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For students, it's more than just a break from homework and exams. It's a golden opportunity to truly unwind, recharge their mental batteries, and dive into activities they genuinely enjoy whether that's exploring a new hobby, spending quality time with family, or simply having the freedom to be bored and let their imaginations soar. This downtime is vital for their overall well-being, reducing stress and preventing burnout. Plus, these extended breaks often allow for richer learning experiences outside the classroom, through travel, volunteering, or pursuing personal projects.

Teachers, who pour so much energy into shaping young minds, also desperately need this time to rest, reflect, and prepare for the challenges of the next academic year. It helps prevent teacher burnout and fosters renewed enthusiasm for their profession.

In essence, long school holidays aren't just about taking time off; they're about investing in the long-term health, happiness, and ultimately, the educational success of everyone involved. It's about creating a more balanced and sustainable approach to learning.

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Tired Minds Can't Shine: Why We Need Longer School Breaks.

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Tired Minds Can't Shine: Why We Need Longer School Breaks.

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School breaks are the time for students to take a rest and recharge, but there are so many people that still believe that it should be short so students can return to studying quickly, forcing students to study non-stop. However, prolonging school breaks could benefit students, especially for their mental health. It's time for us to understand that longer breaks does not mean a waste of time, but as an investment in better learning and personal growth.

First of all, students won't feel pressured to study constantly with more breaks, giving them and their minds some time to relax. When breaks are longer, they can return to studying feeling more refreshed and ready to learn more. According to American Academy of Pediatrics, “recess is important because it provides time for rest, play, imagination, thinking, movement, and socializing. And more importantly, students are more attentive and cognitively better after recess.” (schoolofparenting.id). This proves that longer breaks not only reduce pressure, but also improve students' focus and academic performance.

Secondly, longer breaks give students more time to socialize and hang out with their friends, strengthening their bonds with their peers. Students are beginning to support each other more and there are more friendships between students (Kompas.com). It creates a healthy and positive school environment, resulting in a better emotional health for students.

Lastly, longer breaks allow students to have more time to eat properly. In many schools, especially in SMA Negeri 1 Lawang, students often rush their meals or skip their meals due to short breaks, which is concerning because it could affect their healths. Some students even eat when the teacher is present. With prolonged breaks, they could enjoy their food without feeling hurried, leading to better health for students. This could significantly improve students' physical health, letting them concentrate better during class.

In conclusion, prolonging school breaks should be seriously considered as a step towards better learning and a healthy, positive school environment. Let's support longer school breaks not only for relaxation, but also for a brighter, better future for students.

Aisyah Zukhruf (XI-5)

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Exploring the educational power of extracurricular activities

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Exploring the educational power of extracurricular activities

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Most of us know about extracurricular provided by schools as the place for students to raise their own skills in academic and non-academic subjects. And I agree with the idea of the importance of attending extracurricular activities in school. But, the fact comes that students don't have good track record and willingness to join the activities. They choose to go home after school time is over.

It is essential for students to be involved in extracurricular activities. These activities are not just after-school activities. First, extracurricular activities provide a platform for students to develop important life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Through teamwork in sports, leadership roles in clubs, and communication in debate, students learn how to collaborate effectively, take initiative, and articulate their ideas. These experiences can equip them with invaluable tools to meet future challenges and succeed in a variety of social and professional settings. The ability to work with others, lead confidently, and communicate clearly are fundamental to a successful and fulfilling life later in life.

In addition, participating in structured extracurricular activities can have a profound impact on students’ academics. The discipline, focus, and motivation required to excel in a variety of music, science clubs, and other activities often translate directly into better study habits and classroom engagement. Students learn to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and persevere through challenges, all of which are essential to academic success. By committing themselves to activities they love, students develop a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility that positively impacts their approach to learning.

Lastly, extracurricular activities offer students a unique opportunity for self-discovery. Outside the confines of the standard curriculum, they allow students to explore a variety of areas, uncover hidden talents, and identify their true passions. Whether through joining a theater group, participating in a robotics competition, or volunteering in the community, students gain exposure to a variety of interests and possibilities. This exploration is essential to helping them make informed decisions about their future paths, whether that be choosing a college major or pursuing a specific career. By providing a space for students to explore their passions, extracurricular activities empower them to become well-rounded individuals with a clear sense of purpose.

In conclusion, the benefits of extracurricular activities for students are undeniable and far-reaching. From developing essential life skills and enhancing academic achievement to providing a platform for self-discovery, these activities play a vital role in shaping well-rounded and successful individuals. Let us fight for the inclusion of extracurricular activities as an essential component of a comprehensive education.

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Break time or recess is a period of time in between classes where students can do anything they want, like eating their packed lunch, or playing with their friends. Break time is essential for students to be able to regain their focus and relax their body before the next class. In Indonesia, especially in senior high schools, there are two break time and each break time last for 15 minutes. Sometimes, 15 minutes could be enough or vice versa. The outcome may vary depending on the individual. Thus, I think the extension of the school break time is needed.

First, the school break time needs to be longer or atleast make it more often. In the release of Permendikbud Number 23 of 2017, it is explained that full day school means that school days must last 8 hours per day from Monday to Friday starting at 06.45-15.30 WIB, with a break every two hours.

Second, longer breaks could strengthen students social skills and emotional well being. A study by the UCL Institute of Education revealed that 87% of children enjoyed break times, valuing them as opportunities to socialize and engage in self-chosen activities. Given that children today have fewer chances to meet friends outside school compared to previous decades, extended breaks become essential for developing social skills and maintaining emotional health.

Third, 15 minutes of break is not enough. Longer breaks—such as recess or playtime—provide opportunities for children to learn important life skills. Research shows that when children play together, they learn how to take turns, resolve conflicts, and solve problems. They also learn how to manage their own emotions and behavior—fundamental skills for life. 15 minutes is also kind of too short for students who needs to queue at school canteen.

For those reasons, i suggest that schools extend the school break time. It could help students who needs more time to queue at canteen

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The obligation for all students to arrive at school promptly at 07.00 WIB is not just an administrative rule. More than that, this policy is an important pillar in shaping students’ disciplined character and efforts to optimize an effective learning process. The key to success is discipline. Therefore, small things such as coming to school at 07.00 WIB on time are expected to train discipline, especially in terms of time management. This hortatory text aims to convince all stakeholders, especially students, of the urgency and benefits of complying with the 07.00 WIB arrival rule. Delays, no matter how small, have the potential to damage the order that has been built and hinder the achievement of noble educational goals. Let us understand that arriving on time is not just about fulfilling obligations, but is also a concrete manifestation of our commitment to personal quality and collective progress.

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Add More Break Time for Students Mental Health

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Add More Break Time for Students Mental Health

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Students are under a lot of pressure due to their tight schedules due to the demands of their lessons and limited break times. Schools should be able to increase break times for students at school. Longer break times can improve students' mental health because they can reduce stress and provide time for students to gather with their friends. Mental health is very important for the effectiveness and concentration of learning. Without enough break times, students often feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which can lead to a lack of enthusiasm for learning. Improving the break schedule can create a healthy and productive learning environment for students to develop.

First, a strong reason schools should provide sufficient break time, because longer break time can allow students to eat calmly and students can enjoy their food comfortably so that students are not in a hurry to eat their supplies. The habit of eating quickly can also cause digestive problems, especially if students do not fill their stomachs with food or delay meal times. In order to learn optimally, the body needs sufficient food intake so that it has the energy to think. Therefore, don't forget to fill your stomach during school breaks. If you don't bring food, you can buy food at the school canteen(siadoarjo.bimbelssc.com)

Second, students often face long class hours. With a longer break, students can recover their energy after learning. A longer break can also make students less mentally stressed. Without enough rest, students can experience fatigue and become slow in learning due to lack of concentration. Students need a break from their daily routine. Breaks allow them to still get a break from classroom learning. Once they return to class, their minds will be refreshed and they will be able to concentrate better and continue learning more. (miracleparkplace.com)

Finally, adequate rest can improve students' abilities to be better and actively involved in learning. Because students who have poor quality rest tend to be less focused on following learning. It is important for students to get enough rest so that they are better able to store and remember information and can think critically during learning or exams. If a school cannot provide even a short break (at least 10 minutes) in the morning or afternoon, what they should do is offer a longer lunch period, at least 90 minutes.(ipeka.org)

In conclusion, schools should add rest time for students' mental health. The minimum break time that can be given is 90 minutes when schools are held from morning to evening. Rest is very important for students because it can help refresh students' minds, increase concentration and can support their learning process throughout the day.

Maulidya Duta XI-5

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Most students are lazy to wake up early to go to school. Most of them feel that the policy of entering school at morning hours makes them have to wake up earlier and go to school earlier so as not to be late. Like in Indonesia, the policy of starting school at 7 am. However, most of them still feel sleepy. Even though waking up early is very important for body health. Waking up early also has many other benefits. Most students feel sleepy and less focused during learning activities in class. Therefore, we need to wake up early so that we can be more focused when studying.

First of all, waking up early can improve physical and mental health. Waking up early gives the body the opportunity to feel the fresh air and morning sunlight which is rich in vitamin D. Morning sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D which is important for bone health. In addition, exposure to morning sunlight also increases the production of the hormone serotonin which can help maintain a good mood throughout the day. A consistent morning routine can help students maintain their physical and mental health. Students who wake up early often have time to do productive activities such as praying, eating breakfast, studying, and exercising. In addition, waking up early can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

Moreover, by waking up early and going to school at 7 am, we get used to a regular lifestyle. Waking up early means students have plenty of time to do activities before going to school. Waking up early will enable you to plan your time to be more effective and productive. The habit of waking up early can build students' self-discipline and responsibility, thus supporting their academic success and strengthening their character.

Lastly, waking up early and leaving for school at 7 am can improve our focus and concentration. The brain will not work fully immediately after waking up and it takes about an hour or more. Therefore, waking up early can give the body time to wake up fully so that it becomes more focused. Waking up early is important for students because it can improve concentration and focus. By waking up early, they can prepare all activities optimally.

