School Start Time
Research-Backed Change: North Salem to Shift Start Times
Starting this September, students and families will benefit from a new schedule to enhance well-being and academic success. After years of research and community discussion, the shift to later school start times begins this September, giving everyone an extra half hour of morning time to recharge and prepare for the day ahead.
This fall, the North Salem Middle/High School day will run from 7:58 AM to 2:40 PM. Pequenakonck Elementary School will run from 8:55 AM to 3:25 PM.
The Board of Education approved a change last year after formative discussions with the School Start Time Committee, which included parents, teachers, administrators, and board members. The committee reviewed existing literature and best practices concerning school start times and their effects on students' physical, mental, and intellectual health. The committee conducted a thorough analysis, including reviewing scientific research, surveying families, students and staff, and exploring various scheduling options.
“The start time change aligns with our district’s unwavering efforts to prioritize student health and well-being,” said Beth Malvino, a board trustee and parent who previously served on the committee before her election. “I think kids will quickly see and feel the benefits of getting some more rest.”
Research indicates that adolescents who start school later perform better academically. They also have fewer car accidents, sustain fewer athletic injuries, and experience fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. These findings have prompted national health organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, to recommend later school start times for middle and high school students.
Community input was essential in this decision. Over the past three years, the district surveyed families, students, bus drivers, staff, and teachers to gather their concerns and perspectives. This feedback influenced the final recommendation, considering practical matters such as athletic schedules, childcare options, and extended-day activities, including clubs and academic support.
“Balancing the needs of all stakeholders weighed heavily on the committee throughout the process,” said Superintendent Dr. Adam VanDerStuyf. “In the end, the committee felt strongly that this recommended change would be most beneficial for our students.”
The committee evaluated seven different time proposals before recommending a 30-minute shift for all schools. This option aims to enhance learning conditions and quality of life while minimizing disruptions to family schedules, community programs, and transportation costs.
More information about this decision is available on the school district's website in the Board of Education section, including the committee's presentation of their findings, studies on the impact of sleep deficiencies on adolescent health, expert recommendations, and the effects of later start times.
As the district prepares for the upcoming school year, it is committed to supporting the students and families during this transition. The added 30 minutes in the morning represents a strategic investment in students' well-being and academic success. This improvement aims to foster a more enriching and safer educational experience for everyone involved.