For the first time ever, students had two days off in the first week of October in the 2022-2023 school year. Dubbed “October Break,” this break was implemented by DUSD to give students a rest after coming back from the summer break. Recently, DUSD sent out a survey for potential feedback on the new break and, afterwards, released data regarding the community’s opinion on the new schedule.

For the district staff, there were over 700 responses to the survey, with over 70% responding positively to the October break that took place on Thursday, October 6th and Friday, October 7th. Furthermore, almost half of all responses supported continuing the break without changes, while 30% wanted it extended to a full week. Those in favor of having the two-day break “appreciated being able to take a short weekend trip that was in the off season.” Others state that they “would prefer if we considered taking the day after Halloween off” to help ease the stress and tiredness students face after Halloween, with various other date changes being suggested in the responses. Those opposed to the two-day break, however, believed that “lesson continuity is definitely disrupted” and “impacts the rest of the instructional calendar.” 

As for the responses of 6th-12th graders, over 750 students responded to the form, with over 80% supporting the break and less than 10% opposing it. More than 60% liked the idea of increasing the break to a full week while around 30% preferred that it remain as is. Echoing the faculty’s idea of changing dates, students said it “would be better to shift some holidays to March and February” or “be the day of Halloween and the day after it.” Some even proposed they “need at least a week or two, break off of school.” 

The responses from the nearly 2,500 families that participated in the survey mirror the results from staff and students, with 70% of families appreciating the break and 25% opposing it. When it came to changes, 45% of families favored moving forward without any changes while 35% believed a full week would be more beneficial. From the responses, families continue to echo the students and teachers in their calls for “days off after Halloween” in order to improve students’ lower energy and attention rates. However, despite these positive responses, some parents still oppose the break.  One parent said “it’s nice to have my kids at school when I’m at work and both these days I’m working,” opposing a break in the middle of October. 

All in all, the majority of the community supported the execution and results of the October break implemented by the Dublin Unified School District. However, it is clear that there are some changes that could be made in order to better suit teachers, students, and parents, and it will be interesting to see how DUSD addresses these concerns of the community in the future.