By Jaelyn Gatewood
Albuquerque Public Schools is thinking about having a later start to the school day for high schools – perhaps an hour later than the current 7:25 a.m. start – starting next fall. The district has been thinking about this change for a while because it is proven that students work better later in the day.
It would be a simple way to help students get better grades that doesn't require any extra time or money, said La Cueva High School Principal Dana Lee, who is on a task force that has been discussing a later start time.
Many students said they feel the current 7:25 a.m. start is too early. “I don’t like having to wake up when it's still dark outside,” said freshman Grayden Wetzel.
Although APS hasn't decided whether or not high schools will start later, community members and school leaders have been working for nearly 10 years to make this possible because research proves this will have a positive effect on students and teachers.
Human sleep patterns follow a circadian rhythm affected by light and dark, and people feel more awake and motivated when it’s light outside, according to the National Institutes of Health. But for much of the school year, students arrive on campus in the dark.
“Adults think that teens will stay up later if school starts later but that isn't true,” Lee
said.
Students will benefit in many different ways if school starts later. Teachers will also benefit because the students will be more prepared and motivated to learn.
It is also less likely for kids to get in traffic accidents if they leave the house later in the day. There will also be less tardies and absences. Furthermore, Lee said, “Most students don’t have time to eat in the morning so with this change more students will be able to eat.”
School starting later could also be negative. “Change is hard,” said Lee.
Everyone's schedule around us would have to change, including for parents and siblings. Another issue is if schools start later, some school activities and sports would have to start later as a result.