The Paw Print

By Maya Agrawal

Every student at Payton is familiar with the “no homework over break” policy. Teachers are not allowed to assign homework over any holiday break such as Thanksgiving, winter vacation, or spring break. This is in an attempt to give students time away from school and the stressors that come with it. In addition, breaks are the only designated time off for both students and teachers, and filling it with work would be counterproductive. 

There are both positive and negative sides to this policy. Sometimes, it doesn’t truly provide a break for students, as many teachers assign long projects that are due after break. While students are given a few weeks to complete these assignments, the looming deadline can still be stressful. 

Quincy Washington ‘25 admits that the policy is nice but not enforced. “Many teachers find a way around the policy by assigning things due a few days after break.”

The policy intends to provide space for recuperation and acknowledge the importance of mental health. Winter break, for example, takes place between semesters one and two. This provides a stress-free and relaxing break because all tests and assignments are complete. 

Another reason a “no homework over break” policy does not allow for more school/life balance is that teachers often cram large assignments and tests into the week before break. Students are forced to study for one week straight before heading off to forget everything they worked on. 

An anonymous freshman was “excited to have no homework over break.” However, she found that she “was very stressed and tired” the week before break because she “had a test or quiz in almost every class.” The long and stressful hours students endure before break almost make the policy pointless.

While there are downsides to the “no homework” policy, there is no denying that it is overall beneficial and a privilege. It represents the school’s effort to prioritize mental health. 

Ms. Haider, a math teacher at Payton is “one hundred percent for the no homework policy.” 

By prohibiting homework during longer breaks, the school recognizes the need for both students and teachers to step back from the demands of academic daily routines. 

Diana Licklider ‘25 thinks,“Even though we may fall out of the school mindset, it is worth it because it provides space for de-stressing and relaxation.”

Looking at the negative and positive aspects of the “no homework over break” policy, it can be concluded that it takes a great effort to provide a relaxing and stress-free respite for both students and teachers. Some changes could be made to ensure that the break truly serves its purpose. However, Payton has taken a significant and vital step in the right direction.