Hay River (Oct 25/04) - A new superhero is inspiring students in the South Slave.

That would be Hugo the Homework Hero -- appearing in schools as a life-size cardboard character and on everything from pencils to books.

Hugo the Homework Hero -- a new mascot for students in the South Slave -- was inspired by a drawing done by Hay River's Daniel Decker. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Hugo is designed to stress the importance of homework and effective study skills.

"What we want to encourage in children is heroes don't give up. They do the tough work," says Iona Neumeier, co-ordinator of the overall homework and study skills initiative with the South Slave Divisional Educational Council (SSDEC).

From Cuby to Hugo

If you look closely, you'll notice Hugo is carrying a pencil inscribed with the letters DD.

Those initials are for Daniel Decker, now a Grade 4 student at Princess Alexandra School.

In November of last year, when Daniel was attending Harry Camsell school, he drew a character called Cuby for a homework mascot contest. The SSDEC used Cuby as the inspiration for Hugo.

Daniel explains Cuby was cube-shaped and looked more like a robot than a superhero.

The nine-year-old doesn't need any encouragement from Hugo. "I already do my homework."

And he believes everyone else should, too. "Except sometimes they give you tons of homework."

Ian Morrison, another Grade 4 student at Princess Alexandra, likes the new homework mascot.

"I like his suit," he explains.

Ian also thinks Hugo will help students do their homework. "He helps kids learn."

Importance of homework

A June 2004 survey of Grade 4-6 teachers in the South Slave found that students who regularly complete their homework are much more likely to be promoted to the next grade.

For example, 96 per cent of Grade 4 students who completed homework more than 80 per cent of the time achieved curriculum objectives and were promoted. On the other hand, only 31 per cent of students who completed their homework less than 50 per cent of the time were promoted.