NJ school district might ban weekend homework

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. - May 25, 2011

A team of administrators has been reviewing the homework policy for Galloway Township Schools and is recommending to the board of education that homework be assigned Monday through Friday but banned on weekends.

"We don't want it to become a nightmare. We want the things that children bring home to do to be a positive learning experience," said Superintendent Annette Giaquinto.

The superintendent says, too often, too much homework or assignments not directly related to what kids are learning is causing problems for families over the weekend as they try to juggle that along with all the other activities and demands.

"We get too much homework and then during the weekend you don't really get time to relax and do what the weekend's all about," said student Cynthia Exanty.

"Everybody's busy usually over the weekend and we don't have enough time to do homework. So then we can have a chance to study and do sports and stuff," said student Nicole Gruber.

One mom of a 4th grader and 7th grader likes the idea of dialing back weekend homework. She says many parents feel their children are being overwhelmed.

"I would be all for not having homework on the weekend. Monday through Friday is a good time and then the weekends should be spent with your family," said Jennifer Arrom.

But, at Roland Rogers Elementary, at least one 6th grader thinks kids shouldn't be taking weekends off from their studies.

"I don't think that would be a good idea. You need to keep kids on top of school almost every single day," said Thomas Bekete.

If the weekend homework ban is approved it won't become effective until September. The Board of Education is expected to vote on the issue sometime this summer.

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