This weekend, Potomac School Upper School students face an unseen challenge: a weekend with no homework. What will we do? How will we survive? How will we fill our days without homework? Will we begin to question the meaning of our very existence? Fear not, Upper School students; you are more than your homework. 

However, if we must face this daunting task, we must try to avoid…

• Reading

The lure of learning will be strong to most, but beware, reading is the cousin of homework, and you must resist the urge. You can read some things, but others are frivolous and waste your time, such as safety instructions and road signs. 

• Chores

School told you what to do. Make sure your parents know that you are prohibited from doing work at home, however much you want to. 

• Breathing

I’m just kidding! Breathing is important. 

The Potomac School believes that breaks are necessary, so the ban on homework is strict. Don’t even try asking your teachers for homework; even if you beg, it won’t work. I would also advise against torture for two reasons: the law, and the fact that some Potomac teachers have secretly been trained by the CIA to never give in to torture. (Why else would the CIA be so close?) 

Instead, try these activities to occupy your weekend:

• Staring at the floor

You’d be amazed at how many things are on the floor. Feel free to get up close for maximum effect. 

• Getting to know your neighbors

Your neighbors love it when you know everything about them, and I mean everything. You can also talk to them one-on-one. However, be careful when you schedule it; early morning when they haven’t had their coffee yet is always the best time. 

• Learning karate

Pro tip: Younger siblings make for more dynamic practice. 

• Egg drop

Nothing entertains teens more than dropping things off a roof. To heighten the stakes, try using your laptop or a fragile heirloom. 

• Getting a pet

All animals can be pets. Just go out into your backyard and grab the first thing you find.  Bring it into your house, but don’t tell your parents about it. Then, forget about it and find it again right before you go off to college. It’ll be a parting gift! 

I believe in us, we can push through. Let us show the world who we are without homework!