Winter break is usually two weeks off of school. Most school districts begin their winter break a few days before Christmas and resume school about a week after New Years Day. Winter break is seen as the midpoint of the school year.
Winter break is the longest break during the school year at two weeks.
It is longer than spring break (one week) and Thanksgiving break.
When Is Winter Break?
When winter break begins does depend on the school district but it usually starts before Christmas.
For example, if Christmas is on a Saturday then the last day of school is usually going to be on Wednesday or Thursday, two days before Christmas.
Classes will usually resume about a week after New Years Day.
For example, if New Years Day is on a Monday then the remainder of the week there will not be school.
I’ve never heard of winter break starting after Christmas so if it does in your district please let me know by contacting me here.
School will resume the following Monday.
Winter break is probably one of the breaks that students and teachers look forward to the most.
It’s a welcome pause from school and a chance for all to reset.
Do Teachers Work During Winter Break?
Teachers are not required to work during winter break but often teachers will choose to get some work done.
I’m not one of those teachers 🙂
They may enter grades online, go through their emails, grade assessments, or plan what they are going to teacher after the break.
Can Teachers Give Homework During Winter Break?
Yes, they can.
Do they? Not really.
I can’t remember the last time I gave homework during winter break but some teachers do give some small assignments for students to complete.
Nothing complicated though.
Maybe just a worksheet or independent reading time.
The kids need a break too!
Allen is an 8th grade science teacher in a suburb of Chicago.