In my opinion, school starts way too early. School begins at 7:40 a.m. and concludes at 2:45 p.m. Instead of starting at 7:40, I believe that school should start at 8:15, 8:30, or even at 9:00. Last year when school resumed in person, the school day began at 8:15, and I feel as if the class structure functioned effectively.  I do not understand why since last year the school day has shifted to its original time of 7:40, when 8:15 proved to be sufficient.

   It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep when other commitments are more pressing. Days consist of waking up, going to school, coming home, doing homework, eating, and going to bed- all to do it all over again! Of course this is a generalization and students do other things during the day, but on the whole, it is a challenge to complete a day’s worth of tasks and receive proper sleep.

     I believe in the importance of allowing your body to wake up naturally. If you were to wake up early, go to school and work on complex arithmetic, then it would be more difficult for you to answer accurately because your mind needs to find its rhythm to begin the day. If school starts later, students will be able to get better sleep- thus allowing them to grasp the lessons being taught throughout the day. And, if students are able to receive more sleep, then they will- generally- not feel the need to nap during classes. 

The JCSM (Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine) stated that middle and high school start times should be delayed so as to improve student health and performance. This is due to the adolescent circadian rhythms which alter when the body awakes and rests. These changes affect both developing adolescents through their readiness to absorb new information and lessons. JCSM claimed that by delaying the start time of school, students’ achievements, safety, and health can benefit students.

Of course, when students choose to sleep is ultimately up to the students, but I believe that by allowing school to begin later, both students and teachers will have a more energetic and productive day.

JCSM Article on Delaying School Start Times: http://www.startschoollater.net/uploads/9/7/9/6/9796500/aasm_position_statement_on_delaying_school_start_times.pdf