ROSCOE VILLAGE — Lane Tech College Prep High School presented students with an early Christmas gift — the announcement of a "no homework" policy over the upcoming winter break.
The assignment of homework during breaks — both winter and spring — had become a hotly debated topic and was raised as an issue during August's principal candidate forum.
Some argued that students could ill afford to lose weeks of instruction, given the rigor of the selective enrollment high school's curriculum and preparation required for Advanced Placement tests. Others countered that "break" should mean "break."
The school came down on the side of the latter, stating in a note to parents:
After much reflection, we, as a school community, have decided that winter break will be reserved as a time to re-charge, re-connect with families and friends, and reflect on classroom learning. As a result, no homework will be assigned to be completed during the winter vacation. Students may still choose to review class notes or previously covered material. We, the teachers, staff, and administration, believe that as a community we all need a chance to take care of ourselves — and have embraced the re-charge, re-connect, and reflect principles.
Parents responded with a chorus of "thank yous" on social media.
"Thank you for listening. Kids need to be kids," one parent posted to the Facebook page of Lane Tech's local school council.
Said another: "This is wonderful! I hope all of CPS follows your lead on this."