With the policy of arriving at school at 7 am, I suggest that students wake up earlier to prepare to go to school. By waking up early will reduce the risk of being late to school. Students can focus more on learning activities in class because they wake up early in the morning.

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Starting School at 7 A.M. Helping Student Grow Into the Future

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Starting School at 7 A.M. Helping Student Grow Into the Future

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Starting school at 7 am is often considered too early for some people. However, if you look deeper, this policy actually has many long term benefits for students. By starting activities earlier, students are encouraged to build a healthy morning routine, practice discipline, and adjust to the rhythm of adult life. This not only improves the quality of learning but also prepares students to face future challenges with more structured and productive habits.

First, earlier school start times encourage students to build better time management. They learn to wake up earlier, eat breakfast, and prepare themselves calmly before starting lessons. This habit helps them become more disciplined in managing their time and be more prepared to face the day. As conveyed by sonora.id, a structured morning routine is very influential in increasing students' time efficiency and self-quality.

Second, starting school at 7 am is also in line with the work schedule of adults. This makes it easier for parents or guardians to drop off children at school before they go to work. In addition, according to Alinea.id, this alignment helps reduce traffic congestion during rush hour. In the long run, this time coordination supports a more harmonious and efficient family life.

Third, morning has positive energy that can increase students’ productivity and focus. According to Studev.co.id, morning has “magical power” that can improve mood and learning ability. In addition, Kompas.id also mentioned that children who sleep early and wake up early tend to have healthier and more active bodies than those who are used to staying up late. This means that starting school early can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

With all the benefits, starting school at 7 a.m. isn’t just a policy; it could be a small step that has a big impact on our children’s future. For this to really work, everyone from the government and schools to parents needs to come together, support each other, and create positive morning habits. Because when children get used to starting their day well, they are being prepared to grow into stronger, healthier, and more prepared individuals for the world ahead.

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Get Up, Show Up, Grow Up at 7 a.m. for School

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Get Up, Show Up, Grow Up at 7 a.m. for School

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Starting school at 7 a.m. may seem challenging for some students, but it is, in fact, a crucial step toward fostering a positive learning attitude and cultivating a responsible future. An earlier start time provides students with a structured routine that promotes discipline and prepares them for the real world. Furthermore, research and expert opinions indicate that morning hours are the most effective for learning. Instead of perceiving an early school start as a burden, we should view it as a valuable opportunity for habit formation. Therefore, I strongly support the idea of students beginning school at 7 a.m. as a means to enhance not only academic performance but also overall life preparedness.

Firstly, starting school at 7 a.m. allows students to maximize their focus and productivity during the most optimal hours of the day. According to Detik News, the ideal school start time ranges from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., with 7 a.m. positioned right in the middle of this range. Early mornings are when the brain is in its freshest state, particularly after a night of adequate rest. Students are less likely to feel fatigued or distracted and are more likely to pay attention in class. Morning classes also tend to be more structured and calm, fostering a learning environment free from unnecessary interruptions. Research indicates that academic performance is higher when students begin their lessons earlier in the day, as cognitive functions such as memory and concentration peak during morning hours. Furthermore, students who study in the morning tend to complete tasks more efficiently and retain information better. Therefore, starting school at 7 a.m. provides learners with optimal conditions to absorb knowledge and excel academically.

Secondly, starting school early instills a strong sense of discipline among students. The routine of waking up early each day fosters responsibility, time management, and commitment. Students must go to bed earlier, prepare their belongings in advance, and arrive punctually, which gradually cultivates structured habits. As noted by Kompas.com, education experts in Indonesia affirm that morning classes enhance students’ focus and discipline. A disciplined student is more likely to complete assignments on time, participate regularly, and diligently adhere to school rules. Additionally, students who adopt disciplined routines at school often apply these values in their personal lives, such as assisting at home, managing their free time wisely, or engaging in extracurricular activities without neglecting academic responsibilities. Furthermore, the discipline learned through consistent early starts trains students to be resilient and independent. They no longer rely heavily on parental reminders and become more proactive in managing their responsibilities. Over time, this internalized discipline becomes a key trait that supports lifelong learning and personal success. Therefore, early school start times are essential for building character and integrity.

Another reason to start school at 7 a.m. is that it facilitates a smooth transition for students into adult life, particularly in the professional realm. Most jobs begin early in the morning, typically between 7 and 9 a.m., requiring employees to be alert, punctual, and ready to perform. According to Kemendikbud.go.id, the Ministry of Education and Culture indicates that an early school start allows students to adapt to productive routines that mirror those of the professional environment. By experiencing early schedules during their formative years, students become accustomed to waking up early, preparing efficiently, and approaching the day with discipline. This habit mitigates future challenges when entering the workforce. Additionally, it fosters essential soft skills such as time management, responsibility, and consistency qualities that are highly valued by employers. For instance, a student who is accustomed to preparing for school by 6 a.m. will find it easier to adapt to a job that requires attendance at 8 a.m. Therefore, implementing a 7 a.m. school start is not only educational but also serves as preparation for the realities of adult responsibilities.

In conclusion, starting school at 7 a.m. is not only a beneficial routine but also a crucial step in shaping students into disciplined, focused, and future ready individuals. This early start enhances academic performance by aligning with students' peak productivity hours and helps them prepare for the early demands of the workforce. Instead of resisting early start times, students and parents should embrace them as a long term investment in personal growth and future success. Schools, in turn, must ensure that supportive environments and time management guidance are in place to help students adapt positively to this schedule. A well structured morning routine can be the first step toward cultivating a generation that is both academically strong and professionally prepared.

Alvita Desri Artanti/04

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Every school around the world mostly has a uniform for children to wear to school. Starting from kindergarten to high school, we always wear uniforms to study at school. Indeed, not many countries require school students to wear uniforms. However, Indonesia implements a different system. Every student is required to wear a uniform to study at school. School uniforms are formal clothing worn by students especially for school or educational purposes. Some argue that school uniforms are not necessary, while others argue that school uniforms are very important for students. In my personal opinion, wearing a school uniform is important. Why do I say that? Here are the reasons.

Firstly, uniforms become a symbol of school identity. The difference in color at each level helps the community to control student behavior outside of school. The existence of a motif or model of a uniform typical of each school also makes students more responsible for behaving and doing various activities both inside and outside the school environment. In addition, this is useful when participating in contests or competing between schools. Of course, each school has its own identity through uniforms that make it easier for judges to assess because the uniforms are different. Jason Wing, headmaster at the Neale-Wade Academy in Cambridgeshire, England, said that the most common assumption about the importance of school uniforms is that they can be a symbol of pride, create a school identity and be part of the school's students. "The uniform shows that you are part of an organization. Wearing it says we are all together. "Also, if you wear your uniform proudly, it means you are halfway to being respectful, buying into what the organization stands for," he said, as quoted by the Guardian.

Secondly, school uniforms help to equalize the appearance of every student, regardless of their economic background. School uniforms can reduce the tendency of showing off between students from wealthy families and students from poor families. By wearing the same clothes, students will not feel inferior or jealous of their friends who have more expensive or fashionable clothes, regardless of their economic background. From another perspective, with the same uniform can increase students' self-confidence because they have the same opportunity to excel in school. This can have a positive influence on the school. Research by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in the US shows that the use of uniforms helps reduce pressure on students from low-income families because they do not have to compete in terms of fashion or clothing brands. In addition, according to a survey by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) in the UK, school uniforms create a more inclusive environment because students do not feel embarrassed or alienated because of their clothes.

Another reason, school uniforms can help students to be more disciplined and obedient to school rules. Discipline is an important factor in the school environment. Wearing a uniform can be an early learning experience of how to become a person who is able to appear well in terms of appearance. Research by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP, USA) stated that 86% of principals reported that the use of school uniforms positively influenced student discipline. This shows that the use of uniforms is indeed important to form students' character of discipline, responsibility, and respect for the rules. In addition, getting students used to wearing uniforms has introduced students to the world of work. Generally, many agencies in Indonesia also use uniforms. So, when they enter the world of work, they are no longer surprised because they are used to obeying neat dress codes. In addition to wearing the prescribed uniform, neatness also needs to be considered. For example, tucking clothes into pants, combing hair neatly, wearing socks and shoes according to school regulations and so on. By looking at the completeness of the uniform, someone can see their discipline.

From the reasons and facts above, it is clearly very important that students must wear school uniforms to go to school, because there are many advantages to be gained from not wearing school uniforms. Schools that wear school uniforms must pay attention to the economic conditions of their students, so that no one feels burdened. In conclusion, students must continue to wear school uniforms because it shows their identity equally.

Shofi Fahira/33

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Many students nowadays find the school hours to be very busy and filled with grueling lessons. After a grueling lesson, many students want to take a break to recharge their batteries and refresh their minds. But unfortunately, the break time at school is still too short. When students are forced to constantly concentrate on lessons without adequate breaks, they can experience fatigue and lose focus. Giving students longer breaks will help with this problem. It can restore their energy, and keep their concentration up. Therefore, extending school breaks is an important step that supports student well being.

First of all, longer breaks can improve students concentration and productivity. If students are only given a short break they do not have the opportunity to refresh their minds, so that in the next lesson they can absorb new knowledge and stay focused. However, if students are given a long break, for example 25 minutes, they can relax and refresh their minds so that in the next lesson they can be more focused and concentrated. Research shows that adequate breaks can clear the mind and promote strong memory. This information is available on the ten november institute of technology website. Therefore clearly, giving students adequate breaks is key to maximizing the effectiveness of their education.

