Welcome to Start School Later
Rochester Hills, MI!
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Better rested teenagers are more alert. As a result, they perform better academically, benefit from better health and even their very safety is improved with better, more alert driving. When the Centers for Disease Control, the American Medical Association, the American Academy for Pediatrics and the National Sleep Foundation are all in agreement that school should start later for middle school and high school (ideal start time of 8:30 or later), it’s time for change to take place.
Research shows that teenagers are biologically wired to fall asleep later, around 11pm. Long term studies have proven that when schools start later, students are more alert. As a direct result, attendance goes up, academics improve, even attitudes improve. According to the CDC, an adjusted school schedule significantly reduces the consumption of caffeinated drinks, obesity, drug abuse and depression. Similarly encouraging effects are that our newest drivers are more alert behind the wheel when school starts later. Districts across the country that have adopted later start times report decreased accident rates involving student drivers. Rochester is a stellar school district by any measure and could be a leader and innovator of this positive change for education. The arguments against later school times often focus on inconveniences to adults (administrators, parents, educators), ignoring the substantial academic, health and safety benefits to students. The obstacles are mostly logistical in nature. Transportation issues are challenging but surmountable barriers to change. Sports and other after school activities adjust and thrive; better rested athletes often perform better and are less likely to be injured. With the support and involvement of our community, and a school district administration willing to lead the way, positive change can happen. Let’s set our students up for success by giving them every opportunity to get the most out of their education. To contact the Rochester Hills, MI chapter, please like them on Facebook or fill out the contact form on this page. |
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