Wayne Schools Introduce Homework-Free Wellness Weekends

WAYNE, NJ — The school district is giving the idea of doing homework on the weekends an "F" — kind of.

For three weekends this academic year, teachers will not assign students homework. These "wellness weekends," as they have been named, are designed to take some of the pressure off students and have them spend more time with their families.

"While wellness weekends do not include homework, we hope they are far more than just a weekend without homework," said Superintendent Mark Toback.

Wellness weekends are part of a district-wide initiative in support of a wellness goal district officials developed earlier this year.

A wellness summit was held at the end of last school year where educators discussed various counseling needs students face. They also identified different kinds of pressure students face, how current district practices might contribute to those pressures, and what could be done to keep students from being stretched too much.

"The idea behind wellness weekends is more encompassing and includes strategies and activities to relax and rejuvenate," Toback said. "It is also a nice opportunity for families to plan their own activities and to spend time together. So far, the goal has been well received."

Parents and kids: Do you think this is a good idea? Leave a comment below this story or visit our Facebook page and tell us what you think about homework-free weekends.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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