Earlier start times are a detriment

Letter to the editor

To the editor:
   Studies indicate that adolescent sleep patterns play a major factor in learning ability and later school start times derive many educational benefits. The LHS school day may begin as early as 7:30 a.m. due to the K-3 school day being lengthened by 10 minutes and the inability of LHS athletes to make prompt arrivals at away games. We as a community should be concerned with providing the best education to our students, most importantly, when they are alert and receptive and not whether an athlete can make it to an away game.
   During the board meeting of May 14, it was stated that our K-3 grades have the shortest day in comparison with surrounding communities. This was the only reason given for adding these 10 minutes. If our students were academically (or otherwise) suffering from a school day an average of 3 minutes less than surrounding communities, then this would be an issue.
   It was also mentioned at the board meeting that some parents want school start times to coincide with work schedules. This should not be an issue since it is the board of education’s responsibility to provide a quality education not quality childcare. It was also stated that some teachers were in favor of an earlier start time. Again, this should not be factored in when planning our children’s future. We should be concerned with their reception to learning, not teacher preference.
   Much emphasis is placed on test scores in the township. What will happen when adolescent sleep patterns are interrupted? I believe we will see a decrease in our valuable test scores. Another disadvantage of an earlier start time will be our special education students, most of whom already suffer from low self-esteem. If their confidence and self-esteem are compromised already, what will happen when they are sleep-deprived?
   In summary, changing the start times will only be detrimental to our students as proved by study after study. The school district has stated that it has high goals for student achievement and it wants to maximize the time for learning. Let us instead maximize the quality of learning by providing a starting time that is reasonable and conducive to learning. Compromising our children’s health, safety and education is not an option.
Maryan Hargraves
Whitemarsh Drive
Lawrence