So you’re lacking focus in class and you’ve gotten called out twice because you keep putting your head down, trying to get just another ounce of shut-eye. How many hours of sleep did you get last night? Chances are, it was no more than seven.
Did you know that Connecticut is one of the 10 states with the earliest high school starting times? Well, according to the AAA State Of Play, the average start time in CT is 7:39 a.m., just behind the states of Louisiana and Massachusetts. Here at Stamford High, it’s mandatory to be in class by 7:25 a.m.. But many different high schools within the state have advocated for later start times, beginning around 8:00 to 8:30 a.m.. The question is, does it really make a difference? If so, why isn’t it being implemented here at Stamford High?
More homework on top of extracurricular activities can make it difficult to go to sleep at a reasonable time, so any extra minute or hour of sleep sounds like heaven to us high school students. For some students in Brookfield, that’s exactly what they get to experience.
In Brookfield, start times were adjusted as the school year began after Labor Day. Planning began back in 2019 when their subcommittee looked into the impacts and effects of changing start times for high school students. Their superintendent, John Barile, changed these times to make sure the teens get a longer period of sleep, adding a 45-minute delay.
What exactly does adding more time do for us students? As mentioned previously, it allows us to get more sleep. On average, teens ages 13-18 require 8-10 hours of sleep, but sometimes, school can have us staying up past midnight, leaving us with 5-6 hours of sleep. With the 45-minute delay for Brookfield high schools, it allows for an extra 3-4 hours of sleep every week.
SHS social worker Joanne Carde told the Round Table, “When people are experiencing anxiety, one of the first things that I ask is ‘How’s your sleep?’” She mentioned that anxiety symptoms are directly correlated with sleep, or rather lack of it, which is why she believes it can be beneficial and important for a later arrival time in school.
Along with more sleep, studies show that students show greater improvement in academics. In a study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, results showed that attendance rates and graduation rates “significantly improved” in schools that had start times of 8:30 or later. “I’ve worked with a couple students from Greenwich High, which has a later start time, and they’re reporting to me that they really like it and they feel better that they’re getting more sleep,” says school psychologist Glenna Freeman.
However, along with the improved success rates and overall health of the youth, many schools and parents find that beginning school later in the mornings has its cons as well.
For starters, there may be many scheduling conflicts in terms of sports and school transportation. With school starting and ending later in the day, it can leave a limited amount of daylight for athletes. SHS soccer coach Michael Summa expressed his disagreement with the idea, saying, “I think it does a big disservice for sports because the game times are still staying the same. So, they’ll have less time after school to get ready for the games, less time for preparation, and practices could potentially be shorter.”
As for transportation, it can impose a new challenge for parents and administrators, leaving them to figure out how to accommodate bus and work schedules. Many also believe that the urge to change start times is a result of poor time management, and the normal start times are a good act of discipline.
With every change that may cross our paths, adjustments are required. Since 2020, Connecticut lawmakers have pushed for later start times. Many parents and representatives from all over the state voiced their voices and opinions in a public hearing held in March 2020. But here in Stamford, we are yet to see any drive in regards to the issue. Besides the discussion amongst the community, no real action has been taken.
There are many stances that people take on the matter. With the many factors that could be impacted with this big change, it’s no surprise that many schools don’t immediately jump at it. No matter what your view or opinion is on the subject, don’t expect this to be implemented within Stamford public schools any time soon.
