This Thursday, December 22, we will have another half day that the faculty and staff at Derry Area High School have organized for us.  There will be many fun Christmas-themed stations to go around to instead of anxiously sitting in classes awaiting for Christmas break to begin. 

“I have a scheduling brain so I can conceptualize how to put together large activities,” says Mrs. Gardner.

Mrs.Gardner used to do fun half days like this at the elementary school and the students and teachers loved it.  So, when she moved up to the high school, she brought it with her so the high school’s students and teachers could also enjoy them.

“I think half days are a great way to have a little extra fun before Christmas break, even though we would all rather sleep,” says Junior Jaydn Hart 

These half days seem to be going very well.  At the last one, there were no disciplinary issues and the stations were flooded with excited students.  Most students even said they had a lot more fun than they thought they would have, earning the opportunity to venture around the school with their friends and participate in fun activities that they got to choose themselves.  It was a very freeing experience for students.

“I love my friends, being able to see them for a long time with my favorite teachers is the best,” says Senior Dante Aukerman

It’s good to give teens their free time and a little independence every once in a while, and it’s refreshing to see that Mrs. Gardner definitely agrees.  Before she came to our school, we just sat in classes for a half day doing nothing while other students were participating in some sort of athletic tournament.

“It’s important to allow students to participate in activities they actually want to do,” says Mrs. Gardner.  “If students just want to sit and read; sit and read.  If they want to do an athletic activity – great, do it.”

These fun days are a great way to give students a little brain break and time with their friends, especially right before the holiday break.  Students really appreciate Mrs. Gardner’s efforts to organize these fun, thoughtful days.

“It’s a lot of work, but I think it’s so important,” says Mrs. Gardner.  

“These are the moments that create the memories that kids want to have coming out of high school.”