As the holidays approach, students are preparing for a break from school.

Mercer Island School District students will begin their winter break on Dec. 19 and return to school on Jan. 3, 2012.

St. Monica’s vacation also begins on Dec. 19 and runs through Jan. 2, while Northwest Yeshiva students will have early dismissal on Dec. 22, which begins the winter break. Students will return to class on Tuesday, Jan. 3.