by Madeline Heinsen, staff reporter
![Students take a mid-winter break from Feb 15-Feb 19. Some students feel that there have been too many breaks and this has caused a delay on their school work while others are excited for another day-off from school. Photo attributions to Georgie Pauwels.](http://wjpsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/16605492719_037f1e1e3f_z-300x200.jpg)
As the school year quickly arrived at its halfway mark, students prepare themselves for a week off from school, most commonly known as Mid-Winter Break.
Students are off from February 15th to February 19th, surpassing President’s Day. Many students plan to vacation with their parents while some WJPS students embark on a trip to Europe with their classmates.
“I’m really excited. I went to the trip last year and I had so much fun. It’s a great experience,” senior Vincent Casey said.
Mid-winter break originated from the oil spill crisis of the 1970’s. The break was considered an energy-saving measure that remained a part of the schedule due to a budget deal between the city and the teachers’ union.
“I think it’s cool, I really wouldn’t of guessed that’s how our break originated but I guess it doesn’t matter, I’m just glad we get the week off so I can relax,” junior Erika Donis says.
Due to the budget cuts and the oil spill crisis of the 1970’s, students and teachers nationwide get a couple of days off from school.