So we are half way through our second week after an almost 2 week lay off for the holidays.  After the break we had 2 full weeks (actually only 1 because we had a snow day) and then next week is finals week to complete the first semester.  I think that this kind of schedule make it fairly difficult to operate inside the classroom.  You spend the first couple of days just kind of regrouping from the break and then finally you’re back on track and next thing you know its finals week.  So why is the schedule set up this way?  Wouldn’t it make sense to just end the first semester before you go on break and start fresh when you return from an extended break like this?  I’ve spoken to many people and have gotten many different responses from, well school can’t start earlier because of the farmer, to it would affect the sports seasons, to ask the school committee.  I’m just not sure either way. Would it suck starting school at the beginning of August, yes.  Would it be worth it to be out of school in May, probably.  Anyways, this is going in the wrong direction, so let me get to my point.  How do you deal with a return after a break, especially if there is a time crunch.  How do you students handle the return?  Is there anything you’ve found effective as a lesson, may be an activity that has worked especially when for when you return?  We will have a February break coming up soon enough again and, although I will have new students at that time, I just want to know what has been effective for you in the classroom on the days when you return from an extended time away?