The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District recently implemented a community-wide “Family Night” initiative to alleviate student stress related to homework, school-related assignments and standardized testing. District Superintendent Dr. Lorna Lewis, the District Board of Education, staff and the community’s Parent-Teachers Association collaborated on making the evening of Nov. 12 free from all school events and activities, including no assigned homework, co-curricular or athletic activities, in order for families to spend quality-time together.
The district also agreed not to assign quizzes, tests, assessments and not have research-based assignments due on Nov. 13 in order for students to be able to fully participate in “Family Night.” The local religious groups also participated, giving their students a night off from their studies as well.
“It is no secret that students are overstressed due to unprecedented educational goals and standards,” said District Superintendent Dr. Lorna Lewis. “We recognize that these added pressures can alter students’ schedules and take time away from their families. This is why ‘Family Night’ is vitally important to their well-being. As always, the health and well-being of all of our students continues to be our number one priority,”
The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District worked with local restaurants and establishments to provide discounts for families who celebrated “Family Night” in the community. The District encouraged students and families to participate in a variety of activities that would normally not have been feasible on a weeknight; suggestions included going out to dinner, making a family photo album, going bowling, engaging in electronic or classic board games, watching a movie and listening to music.
“I would like to thank the entire community, including our parents, teachers and local merchants for making this initiative extremely successful,” added Lewis. “I already received tremendous feedback from students and parents of all ages and look forward to working with our staff to continue this new tradition.”
