Do students and staff believe schools should start later?

Khyannia Banks

School starts at 7:20 am, which means most students and teachers wake up before 7:00 am. Academy students have an even longer commute in the morning, so they usually wake up before 6:00 am.

According to a recent University of Rochester Medical Center study, earlier school start times put more pressure on students and increase mental health symptoms, while later start times appear to be a strong protective factor for teens.

What do students and staff have to say about this particular subject? Some are skeptical that early start times are the problem.

Mr. Benoit, a new teacher here at Tallwood, stated, “I think a lack of sleep causes depression, and I think whether you wake up at five or eight, anyone staying up late is more susceptible to depression.”

“The early start time has impacted me positively because I have enough time to get work done in the afternoon and still have time for my family,” Benoit said.

“I believe early start times do not affect teenage mental health or the mental health of the teachers. I am very aware of the mental state of the students,” said Mrs. Marl, the school nurse.

On the contrary, Lequon Ware, a Sophomore at Tallwood, said, “Waking up super early causes fatigue and failure to pay attention. Less sleep also leads to stress, which can cause withdrawal from one’s social life. I have been negatively impacted by early start times because it disturbs my sleep patterns. I would be better off with a later start time because it would allow me time to eat a proper breakfast and feel more awake.”

Mr. Denvir, a Tallwood teacher, had much to say regarding early start times.

“I think early start times do affect the mental state of teachers, but the main concern is how it affects the students. The American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement saying students should not go to school before 8:30 in the morning, because early start times increase the risk of physical and mental health problems. The experts are clear on this one; school should start later.”

Chris Purkiss, an Academy Sophomore, stated, “I think early start times influence teenage depression because waking up in the morning makes me feel dead. I have been negatively impacted because I have fallen asleep in many classes and I feel drowsy.”

“I would be better off with a later start time because I usually go to sleep late at night. I won’t be so tired,” Chris said.

It seems as though the idea of the correlation between early start times and teenage mental health receives mixed reactions throughout Tallwood. So the real question is: What are possible solutions to the overlooked problem that would appease the students and staff?

Accompanying photo is a recreation.

Below are the stories featured in this issue of The Roaring Gazette.

Do students and staff believe schools should start later? by Khyannia Banks

Lion Voices: Describe the most interesting teacher you’ve ever had by Frances Summers

Meet a Lion: Mr. Waagen by Bethany Hansel

“Five minute phone policy” helps students focus in class by Finnley Brakke

Should the U.S. redefine terrorism? by Marissa Goodall

Food industry giant must rethink its policy by Ashley Archila-Ventura

“The Good Doctor” shines a light on an important issue by Sotiria Bessinas

Taco Bell an under-rated gem by Chris Purkiss