What if Bromfield students were able to sleep longer in the morning before starting their school day? Would this help to reduce stress, improve brain function, and contribute to students’ health and wellness? There is a body of compelling research from districts that have made a shift to a later start time, from educational researchers, and from physicians. The data links the shift in start times to better attendance, grade improvements, fewer car accidents, less daytime sleepiness, and improved mental health.
Pediatricians point to changes in teenagers’ brains related to their circadian rhythms that contribute to a delay in their bedtime. Once teenagers finally fall to sleep at 11 p.m. or midnight, the early start of school forces them to wake before their bodies are ready. While we may not be able to hold off starting school until the time when most teenagers wake up on the weekend, we can consider a shift during the school week.
Realizing that benefits exist and wanting the best for our students, we assembled an advisory group to study the issue for our community and to recommend a way forward to the School Committee by the spring of 2020. We are reading articles, developing surveys, holding public forums, and gathering information. We are considering both the challenges and opportunities. We want to hear from students, parents, educators, and community members. To begin the conversations, the advisory group plans to set up a table at parent-teacher conference nights to distribute articles, talk with families, and ask volunteers to complete a short survey. Also, please consider joining me at the General Store for a collaborative discussion on this topic on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 9 a.m. I hope to see you there.
Linda Dwight is superintendent of Harvard Public Schools.
