Schools should consider having Fridays as a part of the weekend. In a normal school schedule, students and staff work five days a week, while having Sunday and Saturday off. Schools should add Fridays to the weekend because it gives students an opportunity to improve academically, physically and mentally. 

When did the idea of weekends begin? The concept of having weekends in workplaces and schools began during the late 1800s of the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution involved large factories transitioning from creating goods with their hands to machines. 

Henry Ford, the creator of the Ford Motor Company, played a major role in the establishment of the weekends. Ford gave his workers a two-day weekend in the early 1900s, he believed it would boost productivity, and benefit the economy. If Ford wanted to increase car sales, he would need to provide his workers some time off, as his workers were his best customers. 

Students could utilize the three day weekends to support their mental well being, as it gives them a break from the continuous pressure from school.  As a kid, Hailey Hardcastle was allowed to take three day mental health rest days every semester. 

“The fact that they were always an option is what kept me a happy, healthy, successful student, ” said Hardcastle. 

Three day weekends would also allow students to become more productive in school. With an extra day on the weekend, students can relax and catch up on sleep, or any academic assignments.  

“I think Fridays should be part of the weekend, because they are uneventful, and they have always been a part of my weekends, ” said freshman Joy Wachira. 

Overall, students would benefit from longer weekends as they would have an additional day to catch up on sleep and finish previous assignments, resulting in higher productivity and better mental health.