Extra Day Off for NYC Public School Students: A Gift Thanks to a 12-Year-Old’s Efforts
A Special Holiday Gift
NYC public school kids received a very early holiday present: an extra day off in December just before Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. [1]
A Young Activist’s Vision
Young New Yorkers have one fellow student to thank for this extra-special holiday gift. Isaac Regnier, a 12-year-old, seventh-grade student at I.S. 96 in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, started a Change.org petition over the summer to get the day off because going to school for just one day that week "doesn’t make sense." [2]
The Extra Day Off
City officials announced on October 30 that public school students will get the day off on December 23, which was previously listed as a school day on the 2024-2025 school year calendar. It was the only day during the week students were scheduled to have class before the start of the holiday break on December 24. [3]
Feedback from Officials
In addition to getting 20,000 supporters on the petition, Regnier also wrote several emails and made multiple calls to city officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and former Schools Chancellor David Banks, to advocate for his cause. [4]
A ‘Symbol for the Entire School Community’
According to Adams, the calendar change was a collaborative decision between schools, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), parents, and, of course, young Isaac. [5]
"I think what Isaac did is going to be a symbol for the entire school community that their voices matter," the mayor said. [6]
Meeting the 180-Day School Year Requirement
Officials said New York State’s 180-day school year requirement will still be met even with the additional day off.
Conclusion
Isaac Regnier, a 12-year-old seventh-grade student, made an extraordinary effort to advocate for an extra day off before the holiday break. His petition gained 20,000 supporters, and his efforts paid off. The city officials recognized the importance of students’ voices in decision-making and agreed to grant them an additional day off. This is a great example of student activism and the impact it can have on policy-making.
FAQS
Q: Who started the petition for an extra day off in December?
A: Isaac Regnier, a 12-year-old student at I.S. 96 in Brooklyn.
Q: What was the initial reaction to the petition?
A: Isaac received 20,000 supporters on the petition and received emails and phone calls from city officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and former Schools Chancellor David Banks.
Q: Will New York State’s 180-day school year requirement be met with the additional day off?
A: Yes, officials confirm that the 180-day school year requirement will still be met even with the extra day off.
Q: What did Mayor Eric Adams say about Isaac’s efforts?
A: "I think what Isaac did is going to be a symbol for the entire school community that their voices matter."