In addition, extended breaks allow students to engage in physical activities such as walking. During shorter breaks, students often do not have enough time to walk and get fresh air, resulting in fatigue and restlessness. On the other hand, longer break times allow students to walk and breathe fresh air, this activity will increase blood circulation and oxygen to the brain. This can improve brain function and help students stay more focused and less tired, according to the Aceh Provincial Health Office website. Walking and breathing this air can improve mood and reduce stress. Schools should not view recess as a break but should view it as an important part of the learning process. Physical activity such as walking during recess can greatly improve students readiness to learn.

Furthermore, longer breaks can allow students to socialize more with other students. This is very important for emotional development and stress reduction. Extended recess can strengthen friendships. A positive school atmosphere is built on strong relationships and reduces student behavior problems. Allocating sufficient time for social interaction during recess is not just an interaction but a developmental necessity to form emotionally intelligent and insightful individuals.

Extending recess at school is an important step for students to make learning more focused and enjoyable. So let's get schools to extend recess because it has a very good impact on students' development academically and emotionally.

Ananda Garnis Auliya/05

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The School Starting at 7 A.M Disrupts Students Learning Process

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The School Starting at 7 A.M Disrupts Students Learning Process

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School hours in Indonesia tend to start in the morning due to weather and transport conditions. Indonesian weather, especially during the day, is very hot and humid, which makes the process of teaching and learning unbearable for both teachers and learners. Therefore, starting school in the morning can avoid the hot weather and allow teachers and students to study more comfortably and concentration. However, school at 7 A.M can cause disruptions in students' learning process within class. Among the reasons why most kids are sleep-deprived are early school starts. Early school starts are often considered the initial cause of the lack of rest time that disrupts students' focus in learning. Therefore, identification of the best school start time needs re-evaluation

First, starting the school day at 7am, a seemingly ordinary policy, but one that has the potential to disrupt the quality of effectiveness because it can generally disrupt the sleep time and concentration process of learning in school.

Second, the use of an early starting time always results in a rather rushed and oftentimes stressful morning routine that may potentially create a negative learning climate in learning activities, which can deter students' enthusiasm and willingness to actively engage in the process of learning in class.

Third, and most importantly. Lack of sleep caused by early school hours has been scientifically proven to impair concentration. Other than students' lack of preparedness, they are still left with deadlines and sleep when they are overwhelmed. Therefore, students are likely to still feel tired as well as the stress of completing deadlines

Early school leaving is sure to disrupt learning process in schools. A 30-60 minute advancement in school start time can result in a stronger rise in concentration among students. By prioritizing health and needs, the schools are able to construct a learning experience that is congenial to students' growth and development, and likewise, the students are able to maintain adequate sleep as well.

Jurinda Velita Risqina/XI-5/21

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The obligation for all students to arrive at school promptly at 07.00 WIB is not just an administrative rule. More than that, this policy is an important pillar in shaping students’ disciplined character and efforts to optimize an effective learning process. The key to success is discipline. Therefore, small things such as coming to school at 07.00 WIB on time are expected to train discipline, especially in terms of time management. This hortatory text aims to convince all stakeholders, especially students, of the urgency and benefits of complying with the 07.00 WIB arrival rule. Delays, no matter how small, have the potential to damage the order that has been built and hinder the achievement of noble educational goals. Let us understand that arriving on time is not just about fulfilling obligations, but is also a concrete manifestation of our commitment to personal quality and collective progress.

Firstly, coming to school at 7.00 WIB can influence students’ enthusiasm for starting the day. This can be proven by my own experience, where every time I wake up in the morning and get ready to go to school in the morning, I feel very enthusiastic about learning. I feel happier and want to immediately go to school to meet my friends. This gives me new enthusiasm every morning when I want to go to school. Mood or happiness can influence school activities, it can influence the good and bad things that will happen at school. Apart from that, enthusiasm at the start of the morning can also influence students’ preparation to face the world of work. Where, every job will require a good mood and feeling of happiness in order to produce good results. This positive thing needs to be considered so that all students can learn to manage time well from an early age.

Then, instilling a culture of punctuality from an early age through the obligation to leave school at 07.00 WIB is not just a formality of attendance, but a valuable investment in forming a responsible character in students. Consistently arriving on time teaches students to value commitment and keep promises, an essential fundamental they will carry with them into adulthood. When a student gets used to arriving at school on schedule, he is training himself to fulfill expectations and obligations, both towards himself, his teacher and his friends. This time discipline will transform into positive habits that are crucial in the world of work, social relationships, and achieving other life goals. The ability to respect other people’s time and meet deadlines is a quality that is highly sought after and appreciated in many aspects of life. By making a habit of being on time, students are building a strong foundation for future success, as trust and reliability are often rooted in a person’s ability to keep promises and fulfill responsibilities. According to www.Indonesia.mengajar.com Leaving on time teaches students to keep promises and fulfill obligations, which is important for success in various aspects of life.

Thirdly, let’s instill awareness that arriving on time to school, especially at 07.00 WIB, is not just fulfilling the rules, but is a proactive step towards brilliant academic success. Imagine the peace of mind when starting lessons without rushing, being able to listen to every teacher’s explanation from the start, and actively participating in class discussions without being distracted by delays. By arriving on time, students give themselves a golden opportunity to absorb information completely, build a solid understanding, and avoid missing out on crucial material. Maintained focus from the start of the lesson will increase students’ absorption capacity, make it easier to understand complex concepts, and encourage deeper involvement in the teaching and learning process. These good habits will gradually form a strong foundation for improving overall academic performance, opening the door to higher educational opportunities and a brighter future. Let’s make punctuality the key to unlocking our academic potential. This is also recorded in research in the kompas.tv.com article that students who arrive on time tend to be more focused and able to follow lessons well, thereby improving their academic achievement.

In closing, it can be concluded that the obligation for students to arrive at school promptly at 07.00 WIB is not just an administrative rule, but a fundamental policy that has a broad and deep impact on students’ holistic development. The habit of arriving on time not only trains discipline and effective time management, but also fosters enthusiasm for learning from the start of the day, forms a responsible character and is able to keep promises, and creates a conducive learning environment so as to optimize the absorption of lesson material and improve academic achievement. More than that, adherence to time is also a form of appreciation for the hard work of all elements of the school and prepares students to face the demands of the world of work in the future. Therefore, instilling awareness of the importance of arriving on time from an early age is a crucial investment in forming a young generation with strong character, achievements, and ready to face various life challenges with strong discipline. Let’s make punctuality an inseparable part of our learning culture.

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School breaks play a very important role in maintaining students' mental and physical health. In fact, many students feel tired and stressed because they have to follow lessons all the time without enough breaks to rest their body and mind. This can lead to a decline in concentration, motivation to learn, and even overall health. Therefore, I agree with the idea of prolonging school breaks. With longer breaks, students have the opportunity to refresh their minds, reduce stress, eat in peace, and interact socially with their friends. Not only does this help to boost learning motivation, but it also creates a more comfortable and emotionally healthy school environment.

Firstly, prolonging school breaks can help reduce the stress and burnout that students often experience. On a daily basis, students face hectic class schedules, tons of assignments, and pressure to achieve. This situation makes many students feel tired, bored, and even lose their enthusiasm for learning. A longer break can be a much-needed refreshing time so that students can refocus on the next lesson. This time can be used to talk casually with friends, play games, or just sit quietly without distractions. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breaks are important because they provide space for students to imagine, think freely, move, and socialize. These activities not only make children happier, but also help them grow into emotionally and socially balanced individuals. So, extending break is not just about giving free time, but also providing opportunities for students' mental development.

Secondly, the short break times often prevent students from eating properly. Many students have to rush out of class, waiting in a long line at the canteen, choosing food, and then eating quickly so as not to be late for class again. In these conditions, food is often not chewed well or even not eaten. If this happens every day, it will certainly have a negative impact on student health, such as indigestion or lack of energy. In fact, the body needs enough nutritional support so that the brain can work optimally in the learning process. Research reported by KOMPAS.com shows that prolonging break time can improve student attendance and academic performance. This proves that enough rest time is very important in supporting learning activities because a healthy body and mind are the keys to academic success. Therefore, providing enough rest time will greatly help students to eat more calmly and return to their activities more refreshed.

Lastly, prolonging break times is also important as many schools have large areas, so students need time just to walk from class to the canteen or toilet. Under conditions of limited break time, students often feel pressured to run around so that all their basic needs can be met. This causes anxiety and can even lead to delays in returning to class. If students are late, they may be scolded by teachers, adding to the mental stress they are already under. Wang Pan, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, stated that with longer breaks, students will have more time to relax, rest, and engage in outdoor physical activities, which can effectively reduce eye strain and improve their physical fitness.

I suggest you to consider prolonging break times at school to create a healthier and more balanced learning environment. Longer breaks can help students ease stress and burnout, give them enough time to eat in peace, and allow them to move and socialize more freely. Based on various studies, having enough rest can also improve students' academic performance and physical health.

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I'm still too sleepy to go to the school at 7 a.m! 

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I'm still too sleepy to go to the school at 7 a.m! 

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A lot of children or students don't have enough time to sleep at night or they don't rest enough to recover their energy, but they have to wake up early to prepare for school. Students sleep at 9 or 10 p.m, which is considered to be the best time to sleep. But more than that is not good for their health. Students must have homeworks to do and at some cases, students sleep at 12 a.m after they do their homeworks. If the students have to go to school at 7 a.m, then they have to wake up around 5 am to prepare. The minimum time of sleep the students need should be around 7 to 8 hours. Starting the school early is refreshing, but if the students don't have enough sleep or rest, this can cause several impacts of their wellbeing.

The first reason is that sometimes the students have too much homework that they can sleep at 10 p.m or above that. If their home is far from school, then they have to wake up earlier to prepare for school and the time to go to school. Students need 45 distance to 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and eat breakfast, if they're far from school, then they need around 30 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the distance and the traffic condition. In that case, the students need to wake up at 4 a.m for the ideal time to prepare and they have to sleep at 8 or 9 p.m so they have enough sleep to wake up earlier. The earlier they sleep the earlier they wake up to have enough time to prepare and eat breakfast at home. Because some cases, some students tend to skip breakfast at home because they are in rush to go to school because they wake up late and don't enough time to prepare.

