I am the sibling of a student currently attending Melrose High School. I am contacting you to request that the district implement healthier start times for middle and high school students attending Melrose Public Schools. Currently, Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School and Melrose High School have a start time of 7:45 a.m. Studies show there should be a delay in morning classes until 8:30 a.m. or later. Doing this will maximize the intellectual potential of the students in our district. Are you and the School Board aware that Melrose High School is apart of the 40% of U.S. schools that start before 8 a.m.? Are you aware that this early start time is harming the students at Melrose High School? After countless studies, sleep experts have determined a shift in adolescent sleep cycles. For a typical adolescent, their sleep cycle begins round 11 p.m. and continues through 8 a.m. With the early start times in place; adolescents are getting a 5 or 6 a.m. wake up call to get to school without being tardy. This only allows students to get 6 or 7 hours of sleep every night. During the time of adolescence, student’s brains …show more content…
Students are being woken up in the middle of a deep sleep. Being an alumnus of Melrose High School, I also remember the exhaustion I felt during the week. This can be detrimental to not only the learning but also their health. Sleep deprivation increases risk taking behavior, substance abuse, and impedes judgment and decision making ability. Many districts have taken part in this time shift. Teachers have reported academic improvements, better attendance, and students that are less moody and less likely to fall asleep in class, and I know you care for each student in the district and want the best for each individual. A simple change in the school schedule can decrease these risks and result in successful