On Wednesday, November 13, the Class of 2025 took a well-deserved day off: Senior Skip Day. Senior Skip Day is a country-wide senior tradition where most of the senior class picks one day to skip school. In recent years, Poly seniors have decided to take two Senior Skip Days: one in the fall semester, and one in the spring semester. As a current senior, even as someone who is a “rule-follower,” this tradition was eagerly awaited. To select the date, Student Government President (and the Polygon’s News Editor) Reese Roaman ’25 made a Google form in which seniors picked one of three date options. “We tried our best to make it something that was suitable and best for the community,” said Roaman. After several date changes to accommodate different members of the grade, the majority eventually spoke, and November 13 was selected.
There was only one issue with this date: it was NCAA Signing Day. This means the nine seniors who have committed to compete in their sport at the Division I and Division II level in college would have to come into school at 7:30 a.m. to sign, then go all the way back home. Some, however, enjoyed this setup. Jane Littleton ’25, who signed to Yale University to play softball, spent the rest of her morning getting breakfast with her mom and best friend. “It felt like a great way to celebrate my commitment,” she said.
I also enjoyed the early start to my day, as I had a long day of “senior skip day” activities ahead. The first of these activities, ironically, was working on my college application! I spent my morning working on my personal statement until I headed over to my friend’s house to finish some more work and get food. I then completed my night by watching the Brooklyn Nets compete at the Barclays Center. Despite a brutal loss to the Celtics and a fast-approaching Early Decision 1 deadline on my conscience, I truly enjoyed and appreciated both the game and this day.
As most Early Action and Early Decision applications were due November 1, this day served as a well-earned break from college-related stress for many seniors. “It felt like a reward for submitting my application, and I felt really grateful to spend the day with my friends just relaxing and getting food,” said Carlo Carson ’25, Polygon Sports Columnist. “I appreciated the day off after submitting my Early Action and Early Decision applications.
“I think it was much needed for the senior class,” said Opal Williams Law ’25, who spent the day getting food with her friends and got a great night of sleep, which she described had been lacking in the previous two months because of the stress of balancing college applications, extracurricular commitments, and keeping the grades being sent to her Early Decision school up to her standards.
Halfway through what was a relaxing day for some, Grade 12 families received a
somewhat alarming email from Head of Upper School Sarah Bates. “I want to be sure you are all aware that this is not a sanctioned, excused absence from Poly. Students will be responsible for the work they missed today and are not allowed to return to campus for afternoon practices, rehearsals, or other activities,” she said in the email. Everett Nelor, Upper School Dean, noted, “I think it was probably not the best move for missing class when it’s your last semester of grades…and you still have classes, and you’re not even into college yet. Save it for the spring.” Echoing Bates’ email, Nelor specified that senior skip day was not a school-sanctioned event and will not be an excused absence. Upper School Dean Coordinator Megan Caro, however, felt differently. “It’s been fine, you know? You guys take a day, and that’s it,” she said. When asked about the administration’s mixed response, Roaman said, “It makes sense. I don’t think anyone in the administration can be happy about senior skip day, which is completely valid. But you know, it’s kind of just one of those fun widespread traditions.” I couldn’t agree with Roaman more, and despite a mixed response from the Poly administration and an unexcused absence on my record, I believe this day was absolutely worth it.