The second reason is that the students sleep needs are disturbed or even lack of it, because there are still soo many activities after school that need to be done. Some or most students have other activities than doing homeworks, such as academic or non-academic clubs or even part-time job. Students that join academic or non-academic clubs such as sports have to practice after their school, and they can go home late, like 6 pm. And they have to do their homeworks afterwards. Not to mention for the students that have to work part-time job and have to sell to support their financial. This can cause them mentally and physically tired, this can impact on their health the next morning and cause tiredness. Most of them have to repeat this cycle everyday, the constant lack of sleep leads to their sleep needs disturbed and lack of resting. And once again they need time to recover and rest for their well-being.

The third reason, last but not least, going too school too early can affect the student's health as already mentioned in the earlier arguments. Based on a journal online, the number of hours children need to sleep depends on their age. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, children ages 6–12 need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep at night, and teenagers ages 13–18 need between 8 and10 hours each night. However, studies have demonstrated that most American adolescents are not getting enough sleep. Nearly 60% of middle schoolers do not get enough sleep on school nights. For high schoolers, that number is over 70%. Late bedtimes and early school start times are a contributing factor to a lack of adolescent sleep. A lack of sleep impacts overall student health, wellbeing, and academic success, and it can even have long-term health consequences.

From those reasons above, I have conclude that starting the school early at 7 am is not very efficient and the school should have started around 8 am. A later school start time helps accommodate this biological need. Overall care for sleep hygiene, such as having a good night’s sleep and following back-to-school sleep tips, can also help adolescents regulate their sleep.

Lintang Aruna Salvia Putri/XI-5/23

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A Fun School Starts with Enough Break Time

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A Fun School Starts with Enough Break Time

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Some schools only give short breaks, around 15 minutes. That is why I agree that breaks should be longer and more effective for students. Longer breaks can help students focus better and be ready to learn again. After extending the break, students can pay more attention to the lesson and feel more excited to follow the lesson again. Many people often ignore the effects of short breaks, when in fact it can make students tired and lose focus. If the break is at least 20 minutes or more, students will have time to relax, eat without rushing, and be more ready to follow the next lesson.

First, by increasing the break time, students have more opportunities to buy food, and eat without rushing. Usually, the break time is only enough to buy food in the school cafeteria, but not enough to enjoy the food. Therefore, many students eat very quickly or even do not eat at all. This habit of eating in a hurry is not healthy for the body. According to a survey by the Ministry of Education and Culture, a longer break time helps students eat calmly and feel more comfortable. This increases their focus, energy, and mood for the next lesson. Eating without rushing is also better for digestion and helps students avoid stomach problems. A longer break time also gives students the opportunity to chat with friends, or rest their minds after hours of studying. So, a longer break time provides many benefits for students, and also helps teachers teach more effectively.

Second, a break of at least 20 minutes or more really helps students and teachers to stay physically and mentally prepared during study hours. Most schools only provide a break of 15 minutes, which is too short to rest and recover after hours of studying. A break of 15 minutes is considered too fast and not enough to rest and prepare for the next lesson. On the other hand, a break of 20 minutes or more gives students enough time to relax and refresh their minds after doing learning activities. Students can also use this time to eat, drink water, and chat with friends without feeling anxious or rushed. A study from the Indonesian University of Education (UPI) showed that a break of at least 20 minutes can improve students' focus, memory, and mood. This makes them more enthusiastic and motivated to study in the next lesson. Longer breaks also help teachers manage the classroom better because students are calmer and ready to learn.

Third, school break times should be extended to create a more comfortable and friendly school environment for students. If the break time is only short, it will make students tired more quickly, and will disrupt learning hours. This makes students uncomfortable at school because they are tired. Meanwhile, if the break time is extended, it will make students more focused and will definitely be comfortable and like being at school because they are not too tired. According to Kompasiana.com. Ideally, students should have enough rest time and be in a school environment that supports the teaching and learning process well. Lack of rest time can cause fatigue, poor concentration, and difficulty understanding lessons, which have a negative impact on the overall learning atmosphere at school. If students are tired due to lack of rest after learning hours, it will make it difficult for students to follow the next lesson, because the brain also needs enough rest.

For these reasons, i suggest the school change the rules: the original break time of only 15 minutes is changed to 20 minutes or more. This rule will help students to be more focused and more enthusiastic to follow the next lesson. Because students also need to get enough rest so they can follow the lesson seriously.

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Academic Impact of Participating in Extracurricular Activities

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Academic Impact of Participating in Extracurricular Activities

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Extracurricular activities are additional activities outside of class hours organized by the school. These activities are very beneficial for students as they can develop the interests, talents, and personalities that students possess. Many people assume that these activities are merely for entertainment, whereas extracurricular activities have a positive impact on students' academic achievements. Not only that, through extracurricular activities, students can learn discipline, responsibility, and skills that are essential in the learning process. In addition, extracurricular activities can serve as a means for students to relieve stress from academic pressure. When students have time to channel their interests and talents, they become happier and more motivated to learn. Therefore, I strongly support students' active participation in extracurricular activities, as they can enhance academic achievements and shape students to be better.

Participating in extracurricular activities at school is very important because it can provide many positive benefits for students. One of its main benefits is offering students the opportunity to explore and develop their interests and talents. Not all of a student's abilities can be seen solely through academic activities in the classroom. With extracurricular activities such as arts, sports, scouting, or organizations, students can channel their potential and grow their self-confidence.

In addition, extracurricular activities help broaden students' horizons in various fields outside of school lessons. Through the various experiences gained, students can learn new skills, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and responsibility. This is very useful for shaping students' characters to be more independent and prepared to face future challenges.

Not only that, involvement in extracurricular activities can also have a positive impact on academic achievement. Active students usually have higher motivation to learn because they feel more organized and confident. Therefore, participating in extracurricular activities is not a distraction from learning, but rather a key supporter in shaping students who are achievers and have character.

Given the many benefits that can be gained from participating in extracurricular activities, every student should be actively involved in at least one activity that suits their interests and talents. Schools also need to provide full support by providing a variety of interesting, useful, and appropriate extracurricular options for students. Teachers and parents should encourage and motivate students not only to focus on academic grades, but also to be active in non-academic activities that build character. That way, students can grow into good individuals.

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Weighing the Effectiveness of Ideal Break Hours at School

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Weighing the Effectiveness of Ideal Break Hours at School

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Rest time is an important part of the success of children's education at school. Enough rest time will help them be more successful when they return to class.Break time only 15 minutes is short.If the break time is short, students do not enjoy the food they eat, they will be in a hurry when eating.

Firstly,Improvement of rest time also seems to lead to a more positive environment.Make students relax from study hours, actually there are also many life lessons learned at the playground during break time.Students are more attentive and cognitively better after recess.Students listen better after a break and are more focussed in class.Research shows, if well planned, rest time can increase attendance and academic achievement. This can also help children make friends and learn how to overcome conflicts.Other than that they can get a more positive view about learning, especially for those who are in low-income schools. High-quality breaks can also curb bullying among students.To test the impact of recess on students, the researchers analysed information about elementary schools that have implemented recess-based programs from non-profit organisations designed to create a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment.

Secondly,If the rest is short, students can't enjoy the food they eat.But many schools cut off break time or do not provide quality break time. Stanford University researchers warn that it can have unwanted negative consequences.Coaches are sent to these schools to improve the quality of children's rest time, build organised play with rules, offer conflict resolution tools, encourage positive language, and ensure no students are left behind. All schools have two daily break periods.The improvement of rest time also seems to lead to a more positive environment. Almost half of the surveyed teachers said that students became more supportive of each other and used better language.The positive effects felt by students include children starting games more often, feeling better and safer, girls becoming more involved.The importance of play or rest time for children has been recognised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which views this as important for the well-being of children at school.

Lastly,the brain needs rest to consolidate everything.A person's concentration and focus is only a maximum of 2 hours, especially teenagers. Related to learning at school, crossed my mind, is it possible if in 1 day of learning activities consisting of 8 hours of learning, then every 2 hours of learning are given a break of 10-15 minutes. This certainly does not have to add rest hours, but how to manage students' rest time and they also do not get tired easily and concentrate on learning.School breaks have the function of reducing muscle tension and reducing boredom so that students can be refreshed and ready to receive the next lesson

In conclusion,Doing those things requires sufficient rest time, so that at school, students are not only emphasised on school lessons, there are many positive activities that can be done by students. It can be concluded, break time is very important for students because it gives time to rest, play, imagine. thinking, moving, socialising also relaxes the brain for the next lesson, so that the brain is not burdened and can receive the material well.

(Freya Sulung Putri Aliyu/17)

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Strengthening School Identity Through Uniforms

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Strengthening School Identity Through Uniforms

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Nowadays, the fashion world has developed very rapidly. Many clothing models are popular with the public ranging from t-shirts, blouses, dresses, uniforms, and others. In this case, uniforms are not just clothes, uniforms have an important role in supporting the world of education. In Indonesia itself, school uniforms function to avoid unhealthy competition between students, especially related to clothing and attributes used in school. The purpose of uniforms is more than just the need to instill a spirit of unity and togetherness. School uniforms can improve learning, reduce distractions, increase focus, and create a more serious classroom environment. There are several reasons why the use of uniforms is very important in high school.

Firstly, according to Kompas.com, the use of uniforms can increase equality between students. Social gaps between students often occur due to small things such as clothing. For students who have higher finances, the clothes they wear are certainly more fashionable and branded, with school uniforms, students do not need to feel pressured by certain social standards or follow trends that may only be accessible to those who are more financially capable. Not only that, social inequality is also the cause of bullying in schools, where more well-off students will intimidate students who are below them. Uniforms can eliminate economic differences between students, so that with uniforms students can socialize regardless of their background and focus more on the learning process without being disturbed by differences in appearance. The use of school uniforms can reduce feelings of inferiority or dominance among students so that a peaceful and harmonious environment is created without social inequality. School uniforms create a sense of togetherness and foster brotherhood among students.

