It is notorious that students across the nation do not receive enough sleep, and in return, mental health, academic performance, and physical health suffer the consequences. Clark County School District is looking for a potential solution to this issue and is now considering moving all school start times 30 minutes later. CCSD distributed a survey about the potential schedule change, targeting all members of the community.
Although it comes across as simply pushing the schedule 30 minutes, the topic is much more complex than it appears. The conversation surrounding the change consists of concern from parents/guardians, teachers, and students. Multiple things need to be considered despite a ‘simple’ shift, including traffic, student transportation, and conflicting parent schedules. Numerous high school students and staff have mixed feelings about the current schedule but seem to recognize the earlier school begins, the more time there is for extracurricular activities, after-school jobs, and other after-school programs.
“It’s going to be a good thing because research shows, for high school students, that starting later is beneficial for them. It would be better in one perspective because then I can sleep an extra 30 minutes later instead of getting up before the sun rises,” said AP African American Studies teacher Mrs. Mason. “I’m used to school being done so early, and we pretty much have the rest of the afternoon to do what we want.”
Junior Aiyana Scott added, “With school starting early I don’t enjoy it, but I do appreciate the time after school, as I’m able to do homework and partake in hobbies.”
The Child Mind Institute conveys that due to hormonal changes, teenagers cannot fall asleep until around midnight, and naturally their brains are fully awake around 10am., furthering the idea that school should start later. Nonetheless, districts are unable to start school close to that time period owing to the fact it could clash with sports. Most high schools in Las Vegas begin at 7a.m., while middle schools start at 8a.m. and elementary schools between 8 and 9a.m.
Mrs. Mason stated, “Studies show the little kids do really well early in the morning; the big kids do better later in the morning. So what they need to do is not move everything 30 minutes; they need to reverse the order of things. So the little kids start school at 7 a.m., and then the big kids start at 8 a.m.”
This idea is considerable; however, school bus routes play a role. If the times from elementary school and high school were switched, it would interfere with said routes and create a high cost for transportation, which Clark County just doesn’t have, as stated by the CCSD Newsroom.
For working parents who drop their child off on the way to work, a school start time adjustment may conflict with their schedule. Some may suggest children taking the school bus, but considering there is a required amount of miles for a kid to be picked up by bus, it’s not an option for several parents.
Mrs. Mason explained, “I’m sure a lot of parents drop their kids off and then go to work. But if they have to be at work, I’m not sure how the kids are going to get to school. So I think for a lot of parents, it’s going to be a huge adjustment.”
Considering the discourse on- and offline, if CCSD does decide to go through with this schedule adjustment, kids will be able to get more sleep, opening the door for healthier mental health and improved academic performance. On the flip side, students will get home much later after extracurriculars, opposing parent schedules, and have less time for homework. This is just the tip of the iceberg, there are various factors at play to consider.
Junior Hailey Denham expressed, “I would have more time to get ready in the morning, and I would honestly be more prepared for class.”
