No Homework Policy During Weekends

We, the undersigned, support the inclusion of a policy that restricts the assigning of homework for Souhegan students over weekends. As students of Souhegan high school, we are driven by academics and preparation for our success. Homework over the weekends is shown to be overworking and intervenes with social and relaxing activities, leaving students stressed, overworked and emotionally and physically strained. In regards to this policy of “no homework over weekends”, homework that can be assigned would include preparation for further assessments (studying etc.), missed classworktg or homework, A.P classwork, and Honors assignments. Presently, homework has no restrictions on whether it can or cannot be assigned over weekends.
Homework is used as work to help students retain information and to promote responsibility within students. But when homework adds onto the five-day school week filled with homework, it can have damaging effects on the students. According to Nancy Kalish, a senior writer for Child Magazine, “Too much homework also means that kids miss out on active playtime, essential for learning social skills, proper brain development, and warding off childhood obesity.” Homework on the weekends cuts into social events with family and friends as well as a break period for students.
Currently, the school district of Princeton, New Jersey, has this policy of no homework during the weekends in place. Steve Cochrane, a superintendent at Princeton states, “The reality is that we know that kids who are well-rested, and well-balanced are going to perform better academically, and in every aspect of their lives.” This shows that breaks over the weekends can be beneficial for students to be well-rested and balanced among psychological and physical needs.