Secondly, CNN Indonesia mentions that uniforms are the identity and pride of the school. Each school has its design to show its identity. When students wear uniforms, they not only carry their name but also the name of the school. Not only uniforms, but other attributes such as ties, belts, hats, and others, also become the identity of the school. Wearing a uniform with the school's identity will foster a sense of belonging and solidarity among students. When all students wear the same uniform, they feel like they are part of a whole, a complete community. School uniforms are a symbol of an educational community, carrying values and principles that must be maintained and respected. School uniforms are also a means to introduce and maintain the richness of Indonesian culture to the younger generation. School uniforms are also useful when students participate in a competition that requires them to carry the name of the school. With uniforms, students will feel proud to contribute and be motivated to maintain the good name and reputation of the school.

Thirdly, according to the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud), the use of uniforms can improve discipline and order. Uniforms provide clear rules that in a school environment, a student must also have responsibility and a sense of discipline in terms of appearance. If a school allows its students to dress without a uniform, then it cannot control the style of dress of their students. School uniforms help schools, parents, and the community to recognize students easily. Uniform rules also help teachers in creating a comfortable and conducive learning atmosphere. When students are outside the school environment, uniforms make it easier to supervise and minimize the risk of unwanted incidents. Not only that, school uniforms help schools to identify who is a real student and who is not. In an emergency or event outside the school environment, uniforms will make it easier to manage and coordinate. The mandatory act of wearing this uniform indirectly teaches them to be responsible for themselves and respect the existing rules.

Therefore, the regulation regarding the importance of wearing uniforms in high schools must continue to be implemented. Thus, not only as a school identity but also as creating an equal learning environment and supporting the formation of student character. Schools need to provide sanctions for students who do not wear uniforms with complete attributes as a form of student responsibility at school.

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Morning Spirit, The Gate of Knowledge Awaits

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Morning Spirit, The Gate of Knowledge Awaits

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I strongly agree that students go to school at 7 am. Because the body still looks fit and the brain is still fresh, on the other hand waking up early is very useful for our health, for example, such as body strength and improving mood. However, many students feel lazy to wake up early. Like the school entry policy in Indonesia, which is 7 am. According to most students, going to school at 7 am feels too early.

First, waking up early can improve focus. Studies show that people who wake up early tend to have better focus. When you have enough time in the morning to get ready, your mind becomes calmer and ready to face learning activities. You can use the quiet morning time to review lessons, read books, or simply make a daily plan. This will improve your concentration and make you more productive.

Second, waking up early can improve mental health

Waking up early is associated with improved mood. Exposure to morning sunlight can stimulate the production of the hormone serotonin, known as the happiness hormone. Serotonin functions to improve mood, reduce the risk of depression, and provide peace of mind. With a good mood, you will also be more prepared to face daily challenges, including schoolwork or extracurricular activities.

Lastly, waking up early can increase productivity. Building a habit of waking up early teaches teenagers to have a more regular lifestyle. This habit trains discipline, which is important in everyday life, including managing study time, exercising, and resting. A regular lifestyle also helps maintain a balance between daily activities and the need for adequate rest.

With the policy of coming to school at 7 am, it is expected that students can wake up earlier to reduce the risk of being late. By waking up early, students can prepare to study at school first. Waking up early can also increase students' focus in studying.

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Recess in schools is an aspect that is often overlooked, even though it plays a very important role in student development. However, studies have shown that recess has a significant impact on students' academic, social and emotional development. In the context of education, recess is not just about filling in the gaps, extending the duration of recess in schools has a significant positive impact on physical health which can improve their ability to absorb new information. In addition, recess also provides opportunities for students to interact socially with each other.

Firstly, recess plays an important role in supporting students' academic performance. Research shows that adequate breaks between study sessions can improve students' focus and memory. When students are given a break, they can recharge their energy which can improve their ability to absorb new information.

Secondly, reduced break time can have a negative impact on students. When students do not have enough time to rest and socialize, they tend to experience stress and anxiety. This can lead to increased conflict between students. In addition, lack of social interaction can hinder students' ability to have good relationships with their peers. A positive school atmosphere relies on good social relationships, and adequate break time is key to creating a positive school atmosphere. It is therefore important to maintain adequate break times in education.

Lastly, the role of teachers is also important during these breaks to create a positive school environment. When breaks are extended, teachers automatically take a break to calm their minds after teaching in class. During break time, it can be an opportunity for teachers to prepare learning methods that will then be taught to the class that will be taught after the break, so that students will also learn happily when the teacher's learning methods are also fun. Therefore, the involvement of breaks for teachers is also very important for the teacher's own condition in order to create a positive teaching atmosphere.

Overall, longer breaks are essential for students' academic and social development. With the right support from teachers, recess can be a valuable time to increase student peace of mind and create a positive school atmosphere.

Salvina Widya Yessi/32

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Extracurricular activities are indeed good for teenagers. Rather than spending their free time playing with their phones all day. Although there are positive things that happen if you follow extracurricular activities, there are also negative things that will arise if you do it too much when doing extracurricular activities
However, it is important for teenagers to ensure that extracurricular activities do not interfere with their life balance. Such as if they prioritize extracurricular activities over learning, and prioritize extracurricular activities over health. This will affect the balance of teenage life. If teenagers who participate or are even forced to follow extracurricular activities, negative things will appear that are not wanted. One of the negative impacts that occurs if you follow extracurricular activities excessively

First, the student was tired from studying until afternoon. Students will feel tired if extracurricular activities are carried out after learning. Where usually learning will finish in the afternoon and will drain your energy. If you are too tired, your health will also decline, causing illness

Second, extracurricular activities make us lazy to do assignments. Because they are too tired from participating in extracurricular activities, students will be lazy to do their assignments. assignments will not be done and cannot be submitted. so that it will cause punishment by the teacher

Third, Disturbs students' focus on lessons, drains time, energy, and even affects mental and physical health. When we force extracurricular activities too much when we are tired. Then we will not be too focused on learning because we are distracted by the feeling of tiredness. Extracurricular activities will also drain rest and study time, because some of the time that should be for rest and study is used for extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities will affect physical and mental health if we do them excessively.

Therefore, a good solution is not to force students to participate in extracurricular activities. Many teachers force students and even scare students that if they do not participate in extracurricular activities they will not move up a class. Because of the coercion, students become afraid and stressed because they think too much that if they do not participate in extracurricular activities they will not move up a class. And extracurricular activities should not be mandatory for students

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BEGIN WITH EXTRACURRICULAR TO BE EXTRAORDINARILY TALENTED.

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BEGIN WITH EXTRACURRICULAR TO BE EXTRAORDINARILY TALENTED.

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Extracurricular activities are non-formal lesson activities carried out by school or university students, generally outside standard curriculum study hours. Most of the school in Indonesia insisted their students to join extracurriculars; at a minimum, they must join at least one extracurricular. Attending extracurriculars is indeed important because it can bring various benefits for the students.

Firstly, students can earn various new knowledge besides the arranged curriculum. For example, the scouting extracurricular teaches the students to love nature. Then there is PMR, which teaches the students to become skilled medical personnel. In addition, there are many other extracurricular activities, such as dance extracurricular activities that teach elegance, language extracurricular activities that teach foreign languages, and so on. This statement supported by Kompasiana.com clarifying that "Students who participate in these extracurricular activities are able to contribute new knowledge and develop good character so that the student's learning experience is good and supports students to achieve well. Extracurricular activities are also expected to increase scientific insight to obtain new knowledge that can later be adopted or correlated with the knowledge obtained from the teaching and learning process."

Secondly, extracurricular activities aim to provide a forum for students who are still unsure about their abilities. As has been emphasized by stipnasional.co.id, "Extracurricular activities can be a place to develop your talents and interests. In it, there will be many activities related to students hobbies or talents." So, for students who are still curious about what they are capable of doing, they can learn new things that may suit their talents. Extracurricular activities are initiated to teach and guide students from the beginning until they are proficient or capable enough to master the skills they have.

Lastly, extracurricular activities can help students in their social lives. As has been emphasized by smp-parahyangan.sch.id, "Through extracurricular activities, students can develop leadership skills, establish healthy social relationships, discover their talents and interests, improve discipline, and achieve a balance between academics and non-academics." In this case, students can upgrade their soft skills, expand their social circumstances, and also improve their self-confidence. The development of these skills can be done by participating in extracurricular activities in the form of organizations. Such as intra-school student organizations, scouts, PMR, Paskibraka, and so on.

There are many other extracurricular activities, with each extracurricular having different applications of knowledge and benefits. Attending extracurricular activities can help students to improve their skills and also expand their insight and experience. So, it is very important for the students to attend extracurricular activities in school. Reach the best version of yourself, be better than who you are yesterday. Normalize to attend the extracurricular activities, and be extraordinarily talented.

(Reswari Putri Wardhani: 31/XI-5)

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The extension of school holidays has become a topic of increasing discussion. Many believe that longer breaks can help students reduce stress and improve mental health.

First, improving students’ mental and emotional health.

Good mental health is the foundation for students to develop optimally. When students feel happy, they are better able to cope with academic pressure. Therefore, it is important for schools to create a safe and supportive environment to maintain students’ mental and emotional balance.

Secondly, improving academic achievement. Academic achievement is influenced by the emotional condition, motivation, and support received by students. When students receive proper guidance and are motivated, they will be more focused, persistent, and confident in learning. Thus, creating effective learning strategies is essential to encourage good academic achievement.

Thirdly, strengthening social and family relationships. Harmonious social and family relationships provide a sense of security and support that is very important for students in the process of growing and developing. Good relationships with family and friends can help shape a positive personality and increase deep enthusiasm for students. Building open communication is essential in strengthening social and family ties.

