NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — Students and staff in all New York City public schools are getting an extra day of winter break thanks to a 12-year-old student.

The winter recess was originally planned for the week before the break, from December 24 to January 2.

As Christmas Eve falls on a Tuesday this year, pupils and staff were expected to report to school on Monday 23 December.

Isaac Regnier, 12, launched a change.org petition suggesting that the Dec. 23 class day be changed to another day at the end of the year, making Friday, June 27, the last day of class.

This would allow students and staff to have a 12 day winter break.

On Wednesday, Regnier’s request was granted, and Mayor Eric Adams personally broke the good news to Regnier during class in a phone call.

Mayor Eric Adams and New York Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos announced that December 23, previously a school day, will now be a day without school for New York City Public Schools.

“This school year’s winter break will now start a day earlier on December 23rd so everyone can enjoy the extra time with family and friends,” said Mayor Adams. “We know that a one-day week would not be well attended – so this makes sense. Our children’s education will not be changed anytime soon, so we will still maintain the required 180 days of instruction,” Adams said .

The state’s 180-day school year requirement will still be met, ensuring students receive the full instructional time they need.

This means that students will not miss class time despite the extra day off during winter break.

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