Many high school students eagerly anticipate the day that they can finally cast their ballot in an election. It’s not a presidential election, but there is an example for teenagers at North Atlanta to vote on something just as important — the district-wide school calendar.

The time has come for Atlanta Public Schools to decide on a new schedule for the next three school years and the district wants the public’s opinions, students included. The options include starting on the second Monday of August and having long weekend breaks, starting on the first Wednesday of August and having long weekend breaks, or keeping the calendar the way it has been, with week long breaks.

Atlanta Public School sent the school calendar-related link out and North Atlanta students have mostly been availing themselves of that link through the school’s Parent-Teacher Association website. Those interested in voting should go to the PTSA newsletter, The Warrior Weekly.

Essentially, the vote is for a longer summer versus longer breaks. Many students are in favor of a having longer summer, but there are a few that don’t mind getting an early start on school.

Those in favor of an extended summer argue that having long breaks during the year can make it difficult to get back into the school mindset once they end. They also make the case that the season has great weather for travelling and outdoor activities, and they want to take advantage of Atlanta’s warm, sunny summer days before the temperature plummets. “I want to be able to go to summer camp, take a vacation, swim, and still have time to just relax,” said junior Anton Mertens.

However, others would much rather lose some summer vacation in favor of more breaks throughout the year. The school year can get stressful, and for some people a long weekend just won’t cut it. “Three months of summer is excessive, especially when all you want is a break from it all during the year,” said freshman Alex Smith.

Whether you live for summer vacation or you can’t stand the thought of losing a week-long break, only time will tell what the schedule will be. School administrators and district leaders are hoping that all APS students get their votes into the (digital) ballot box so they can shape a coming year’s schedule.