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Building Leadership and Teamwork Through Extracurricular Activities

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Building Leadership and Teamwork Through Extracurricular Activities

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Many students still think that extracurricular activities are not an important part of school. However, through these activities they can learn things that are not taught in class. For example, how to work in a team, lead a group, and solve problems together. All of these are very useful in everyday life and in the future. It is not enough to be academically smart. We also need to build character, responsibility, and courage to face a challenge. Extracurricular activities also help students discover interests and talents that may not have been seen yet. Therefore, i believe that participating in extracurricular activities is very important and should be part of every student's learning journey at school.

Firstly, extracurricular activities provide students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills. In activities such as student organizations or sports teams, students are given the responsibility to lead and manage groups. They learn to make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for the success or failure of an activity. This experience is very valuable because leadership skills are not only important for school life, but also highly needed in the workforce in the future.

Secondly, extracurricular activities also help students improve their teamwork skills. Many extracurricular activities, such as debating, science clubs, and theater, require students to work in teams consisting of various individuals with different backgrounds. This process teaches them how to communicate effectively, listen to others' opinions, and how to combine ideas and goals into a cohesive plan. The ability to work in a team is very useful, both in the workforce and in social relationships in the future.

Thirdly, participating in extracurricular activities can boost students' self esteem. In extracurricular activities, students often face challenges that require them to step out of their comfort zones. For example, performing in front of an audience in art shows or choirs. Experiences like these not only train their communication skills but also strengthen their self confidence.

Schools should encourage students to be active in extracurricular activities because there are many benefits to be gained, including improving leadership, teamwork and self-confidence. Parents also need to support by providing motivation so that students are more confident in participating in these extracurricular activities. Moreover, through extracurriculars, students can hone various soft skills as well as problem-solving abilities. These skills are essential not only in the educational world but also in everyday life and in the workforce in the future. That way, students can develop academically and non-academically in a balanced manner.

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Extending Break Time:A Necessity,Not a Luxury

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Extending Break Time:A Necessity,Not a Luxury

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Break time at school often feels too short for students. Within a limited duration, they have to rush to the canteen, wait in long queues, eat in a hurry, and return to class still feeling unrested. In fact, break time should be an important moment to refresh the mind, stabilize emotions, and recharge energy. Intense learning without sufficient breaks can negatively affect students' focus and motivation. Therefore, extending break time is not merely a student’s wish, but a necessary step to support a healthier and more effective learning process at school.

First, longer break time allows students to enjoy their meals more comfortably. Currently, most students only have around 15–20 minutes to do everything—walk to the canteen, wait in line, and finish their food. As a result, many eat in a rush or even skip meals to avoid being late. This habit is unhealthy, especially during their growth phase. If break time is extended, students can eat without time pressure, helping them digest properly. A regular and calm eating routine is also essential for maintaining their stamina during the next lessons.

Second, longer breaks are beneficial for students’ mental health. Academic pressure, assignments, and exams can lead to stress if not balanced with enough rest. When break time is too short, students miss the chance to relax, chat with friends, or simply walk around the school. These simple activities are actually very helpful in easing tension. With sufficient break time, students can return to class feeling emotionally refreshed. This is important so they can stay focused and not feel overwhelmed throughout the day.

Third, longer breaks offer students more chances to engage in positive activities beyond academics. Many students have interests like reading, writing, drawing, or playing music. Unfortunately, limited break time rarely allows them to explore these hobbies. In fact, such activities can boost creativity and enthusiasm, which positively impact academic performance. Schools should not only focus on academics, but also support the development of students’ interests and talents. By giving more break time, schools help create a more balanced and joyful learning environment.

It is time for schools to seriously consider extending break time. That way, students can learn in a healthier happier, and more productive atmosphere each day.

Citra Ayu Mutiara Husnah

XI-5 / 10

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School Uniforms as a Unifier and Uniqueness of Discipline

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School Uniforms as a Unifier and Uniqueness of Discipline

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School uniforms are formal clothing worn by students in school, especially for educational purposes. Currently, school uniforms are a hotly debated issue not only among students but also among parents. Some students argue that uniforms limit their way of expressing themselves, and others argue that school uniforms are very important for students. In addition, parents also criticize where some parents argue that school uniforms are not necessary. In my personal opinion, wearing school uniforms is one of the rules that must be obeyed and is very important for students in all schools. Besides that, uniforms creates uniformity between socio-economic classes. Why do i say so? Here are the reasons.

First, School is an educational institution that emphasizes rules, manners, and student discipline. Uniforms are an attempt by educational institutions to implement discipline in students, regardless of the rules and formalities, discipline is also a direct learning of attitudes that certainly cannot be taught in certain lessons and must be applied in everyday life. With the effort ofusing uniforms every day, schools can implement discipline learning in students.

Second, the reasonwhy students need to wear school uniforms is to eliminate social gaps between students. The use of school uniforms is considered to reduce bullying due to differences in social class. The use of the same school uniform will show that all students are equal in obtaining the same education. As a form of complete unity so that it looks the same in the eyes of the school institution, school uniforms will not differentiate the economic class or social class of the students.

The final reason in my opinion, why students should wear uniforms is because it is an identity. Some students argue that they are more limited in expressing themselves because of the uniform. In fact, I think it is just an excuse used so that students can wear different clothes to show differences in groups in the school environment. It is very contrary to the fact that uniforms show a single identity for a school. Different uniforms in each school show the personality of each school.

From the above facts, it can be concluded that uniforms must be enforced in every school. Students must be taught to understand the meaning of discipline through the use of uniforms. In addition, schools can provide leniency in the use of accessories to express themselves, self-image, and increase their comfort in learning. Thus, it is expected that all relevant audiences understand that the use of uniforms should be mandatory as a form of unity.

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‎Extracurricular activities exist to develop students' potential outside of core learning. Through the various fields available students can choose to develop their creativity and skills. However, these mandatory extracurricular activities create pressure. I do not agree with the implementation of this extracurricular activity being mandatory. Because students have a wide variety of different interests. There are also students who only focus on their academic conditions and there are even some who work part time. It would be better if extracurricular activities were not mandatory, so that students could choose according to what they needed and what they were interested in. That way, students will feel comfortable doing their activities. Positive activities will not be effective if they are forced.

‎Extracurricular activities with a mandatory system can add to the burden on students. Because students already have a fairly busy schedule in a week. Even though extracurricular activities are only on Fridays, they still take up their rest time. Moreover, with the full day school system, students are at school studying from morning to evening. So, having mandatory extracurricular activities outside of class hours can trigger excessive fatigue. Many students also feel tired approaching the following week because they do not have enough rest time. Based on a report on the Ministry of Education and Culture page (2022), students need balanced rest time to maintain mental health and academic performance. In addition, the results of interviews with several high school students in Surabaya which were published in the Indonesian education journal showed that the extracurricular activities that were required and making students feel stressed can actually cause students to be overwhelmed and have difficulty focusing when studying. Therefore, it would be better if extracurricular activities were not mandatory so that students could choose according to their abilities.

‎Student involvement in extracurricular activities should come from genuine interest, not obligation. When participation is forced, it often leads to a lack of enthusiasm and minimal engagement. Students may show up physically, but mentally they are disconnected, which defeats the purpose of these programs to nurture talents, build character, and develop social skills. A study published in the International Journal of Educational Psychology (2021) found that students who were compelled to join activities reported lower satisfaction and weaker emotional involvement. Over time, this kind of pressure can reduce motivation and even affect self-confidence. Allowing students to choose activities based on their interests leads to deeper commitment and more meaningful growth.

‎It would be better if the school gives students the freedom to choose extracurricular activities whether they are interested in those activities or not. Because we can see that if we do something without any desire or interest from ourselves, we who do it will feel uncomfortable, burdened, and also makes it less useful for us. The existence of a free choice policy makes it easier and happier for students to carry out their activities. In addition, students' potential can develop without any feeling of discomfort.

Kholifatur Roosyidah Ilyas/XI-5/22

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Exploring Talents and Interests Through Extracurricular Activities

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Exploring Talents and Interests Through Extracurricular Activities

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Extracurricular activities are one way to support student development, which can help them develop their talents and interests. These activities run according to the program determined and guided by the teacher, so that the implementation runs smoothly. Extracurricular activities are expected to help develop creativity, increase knowledge and experience that they most likely do not get from curricular activities so that optimal achievements can be achieved. This extracurricular activity has the following objectives: first, extracurricular activities must be able to improve students' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities. Second, to develop students' talents and interests in personal development efforts towards positive whole human development. Then, to be able to know, recognize, and distinguish between the relationship between one lesson and another.

Firstly, In general, both terms are used in one form of understanding, however, sometimes the two terms are distinguished in the form of the scope of the existing understanding. Thus, talent or disposition are two forms of human psychological elements that will be able to develop if they get possibilities from outside, in the sense of stimulation in the form of teaching factors from the environment where they are. With the existence of these two interactions, it will help, then the development of certain aspects which in turn will determine the nature, character and personality of a student. Therefore, the potential talent possessed by a child will influence the achievement value obtained, and this can be possible if the teaching concept offered is in line with the potential in the student. Secondly, Character develops when values are adapted into beliefs, and used to respond to an event in accordance with good moral values. Character education can help overcome the moral crisis in our country. The crisis in question is the increasing number of violence among children and adolescents, delinquency towards friends, theft, cheating habits, drug abuse, pornography, and destruction of other people's property. These things are forms of social problems that until now have not been completely resolved, and are an indication that character education is still an important need. Character education can be used as a strategy to form a solid identity in each individual. In this case, the goal of character education is to form attitudes that can lead individuals to progress, and in accordance with applicable norms. Thirdly, basically educational institutions certainly want every student to achieve satisfactory achievements, the achievements achieved by students are a measuring tool and the main hope for knowing the success of an educator. To further improve student learning achievement, an extracurricular activity is needed as a support in every educational institution. Through extracurricular activities, students can channel their talents, interests and potential. Students who are active in extracurricular activities will be skilled in organizing, socializing, solving problems according to the characteristics of the extracurricular activities they participate in, so that they have experience and insight in organizing. In addition to gaining organizational experience, they also gain experience in the knowledge of the extracurricular activities they participate in.

