DURHAM — Oyster River School District schools could be seeing later start times as a study examining the schedule is about to get under way.
At the direction of the School Board, Superintendent Howard Colter will be working a proposed adjustment to the start times for the middle and high schools for the 2011-2012 school year.
The School Board had been discussing possible adjustments to school start times since last spring when the board received a letter from the school physician and a parent in the community who is a registered nurse. Both wanted the board to look into the issue of later start times, Colter said.
"This just didn't fall out of the sky," Colter said. "We've been hearing about it by professionals in the field of medicine and health for some time," he said.
There have been several national studies conducted about teen sleep patterns. Research indicates that a teenager's brain releases melatonin, the chemical that causes drowsiness, up to two hours later than younger children.
"It's appropriate that we take a good look at this and see if there's a better way to schedule school since research is suggesting that teens have a different sleeping pattern then they did when they were younger," Colter said.
There's also safety concerns about sleep-deprived teens driving to school in the morning.
Currently, school starts at 7:35 a.m. for the middle and high schools and at 8:50 a.m. for the elementary schools.
Colter said he hasn't heard any formal complaints from students about the current start times, but faculty think the discussion is worth having. Faculty members have indicated that students have mixed opinions about the possibility of later start times, Colter added.
The district plans on holding a series of several forums to hear from parents, faculty, staff, students and bus drivers. Colter hopes to go back to the School Board in the early winter with some type of proposal the board could work with.
Colter noted that just because he drafts a proposal for later start times, doesn't mean it would become a reality. Ultimately, the School Board will have the final decision and there could be no changes at all.
Public feedback will be important to this process and Colter is hoping people will come out to the forums when they're scheduled.
For more information about studies involving teen sleep patterns go to www.orcsd.org.
The research supports the change. I hope that this decision is based on the well being of our kids and providing an optimal learning environment, rather than the convenience of sports schedules.
ReplyDeleteI think it makes good sense given how late teenagers tend to sleep in.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting. I remember this being mentioned over a year ago, or more. It does make sense for so many reasons. I wonder if the argument of sports will get in the way of what is healthier for kids and more beneficial academically?
ReplyDeleteJoAnn has already said at a recent meeting this is going to be an issue. I for one have no problem being the first to try this, but know it will be tougher on the kids who leave for sports games.
Remember how long they (though I never knew who "they" were) fought the grade scale? It made sense, was better for the kids, yet people fought it. I just hope they put kids first this time, and by the way, I would also hope we have no problem being the first to try something for a change. Isn't that what creates a great school?
Great idea! Now let's if the military can roll back reville to let's say around ten or so. After all, many enlisted men are still adolescents. Isn't part of education training as well as learning? Not everyone can walk into a job with flexible hours.
ReplyDeleteHistorically, Oyster River has been resistent to change (on some issues). The scientific data supports the start time change. We will just have to see what is stronger, the science based argument or the athletic argument. I would like to know why we have to compete with teams that are more than an hour from our school anyway. That makes no sense. Students must get back from these contests very late, on school nights. So they miss academic time (which should be first priority) by leaving school early and then get home very late on school nights. It sounds like the larger athletic program needs to be examined also. And priorities should be clear. Do we really need to compete with teams in northern NH?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like this is an opportunity for Oyster River to take the lead. If it is better for the students, then it should be done. The military argument is laughable. Check the research on this. It isn't a matter of accomodating lazy teens. We should provide an optimal learning environment for students. And this is one factor that affects them.
ReplyDeleteWe wouldn't be the first in the nation to do this, and I don't think we'd be the first in the state either.
ReplyDeleteOur only concern should be what's best for the academic performance of our children.
Other districts have done this with good result and I trust that the board is contacting them for advice on how to proceed.
We're not trailblazers here, unfortunately, but it's a road worth traveling.
Please note, that I speak here only as a resident of Madbury and in no way do I wish to represent the position of the board.
ReplyDeleteI have taken the time to speak with several of my neighbors in Madbury. Most seem in favor of a later start time.
We cannot, however, make this an argument which pits academic excellence against athletic involvement. Both are important yet we must also consider any expense which may be incurred.
