As of 12:15 p.m. today, when Stafford County Public School's concluded a half-day of classes, all Fredericksburg area public school districts had been dismissed for Christmas break.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools were scheduled to have their last day of classes last Friday, however last week's snowstorm shut down schools for the last two days of the winter semester and city students got an early start to their break. Spotsylvania County Public Schools dismissed for winter break yesterday.
Many of the students, such as Caitlin Green, 13, an eighth grader at Dixon Smith Middle School in Stafford, are looking forward to the small treasures of a break from school, like not having to wake up at the crack of dawn to commute to school.
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Ethan Carty, 14, a freshman at Riverbend High School, agreed, saying he is excited about "not going to school and no homework."
Carty said he doesn't have too much planned for the vacation other than hanging out with his friends and "just chilling."
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Green, on the other hand, will be leaving the day after Christmas for a trip to the Florida Keys. Green has been there before and is looking forward to snorkeling and the warm weather.
"I'm tired of this 20 degree stuff," said Green.
Savannah Tweeddale, 14, from Dixon Smith Middle School, said she is staying at home over the holidays. She looks forward to spending time with her older sister who is coming in from out of town and reading books on her e-book reader.
Tweeddale said she would like to read some of the books that are uploaded on it, which are mostly classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird, but her tolerance of classic literature has its limits.
"Jane Austen makes me want to barf," said Tweeddale.
Tweeddale is also looking forward to watching movies and having fondue with her family on Christmas day.
Rose Taylor, 16, of Mountainview High School, said she is excited about going skiing with her family over break. They go to either Wintergreen or Massannutten.
She is also planning on attending a New Year's party at a friend's house and going to Fredericksburg's First Night.
"We go almost every year," she said. "It's cold, but it's a lot of fun."
Classes resume on Jan. 3 for Fredericksburg, Stafford and Spotsylvania public schools.
