Petition to get winter break back

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- New Haven Schools wiped out winter break after winter weather wiped out this past week of school but, some students are taking action against the school district and are demanding their break back.

"I was a little bit annoyed with that, so I was trying to figure out what students could do," said Aneurin Canham-Clyne, Sophomore at Wilbur Cross.

"We were thinking about a solution, we had to do something," said Jesus Morales-Sanchez, Junior at Wilbur Cross.

So they started an online petition that has gotten hundreds of signatures including parents and teachers.

School officials say they'll give excused absences for trips planned, but these kids say it's not enough.

"I feel like absences are absences excused or not and I know for the New Haven promise you're only allotted a certain number," said Olivia Joy, Junior at Wilbur Cross.

With the possibility of several substitute teachers and absent students. They don't think it's a great way to learn.

"There are going to be a lot of people who are either aren't there who aren't fully engaged," said Canham-Clyne.

Even if they don't get break next week, they're glad they took action.

"Even if it doesn't happen, what is important is that you know is that students, parents, and teachers have a voice in this issue," said Morales-Sanchez.

To sign the petition, click here.

Below is a statement from the school district:

We appreciate that a group of students are voicing their opinion on this matter and practicing their organizing skills. However, the school district intends to go forward with opening school next week. This was a difficult decision, but with two record-breaking storms in one school year and eight days to make up, the decision was necessary. We feel strongly that students should be back in the classroom and learning after five days out of school. Working parents will be able to return to their jobs. We strongly encourage all students to come to school next week. Students who have prearranged trips will have excused absences. 

The fact of the matter is we still have four additional days to make up this year and more weeks of winter to go. The decision to return next week was made in the best interest of our students, their families and our staff. We had hoped to have students back in school Thursday and Friday this week. When it became apparent that we had to cancel the full week, the decision to resume school next week was made.

We thank our teachers and staff for stepping up to the plate and committing to come to work next week. We thank our parents for their patience during this challenging time and we look forward to having students back in school next week.