We, the undersigned, work to change the late start policy for the benefit of students and staff belonging to the SAU39 school system. Currently, there is a late start every second Tuesday of each month. This late start allows staff to have meetings and discussions they need. The late start benefits staff, but students should benefit as well.
With one late start a month, students get only one day of extra sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that schools start at 8:30 am or later to give students the amount of sleep they need. However, according to a 2014 School Health Policy Study, 93% of high schools and 83% of middle schools start before 8:30 am. Sleep is so important to teenagers and children. It benefits their health and academic success. A late start every other week allows students to get a two extra hours of sleep and/or extra hours to work on assigned school work. Students that participate in afterschool activities are also having more time taken from their night whether is spending time with family, work time on homework or sleep. Teachers and staff will still be able to incorporate their meetings during the month, but with two late starts per month they will be able to enjoy a couple extra hours themselves.
Students should be prepared, rejuvenated, and ready for class. A new and improved late start policy is what all students and staff need.
