**PETITION TO BE DELIVERED TO THE LITTLETON SCHOOL COMMITTEE**
An indisputable body of research shows that early morning school start times are simply bad for teenagers. Studies indicate that by pushing start times after 8:00 a.m. (between 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. are the ideal), test scores and school performance go up due to improved alertness, memory, attention, and cognitive processing skills. Depression and anxiety rates go down. There is a reduced risk of obesity, eating disorders, and diabetes, as well as better immunity and overall health. Teens that get an adequate amount of sleep show a reduction in alcohol and drug abuse. Sports teams perform better and players get fewer injuries. Tardiness, delinquency, and drop-out rates are reduced. Car accident rates go down.
Cole Middle School and East Greenwich High School simply start too early (Cole: 7:35 a.m, EGHS: 7:33 a.m.) Most buses pick kids up before 7 a.m., often in the dark. At the high school, students must arrive for music practice at 6:35 a.m. Given the administration's goal of being a top 100 school district by 2018, later start times is one step towards improving students' overall well-being, as well as improving academic performance.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/13/to-keep-teenagers-alert-schools-let-them-sleep-in/?_php=true&_type=blogs&smid=pl-share&_r=0