In conclusion, extracurricular activities are not monotonous activities. These extracurricular activities have many positive impacts on students. Extracurricular activities are expected to help develop creativity, increase knowledge and experience that they most likely do not get from curricular activities so that they can achieve optimal achievements. Through extracurricular activities, students are expected to increase their insight into materials that are closely related to lessons in the classroom. Through extracurricular activities, students can also channel their talents, interests and potential.

Devany Alinda Novebriani XI-5

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Boosting Student Focus Through Extended Breaks

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Boosting Student Focus Through Extended Breaks

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Break time is a specific time when students take a break from their lessons. This time is really important for students, a break time during learning hours can refresh their bodies and minds, have enough time to eat and go to the canteen, also preparing them to return to class and ready to learn. In an educational environment, students frequently feel overwhelmed because of a busy school schedule. Longer breaks provide opportunities for students to relax, socialize and refresh their minds and their bodies. Research proves that short break times can lead to reduced focus, increased stress and other negative effects. Extending break times is essential to enhance student focus, reduce stress and improve academic performance. Given the many cases of learning fatigue and demotivation, it is time for schools to reconsider the duration of breaks and extend break times.

The first reason is that longer break times directly have a positive impact on students' concentration ability in class. An article from the Intisari website says that break time is an important part of students' educational success at school; Adequate break time will help them be more focused when they return to class. When students are given adequate time to rest from a hectic lesson, the brain has a chance to re-energize. This makes students more mentally prepared to return to learning and retain lessons better. When tired and out of focus, students tend not to be able to absorb lessons optimally. However, if given enough breaks, their ability to pay attention, think critically and respond to lessons improves. Better concentration also reduces errors during assignments and exams. Many studies have shown that adequate breaks are essential for maintaining students' learning focus. Therefore, extending breaks is an effective strategy to improve the focus and quality of teaching and learning in schools.

The second reason is that adequate break time for students refreshes their bodies and supports mental health. At school, students often face pressure from excessive assignments and exams. If no breaks are given, this pressure can cause excessive anxiety, and even disrupt their learning concentration. With a longer break around 20-25 minutes, students have time to breathe, calm their minds, eat their food with no rush and release the tension of the lesson in class. The break time given by our school is only 15 minutes, and in my opinion, it is not enough to enjoy a break. When the mind is calmer, the learning process becomes more comfortable and effective and the students are ready to learn. Students become more receptive and absorb lessons without feeling pressured. A good mental state greatly affects motivation to learn and enthusiasm to continue lessons in class. Therefore, extending the break time is not only for students' convenience, but also to create an emotionally, psychologically healthier learning environment for students.

Thirdly, one of the key components of emotional and character development is socialization. Social contacts in a school take place both during class and during break time. Students don't have enough time to talk, play, or tell stories to their friends when the break time is too short. In actuality, these exercises are also crucial for helping develop empathy, build strong connections, and improve their communication abilities. Students who have longer breaks have the opportunity to form emotional relationships, feel more included in their social circle, and improve their self-esteem. In class, they are more comfortable studying. Additionally, positive interactions during breaks may reduce social alienation and increase enthusiasm for studying. So it is very important to add more rest time, because social interaction has an important role in students' self-development. Students who are more active in socializing tend to be more engaged in learning and have higher learning motivation than students who are less active in socializing.

From those reasons above, I conclude that, given the benefits of longer breaks, schools should consider re-evaluating and extending the break times. Longer breaks, such as 20 to 25 minutes, can significantly enhance students' focus, mental health, and social skills. compared to 15 minutes, students cannot enjoy their break time calmly because they are chased by time. Furthermore, providing students with longer time for breaks can help them enthusiasm during learning activities. In addition to providing knowledge, schools help students grow in terms of their personalities, character, and mental health. Therefore, it is strongly advised that schools implement a new policy to allow for longer breaks to provide a more productive and joyful learning environment for all students.

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Should pupils attend school at 7 a.m.? Of course, they should. Students must arrive at school by 7 a.m. to ensure academic success and discipline. Students who arrive at school early can build strong study habits, manage their time properly, and get their day started on the right foot. Furthermore, rising up early and arriving at school on time helps pupils develop discipline and responsibility, both of which are essential life skills for the future.

Arriving at school by 7:00 a.m. is a wise choice for improving the quality of education. By arriving early, students have enough time to prepare before lessons begin. They can use this time to study, read, or engage in other productive activities. Additionally, leaving at this time can help students develop discipline and responsibility. Following a regular schedule teaches students to manage their time and prioritize their tasks, which can improve their academic ability and help them achieve their goals. Leaving for school at 7:00 a.m. also contributes to developing time management skills and reducing stress.

Students can gain many advantages by leaving for school at 7:00 a.m. Arriving early allows students to improve their academic performance. With enough time to study and prepare, students can better understand the subject matter. Additionally, leaving at this time fosters discipline and responsibility. A regular schedule teaches students to manage time and prioritize tasks, helping them achieve academic goals. Leaving for school at 7:00 a.m. can also improve students' socialization and leadership skills.

There's no denying that starting school at 7 a.m. can help students develop their abilities. When they arrive early, students have the opportunity to interact with their friends. They can chat, share experiences, and do activities together during this time. Additionally, leaving at this time can improve students' leadership skills. With limited time, students learn to lead and organize their groups. Thus, students can enhance their socialization and leadership abilities while achieving their academic goals. Leaving school at 7:00 a.m. can also contribute to improved academic performance and reduced stress.

I strongly recommend that you leave for school on time at 7:00 a.m. Starting your day early will allow you to feel more relaxed and ready to learn. You will also show respect to your teachers and friends while avoiding the stress and fatigue of being late. Developing a consistent morning routine can help you build good discipline and responsibility. Make sure you get to school by 7:00 a.m. to start your day off right.

name: Syani Aprilliya Putri Pratiwi

number: 35

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Extracurricular Activities as a Vessel for Student Creativity and Innovation 

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Extracurricular Activities as a Vessel for Student Creativity and Innovation 

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Extracurricular is an additional activity at school that is carried out outside of class hours with the aim of gaining additional knowledge, skills and insights and helping to shape the character of students according to their respective interests and talents. In extracurricular activities, students can truly express themselves. Through this activity, we can also develop various creativities, not just those related to lessons. Such as art, sports, technology and others. Schools and educational institutions have a central role in forming a creative, independent generation that is able to contribute to solving various world challenges in real terms, therefore it is very important for schools to actively develop various creativities and talents of their students through these extracurricular activities.

For the first, namely by developing variations in student creativity to open up space for each individual to find their potential. Here creativity is not only about art, but also includes our way of thinking in solving existing problems. Finding solutions and ways out of these problems is also a form of creativity. When we students are given the freedom to think in a certain way and are given support to express ourselves, then we cannot realize that this support can explore new ideas in various forms, such as verbal, visual, kinesthetic and others. So we can think more broadly and be motivated to continue learning.

The second is to improve student collaboration and problem solving. In the world of work, collaborating in a team is very necessary, because we are required to be able to think critically to solve problems. When we work together in a team such as creating work together, sharing ideas, finding solutions together, then without realizing it we build a healthy social relationship, and create innovative solutions. In addition, collaboration can teach us about responsibility, what good communication is like and of course it is very useful when we enter the world of society.

Lastly, the growth of students' self-confidence and courage in trying new things. Self-confidence is the key to every step we take. In this extracurricular, we who were initially hesitant to speak, express opinions, argue will be guided so that we can have self-confidence, because in extracurricular activities we are given a safe space to express ourselves without fear of being wrong. Over time, we will also have a sense of courage which is very important for the development of our personality.

Seeing the importance of this, schools should prepare some real steps. such as a curriculum that is designed to be more flexible, to facilitate the approach between students and teachers, so that teachers can guide students to develop their creativity and talents. Furthermore, it is to facilitate every student activity that has a good purpose for the development of their creativity. and the last is to make the school environment aware of the importance of appreciating everything we do, what work we create, so that we can have a sense of trust in the school environment, which can make them feel safe and comfortable for their self-development.

In this way, it is hoped that schools can help their students become the golden generation in the future, who are not only smart in academics but also in non-academic fields.

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The Importance of Wearing School Uniform in High school across Indonesia

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The Importance of Wearing School Uniform in High school across Indonesia

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School uniforms are standardized clothing used by students as an identity in a school. The use of school uniforms for students is a policy to foster discipline. With uniforms, students can respect the rules, foster a sense of unity and reduce gaps and discrimination in the school environment. In addition, school uniforms become the identity of the school to foster student loyalty to their school. Most schools in Indonesia make regulations for the use of school uniforms intended for students. School uniforms in Indonesia generally have standards and mandatory accessories such as black shoes, ties, belts, and badges that are appropriate based on the school level. Therefore, the use of uniforms in high school is important for students as a form of habit to get used to wearing neat clothes when they work or attend other formal activities.

Firstly, the use of school uniforms can train students' discipline. Most schools in Indonesia set the use of school uniforms as one of the rules and students are required to obey the rules. Schools demand the use of uniforms with complete attributes such as ties, belts, black shoes, logos and so on. The more complete the attributes used, the more disciplined the students are. By wearing a school uniform, this is good for future students. Discipline will lead students to become organized and orderly human beings.

Secondly, school uniforms are the identity of the school. Each school has its characteristics, one of which is the uniform. The uniform design of some schools has its meaning and characteristics, such as batik clothes with different motifs in each school. School uniforms are also an identity that distinguishes one school from another or elementary to secondary level. Uniforms that are usually worn by high school students are characterized by gray bottoms and white tops equipped with student council logos and school names.

