Noblesville Schools is appropriately considering – after extensive study of energy and alertness of high school students – changing the start times for all school days. Proposed new school hours are 8 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. for elementary schools and 8:45 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. for middle and high schools. It would take effect for the 2014-’15 academic year.
The schools cited research that shows during puberty, the sleep patterns for adolescents change because of hormonal issues; they found high school students, as a result, couldn’t (and can’t) gain slumber until after 10 p.m. (Gee, we don’t suppose a cornucopia of electronic gadgets, chat sessions and television have anything to do with that. Nah, probably not.)
Also highlighted: students need 8.5 to 9.25 hours of sleep per night. A change in start times, it is hoped, will lessen tardiness, falling asleep during class, mental lapses, flagging concentration, conflicts, vehicle accidents and depression. Also anticipated: higher scores on standardized tests, including ISTEP, SAT and ACT.
A committee of parents and educators has been studying the possibility of change for the past couple years. Parents interested in sharing thoughts on the possible change may attend a public forum at 6:30 p.m. May 5 at the Educational Services Center. In addition, an online survey will be available this week. Visit www.noblesvilleschools.org for more information.
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You received your Current today because May 6 is the date of the primary election. We don’t want election information in the paper on election days, as delivery of Current can happen into the late-afternoon hours; that does you no good on Election Day. Today, though, you’ll find what you need to know about candidates and voting. And we do hope you’ll vote, because it is your right and responsibility. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is about accountability on every plane.
