By: Alexa Moro ’18

This Tuesday, November 1, was the first (of supposedly three) senior skip days of the 2016-17 school year. Each year, the senior class coordinates a day where they don’t attend school, using it as a break from the stress that comes with the final year of high school, especially college applications. However, planning to miss school during such a crucial time of their high school lives is simply impractical, as it brings about more stress.

It was set on the day after Halloween this year, just like last year’s first skip day. The seniors don’t spend much time planning the skip day; Bryce Reiner ’17 said there was an unspoken knowledge that it would be the day after Halloween. He explained that this day was chosen “so [the seniors] could have a good time celebrating the holiday the night before.”

But why choose such a busy time?

Skip days should be saved until applying to college is over, and when most everyone knows where they will end up next year. More kids will feel inclined to participate in the event and not feel ‘FOMO’ if they want, or need, to attend school that day.

Many students went to school because they had sports games that day. Students need to be present for at least 4 hours during the school day in order to be eligible to play in an athletic event or practice that day, so many seniors could not afford to miss school- at least not all of it.

Colleen Bannon, senior field hockey captain, was unable to participate in skip day because of the FCIAC game later that day. She was somewhat upset about missing skip day, but is looking to the future for more, “I know there will be more and there’s only one chance to go to the [championship].”

Younger students are joining in on the buzz, but they agree that certain academic or athletic situations can trump the excitement of missing school.

“I’m really looking forward to it next year, but if I have important classes or a test, I’ll come in for those periods.” Dimitra Ippolito ’18 said.