Thirdly, school uniforms can minimize social inequality. Social inequality in schools can occur due to economic and cultural factors. Students who have a lower middle-class economy will usually be isolated in the school environment due to limited facilities, one of which is clothing. If there is no uniform, the possibility of social inequality will be even greater. So, the reason why school uniforms can be considered a factor in reducing social inequality is because school uniforms can reduce social pressure or show off between students from well-off families and students from poor families. In other words, school uniforms unify the school environment because all students wear the same clothes.

The use of school uniforms is a good thing for high school students. Students who wear uniforms will look neat, organized and disciplined. In addition, school uniforms unify students at school and become the identity of the school. This means that school uniforms provide benefits and positive impacts for students. Therefore, it is necessary to establish school uniforms as an obligation that students must obey to provide benefits in the future.

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Break time is often complained about by children, children ask for an extension of break time because breaks in many schools are only given 15 minutes, which is the influence of complaints from children who are still in school today. Extending the duration of the break has many benefits that will make children's activities more productive, such as stable concentration, and also filling the energy that has been used during learning will help children's activities during class hours to be easier. Socializing with other friends will also help children in increasing their relationships. Extending the break is also necessary to relieve stress in children, so that children feel healthier not only in body but also better mental health. therefore, the school should have a policy regarding the extension of children's break time, because this can help children in the learning process effectively.

Firsly, longer breaks give children the opportunity to relax, such as doing hobbies or can be used to sleep for a few minutes. Longer breaks also help children to relieve stress, fatigue and help balance the body that is doing productive activities such as going to school which is balanced with sufficient rest time. Mental health can also have an effect in the context of this discussion because if children feel tired it will affect their study time and the condition of the body that is tired such as during learning time children will not focus and cause inefficient learning. Longer breaks will also help in regulating unstable emotions during this growth period. A body that is sufficiently rested will affect mental health, the body and regulate emotional stability well, this can affect unwanted risks such as chronic stress due to fatigue caused by lack of rest time. Longer breaks from school in general can help children maintain their physical and mental health to help control emotions, which will affect the brain process which will become slow.

Secondly, longer rest time will increase concentration so that children can do learning activities more focused and efficient afterwards. Children's concentration is very important to be the reason for focusing on learning because concentration affects mental and physical conditions. Concentration also has several benefits, namely children will follow the learning well, not tired, facilitate the learning process for children who have good enough concentration and have a stronger memory than children who do not have less concentration. This can be caused by sufficient rest time so that children can stabilize concentration that will waver due to fatigue. Concentration allows children to focus on doing the tasks that have been given. It is different if children who have disturbed concentration conditions will experience inefficient learning because the child's brain function is reduced in understanding the material that has been explained. If there is no concentration, learning will be greatly disturbed and learning will be inefficient. It is very important for children that adequate rest and good concentration will facilitate the learning process, daily activities will be more productive and efficient.

Thirtdly, longer breaks allow children to socialize. Resting for a sufficient period of time can help children in socializing with their friends, this will make it easier for children to get friends or relationships that are quite broad and children will also get several things in academic and non-academic matters that do not make children's lives too monotonous in academic matters only, the break time used by children in socializing such as hanging out will hone children's communication skills. Socializing can make children do fun activities with their friends, such as chatting, venting complaints or also being able to talk about academic matters. Socializing is also an activity that helps children build a fun relationship with their friends. Children also think that socializing also helps fill the energy that is drained after school hours. This will make it easier for children not to feel deep loneliness that will affect their mentality. Socializing is very important for the future of children to get to know the wider world better.

Therefore, the idea of ​​extending children's rest time in the school environment needs to be considered because this will include concentration, mental health and also strengthen social interaction with friends. I recommend that today's schools think that insufficient rest time will affect children's activities in learning and also social interaction that decreases due to tired body conditions. By providing sufficient rest time, it will support productivity, balance in interacting.

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This is the Power of Extracurricular Activities!

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This is the Power of Extracurricular Activities!

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Extracurricular or what is often known as extracurricular is an activity to support student learning outside of their academic activities in the school environment. Extracurricular activities in schools are a forum for students to develop themselves in improving their abilities or skills in various fields according to each student's interests and talents.

In Indonesia, extracurricular activities are not something new. This activity has been going on for a long time. Starting from the elementary, secondary, and now many have also developed at the tertiary level, which at first there was only one activity but now we can see that in schools extracurricular activities are very varied in type, starting in the fields of religion, skills, martial arts, art, scientific work, love of nature, to those that are in the nature of developing leadership abilities, such as Paskibra and Scouts. Thus, students are given the freedom to choose activities outside of class hours according to their own preferences and abilities, without coercion from any party. The role of parents and teachers is to direct students in making decisions that they will choose. With the aim, so that in the future there is no sense of regret or feel 'wrong way'. Students generally participate in one of these extracurricular activities and some even participate in two activities at once. Extracurricular activities are coordinated by the school with guidance and direction from the teachers and staff managed by the school.

In fact, not all students in schools have the desire to add activities that benefit them outside of class hours. There are still many students who think that extracurricular activities are a waste of time, money, and make them unfocused in learning. Not only for this reason, there are still many students who adhere to the philosophy of duck behavior, meaning that if their friends do not participate in extracurricular activities then they will also behave the same way, following their friends not participating in activities outside of class hours, becoming antipathy and venting their hobbies with activities that are less useful, such as having fun on the highway, aka speeding motorbikes or just 'hanging out' with activities that have no clear purpose.

Extracurricular activities, in addition to functioning in the aspects of development, social, recreational, and career preparation, can also be utilized as a preventive forum for students in overcoming the rise of juvenile delinquency, anarchy among students, and activities that are merely entertainment in nature, such as 'hanging out' on the street, speeding on the highway and so on. There are many cases involving students lately, such as brawls between students that often occur not only in big cities, but also in rural areas. Students are required to be creative in developing the extracurricular activities they choose, because the management of extracurricular activities is basically left to the students concerned, teachers and managers only direct. The purpose of extracurricular activities itself is for students to develop soft skills or self-development, to be able to manage emotions, attitudes, self-skills according to the extracurricular field they are involved in, and more broadly to be able to socialize and communicate in a larger scope, namely the wider community environment later. In addition, students will also learn not only to manage themselves, but also to manage their group at large. Because extracurricular activities are basically an organization, and this is where the development of organizational maturity of each student in a smaller scope is trained and developed. Students are required to be able to organize, manage activities in the extracurricular activities they choose, and in this process students also learn how to solve problems faced by their organization, analyze problems that occur, and find solutions to solve these problems. The ability to think broadly, as well as creatively in generating ideas, ideas, solutions to problems that occur cannot appear instantly, but requires a process and a problem laboratory to be tested, and students can learn from this smaller scope, namely with activities outside of their lesson hours (extracurricular activities) before later being ready to enter a larger organization, namely the community at large.

Because it is different between academic experience and experience outside of academics. In the academic sphere, students are only required to develop in cognitive abilities or knowledge, while outside of that there are many things from students both in terms of affective and psychomotor aspects that need to be developed, one of which can be channeled by participating in extracurricular activities at the school where students study.

We encourage students to choose extracurricular activities that suit their interests and talents. Active participation in these activities can enhance self-potential and help students achieve their goals. Extracurricular activities are an important part of holistic education, by actively participating in these activities, students can develop themselves thoroughly and prepare themselves for a better future.

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    Do you always participate in extracurricular activities? Extracurricular activities are programs that students usually use to fill time after class. Many different activities can be done. These activities can help students develop themselves. Many benefits are useful for students. Through this program, students can interact with many people and exchange ideas, improve their talents with their skills, or discover their talents. They can get an "meaningful" experience for their further learning. This will be a great opportunity for them. I will be very supportive of these activities because of all the benefits that we can get. How can i be so sure? Let's find out.                                                                                                                 .                                                                                                                                                                 First, this extracurricular is an extra activity in the school that for create students according to their interests, students talents, and abilities. Students can grow to the top through extracurricular activities which combine a lot range of skills, interests, and talents. According to               ( diklindo. Id ) jurnal, all of this can certainly serve as a platform to develop and see each individual's shortcomings. So, these students need this activity in their youth to become useful people. All of their talents and skills they have can help many people around them. More than that, with all of that can be a source of self-confidence and motivation for another student to also develop.                                                                                                     .                                                                                                                       Second, extracurricular activities also can improve academic abilities every students. We might think that with this activity students will lose focus and disrupt lesson. However , this is not entirely true. How could that be true? All off that can be seen if the student has time management and responsible for what he does. This activity also improve discipline and dilligence for each students. And  (kompasiana) also mentioned that  participation in extracurricular activities has been shown to increase students' academic achievement. Studies have shown that students who engage in extracurricular activities tend to have higher attendance rates, a better sense of responsibility and thei time management.                                                               .                                         .                                                                                                                                 Third, several studies by Eccles & Barber (1999 and Larson 2000) have consistently shown that participation in extracurricular activities provides students with the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse range of peers who share similar interests. This environment facilitates the formation of new friendships outside of the formal classroom environment .We seen that also have an impact on social relationships. This very useful for students in their school days. We can meet with many people and exchanging ideas with each other. Share their experiences to do better again. This also can improve their public speaking skills towards many people. Lesson on how to have good relationships and teamwork with each other.                                                            .                                                                                                                                                                           Therefore, we as students must be active and  participate in all extracurricular activities. we can't waste time just for have fun. In schools days ,students should do a lot of good things wich brings profits for themself. We must support and encourage every student to actively participate in extracurricular activities. These are not just "extra" activities, they are essential experiences that mold students into responsible, talented, and socially adept individuals. Because of that , extracurricular activities very important for student.                                                                                                                 .                                                  (Dewi Nayla Ansaria)                                                                                                    

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Level Up Your Learning from Long-Term Benefits of Extracurricular  Activities

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Level Up Your Learning from Long-Term Benefits of Extracurricular  Activities