Purpose

East Brunswick Public Schools is committed to supporting the academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being of all students. Designated homework-free breaks provide students with an opportunity to step away from academic demands and spend time reading for pleasure, exploring personal interests, connecting with family, participating in outside activities, volunteering, traveling, or attending community events.

Our goal is for students to return to school re-energized, well-rested, and ready to learn.

Designated Homework-Free Breaks

To preserve the intent of these designated breaks:

• No homework should be assigned during the designated break periods.
• Major projects should not be due immediately upon students’ return.
• Major tests or assessments should not be administered immediately upon students’ return.

2026–2027 Homework-Free Breaks

• Thanksgiving Break: November 25–27, 2026
• Winter Break: December 23, 2026–January 5, 2027
• Spring Break: April 19–23, 2027
• Memorial Day Weekend: May 28–June 1, 2027

Supporting Students During Religious Observances

As an inclusive educational community, East Brunswick Public Schools is committed to being culturally responsive and mindful of the many religious holidays and observances represented among our students and families. Teachers should consider religious observances when planning assessments, projects, presentations, and other significant academic deadlines.

The intent of this guidance is not to require every class to change its assessment schedule or to unnecessarily disrupt instruction. Teachers should continue teaching, assessing, and preparing students as planned.

However, when a student will be absent or unable to participate fully because of a religious observance, teachers should provide reasonable flexibility and appropriate accommodations, particularly for major assessments and high-stakes deadlines.

The goal is to avoid rigid adherence to assessment schedules that could unintentionally place students at an academic disadvantage because of their religious observance.

Please be mindful of the following holidays and breaks recognized on this year’s East Brunswick Public Schools calendar and those that might not be noted on this calendar. For a comprehensive list of holidays recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education, please refer to the NJ Department of Education holiday calendar.

Key Expectations for Teachers

Teachers are asked to:

• Continue regular instruction and classroom assessments as planned.
• Be mindful of religious observances when scheduling major assessments, projects, presentations, and high-stakes deadlines.
• Provide reasonable flexibility when a student will be absent or unable to participate fully due to a religious observance.
• Avoid creating unnecessary academic pressure for students who have communicated a religious-observance conflict.
• Honor arrangements that have already been made with individual students.
• Consult with your supervisor when questions or unusual circumstances arise.

We appreciate your professionalism, judgment, and continued commitment to ensuring that all students are supported and treated equitably.

Thank you for your cooperation. Questions may be directed to:

Dr. Joyce Boley
Assistant Superintendent of Academics