There are solutions that may or may not work.
First, switching the bus runs with the elementary students.
Secondly, eliminate all study periods and shorten the transit time between classes. This way, the studensts can start later yet can be released at the same time.
Lastly, make it the responsibility of students and their parents to get them to school at a different start time.
I'm sure there are many other solutions that parents and students have considered.
Please share them.
Cordially,
Jim Kach
I laugh at the cynical dopes who seem to complain about this and virtually every other issue under the sun.
ReplyDelete1. I find it interesting that someone says that our schools should prepare students for future jobs, yada, yada, yada. Well, I don't know of too many jobs that require people to be on the clock as early as 7:34. Certainly there are some, but not as many as those with later starting times.
2. I find it interesting that people are dragging up the grade scale issue again. I for one am glad that the school took the time to research the issue before jumping on the bandwagon. Though there is no conclusive evidence at all to suggest that the change is better (contrary to what poster #3 says - while it is his/her opinion, it is only that: his/her opinion). Needless to say, the complainers got their way.
3. One poster questions why we need to play teams in northern NH. Well, if you really know your schools, you know that our teams only play 2 teams in northern NH: Kennett (Conway) and Plymouth.
4. The previous poster says:
"Our only concern should be what's best for the academic performance of our children." THis is the most laughable comment in this entire blog. Though I completely agree with this statement, the school board seems to fail to agree. If they are in the business to do what's best for our children, then why do they not even mention this in their board goals for the year. Duh? Shouldn't this be goal numbers 1,2 & 3? Instead we get a fist full of financial goals which have nothing to do with keeping our district on a progressive course and on the cutting edge of education. Consequently, they put our district on a road to a train wreck (0% budget increases will result in massive layoffs folks in every building!)
sorry for the complaining. I guess it is the colder air that is making me grouchy.
Mr. Kach,
ReplyDeleteI can tell it has been many years since your children have been in the high school. With a building that is 150,000+ square feet (I think), five minutes between periods is really not enough. My son carries virtually all of his books (have you seen how heavy the high school texts are?) in his backpack because he will otherwise be late to classes.
Shortening the passing time is not an option -- especially given the fact that research suggests that more class time would be beneficial to learning.
Eliminating study periods is an excellent idea. Kids are told to bring a book because they may be experiencing a day in which they have 90 minutes of study time.
ReplyDeleteI agree with above, shortening passing time will not work. My son has the same issue with getting to class on time.
There are many jobs that do require attendance by 7am, teaching for example.
However, by the time one has a job as a teacher their body clock has (hopefully) adjusted and is no longer fighting the natural need to stay up late that teenagers experience.
To the poster who asked why this was not a board goal, apparently ending meetings on time was more of a priority. Yes, JoAnn said this was a board goal, play back the tape. She also said she voted against the budget advisory committee because it would take up time.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thank you representative Kach for asking why the no vote, that was a refreshing thing to see.
In reference to the comment about there being no evidence that the grade scale change had a positive effect... Many who became involved/aware of the grade scale movement/battle/whatever you want to call it may not know or recall that the first step was the realization that we had a four point grade scale that awarded 3.7 for an A. An Oyster River student had to earn an A+ to receive a 4.0. And a grade of A+ is not easily given at ORHS, as it should be. So, OR was using a four point scale with a higher standard than Harvard University (http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k69286&pageid=icb.page343180). And in effect, was lowering, I repeat lowering, the GPA of the top students at OR by three tenths of a point. Anyone who has been guiding a senior through the college application process will agree that this is a game changer. It not only influences whether a student makes the first cut in competitive times, but if they are lucky enough to make the cut, they could very well then be denied academic scholarship money that they deserve. Another interesting note about this skewed and strange four point scale is the fact that the students who received a "D" grade were awarded 1.4 for that grade. The universally accepted four point scale awards 1.0 for a "D" grade. So we were raising the grades of the lower students at the same time that we were lowering the grades of the top students. And the amazing part was that no one in the district could explain when or why this ridiculous scale was adopted.
