School Start Time A Second Look February 10, 2020
Recommendation - Approve the formation of a committee to study the possible adjustment of the school start time for our High School and Middle School to at least 8:30 am. - This will include a review of elementary school start time as well.
Background In the 2017-2018 school year, our district changed school start and end times. Schools School Day Schedule Current School Day before 2017-2018 Schedule effective 2017-2018 Elementary 8:55am - 3:25pm 9:10am - 3:40pm Secondary 7:35am - 2:18pm 8:00am - 2:43pm
Effects of Change Secondary students report they are getting more sleep, on average, as - compared to pre-change data. Some wellness indicators have improved at UHS. - Both elementary and secondary students and staff have settled into the new - schedule. One concern at the HS, student athletes missing instructional time for - away games, has been ameliorated to some degree during Lunch and Learn . Athletic programs continue to prosper under this new schedule. -
Why Study Another Change In our 2016-2017 Committee work, it was clear that 8:00 am was the latest we - could recommend at that time. There have been some changes since then. Other districts are joining us and are starting later, which will help with - logistics regarding extra-curricular events. The Technical College HIgh School is committed to working with us regarding - a later start time. Another turf field will help support our student athletes with practice - schedules. Scheduled for completion in Fall 2021. Lunch and Learn as well as hybrid/blended courses may also help with - early dismissal issues.
Wellness of Our Students The medical community and the Advisory Committee of the Joint State - Commission view the ideal start time for secondary schools as 8:30 am or later. Though our secondary students report an increase in sleep due to a later start - time, the majority of our students are still not getting the recommended amount of sleep prescribed by the medical community. Sufficient sleep is critical to adolescents’ mental health and wellness. -
Wellness of Our Students In the District’s most recent PAYS survey from October 2017, we do see - significant levels of students reporting depressive symptoms. Our social workers and school counselors express serious concerns about - the mental health of some of students. The number of risk assessments have risen in the past years, and the number - of students who require hospitalization due to mental health concerns has increased. The health and wellness of our students continues to be of great concern to - us. Starting secondary school later is recognized by the medical community as a - critical measure to increase student sleep times.
A Study - Not a Recommendation There will be diverse viewpoints on this issue. - If the Board approves the study, the Committee will have representation from - a variety of stakeholders. We will engage with stakeholders, and we will strive to hear all voices. - No decisions will be made until recommendations are developed, vetted, and - approved. As always, one possible recommendation could be to have no change. -
Tentative Timeline If this study is approved, this would be the tentative timeline: Committee will be formed and begin its work in March 2020. - Recommendation to be made to the School Board in November 2020. - If the committee recommends a change and the Board approves, the earliest - the change could be implemented would be for the 2021-2022 school year.
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