South New Castle News

New reports from national health organizations are suggesting that schools shouldn’t start before 8:30 a.m. as teachers, faculty and parents weigh all possible options.

The Appoquinimink School District formed a committee to investigate potential time changes for middle and high school students after Superintendent Matt Burrows studied the research from a number of national health organizations that found earlier start times could be harmful to academic performance, mental health and physical health.

“As a district we are always looking to promote and support academic achievement, mental health and physical health of our students,” Burrows said, as reported by Middletown Transcript. "[The research] shows the positive results of students getting enough sleep. Not just looking at increased GPA, but also at discipline records.”

Indira Gurubhagavatula, University of Pennsylvania associate professor of Clinical Medicine Division of Sleep Medicine, led a Feb. 27 presentation at Middletown High School for all concerned parties.

She noted studies that have shown that chronic sleep deprivation is harming adolescents and starting class later brings them in line with their biological sleep patterns.

“They go to bed late, they are forced to get up early,” she said. “They end up having a biological rhythm that is misaligned with what society expects.”

Additionally, Gurubhagavatula said that schools that began before 8:30 a.m. made complex tasks and homework harder for students, increased tardiness and absenteeism and decreased academic achievement and performance.

“Teens are looking for reasons to keep themselves awake,” she said.

Studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, headaches and stomach ailments while also elevating the risk of poor impulse control, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

In the upcoming weeks the committee will decide whether the district should change the current start times. The district selected 40 parents, students, staff and board members representing different grade levels, geographic locations, and areas of concern, according to their report.