As of September, Las Virgenes Unified School District and other districts in the area have passed a measure stating that no schools within the district may give homework over winter break unless it is assigned two weeks prior. The new rule also states that no assignments worth 10 percent or more of the course’s final grade can be due within the first week back from the break. In addition, teachers are prohibited from giving exams within the first week back unless a student has to make-up a test. In the past, students proclaimed that assignments assigned over the break resulted in stress and took time away from vacation time.

This policy affects the teachers’ curriculum and timing of their assignments and lessons, which will now have to be changed in order to fit this newly-enforced schedule. However, English II Honors and Advanced Placement Art History teacher Kelly Ortiz believes that a homework-free break benefits both the teachers and students alike.

“I think that kids should be able to enjoy their break without a whole lot of extra work,” said Ortiz. “I also like to enjoy my break without grading papers, so I think that it is fair on both ends.”

Last year, course finals were split; some classes required students to take their finals before winter break while others had their students complete finals at the end of the semester in January. This year, all final exams will now be after the break to prevent intensive studying and distress directly related to school. The district hopes that students can take a break from work and have time to relax, ensuing that students will come back to school refreshed and ready to focus on schoolwork.

Many faculty members and families believe that this new rule shows great promise, and they hope to see an improvement in the stress levels and grades of students attending schools in LVUSD.