a workday removes unwanted stress and eliminates anxiety for the remainder of the school year.

A senior at Hillgrove High School, Mariah Reesnes expresses her opinion on Monday not being included as a school day. “I think it would be really helpful, because I know a lot of kids work over the weekend, since they can't do it during the school week. So, you know, it can just make their schedule a lot more flexible, and they can have more free time for things. Mondays are hard for everyone, like everyone wants a longer weekend.’’ Mariah clarifies that beginning school on a Tuesday creates more opportunities for intense schedules. While school is a priority, students and staff have lives outside the school building and have other responsibilities. No school on Mondays equates to taking care of other needs outside of school and can better focus.

Burnout has become the norm for both students and staff. As academic pressure continues to rise, schools must consider solutions that support mental health while still encouraging success. Making Mondays an asynchronous learning day offers a practical balance between responsibility and rest. It allows students to reset, manage responsibilities and prepare for the week ahead without the overwhelming rush that comes with busy schedules. With the reduced stress that comes with asynchronous Mondays, more flexibility, and a stronger focus allows students and teachers to become better equipped and perform at their best.