ReplyDeleteIn the fall of 2006 the OR GPAs were recalculated (for current students) using the accepted scale of 4.0 for an "A." If anyone doesn't think that this affected the chances of our students in competing for college spots and academic scholarships, then I suggest that you call some admissions offices. This change happened because parents were examining and questioning the grade scales.
Questioning and examining is healthy and should be encouraged rather than feared.
Yes, parents who "question and examine" are considered "complainers." That is a very healthy attitude in a college town -- NOT!
ReplyDeleteWow, I just read through this blog & I can see that they are also called "cynical dopes"! It is amazing that when people question things in this community, it often degenerates into name calling. How constructive!
ReplyDeleteIronically, as I have been reading this blog, I have had the Durham Town Council meeting playing in the background. I just listened to Tom Selig state that asking questions is good and say that if things can change for the better, "then why not?" How refreshing. A town leader who embraces questions as a healthy part of the growth process.
ReplyDeleteThose who question the status quo are attacked. When ironically students are taught to question.
ReplyDeletewhat up with that?
This is not a fight between academics and athletics. Athletes often do compete with teams outside of our district. This system is in place, and it works. If the time is changed we will have students who are dismissed to travel to games. Academically, these students, will miss out on the last hour or more of school. This is not a battle between the two ideals, they are deeply interconnected. However, creative scheduling for these athletes can help prevent this issue and should not be the main block in this discussion.
ReplyDeleteOf other consideration is the fact that many high school and middle school students are going home to help their younger elementary school sibling off of the bus. This allows for working parents to afford living in this district. Yes, there is an afterschool program at the elementary schools, but this program does not work for all working parents.
I simply hope the conversation around this topic takes all sides, all issues into consideration.
My fear is that with this current board, it will not.
This current board seems more intent on spending meetings discussing how to end meetings on time rather than in-depth concrete open conversations on topics that matter.
At the last board meeting JoAnn mentioned time on no less than 6 occassions. Lack of time to do work, ending meetings on time, this seems to be what this board cares about and for this reason I do not have faith a conversation of any substance will ever take place.
As long as the board allows JoAnn to continue to hijack the meetings, nothing will be done.
Let's give Joanne as much free time as we can come March!
ReplyDeleteI'm voting ABP--anybody but Portalupi!
I have voted for Joanne in the past, but, do not intend to support her in this coming election. I think she has many good qualities however; her bias and vision for our district seems too closely tied to our Superintendent, who appears to have lost the respect of our community following the Townsend incident. Without community trust,his days are also numbered.
ReplyDeleteAs another former JoAnn supporter, I really hope that she understands that it is time for her to graciously end her time on the Board in March 2011. If you took away the time that she has spent reminding the other Board members how inexperienced they are and the time that she and Howard have spent complaining about the length of meetings, the meetings would have been shortened considerably. If they don't have time for the job, then it is clearly time for both of them to leave.
ReplyDeleteThis from the Mayo Clinic:
ReplyDeleteResetting the clock
So what can you do? Don't assume that your teen is at the mercy of his or her internal clock. Take action tonight!
■Adjust the lighting. As bedtime approaches, dim the lights. Turn the lights off during sleep. In the morning, expose your teen to bright light. These simple cues can help signal when it's time to sleep and when it's time to wake up.
■Stick to a schedule. Tough as it may be, encourage your teen to go to bed and get up at the same time every day — even on weekends. Prioritize extracurricular activities and curb late-night social time as needed. If your teen has a job, limit working hours to no more than 16 to 20 hours a week.
■Nix long naps. If your teen is drowsy during the day, a 30-minute nap after school may be refreshing. But too much daytime shut-eye may only make it harder to fall asleep at night.
■Curb the caffeine. A jolt of caffeine may help your teen stay awake during class, but the effects are fleeting. And too much caffeine can interfere with a good night's sleep.
■Keep it calm. Encourage your teen to wind down at night with a warm shower, a book or other relaxing activities — and avoid vigorous exercise, loud music, video games, text messaging, Web surfing and other stimulating activities shortly before bedtime. Take the TV out of your teen's room, or keep it off at night. The same goes for your teen's cell phone and computer.
Sleeping pills and other medications generally aren't recommended for teens.