Problems Persist With School Start Times

To the Editor:

In the fall I had attended and spoken at several Board of Education meetings and written numerous letters expressing my concerns and disagreement with the change in the school start times. I am sending a copy of this letter to all Board of Education members.

I have two children at Head O’ Meadow. For my family the time change has meant a loss of constructive homework time, recreational reading time, and just plain play time. The February issue of the Parents’ Idea Exchange (the monthly newsletter of Newtown Youth Services) devotes an entire page to stressed out kids. This article specifically says how important it is for kids to have down time. They need to process and reflect on how their day was before they need to get up and do it all over again. We are not by any means an overscheduled family. My children go to religious education one afternoon a week and they each have one activity beyond that. This new schedule makes play time during the week almost nonexistent. The late afternoons are rushed and hectic to complete homework, eat dinner, and get ready for bed. This is the worst possible schedule for an elementary aged child.

I know many teachers are not in favor of this new schedule but for fear of repercussions are afraid to speak up. How sad that is. Teachers have valuable insight into how our children are affected.

I’ve seen letters to the editor over the past few weeks questioning whether the school board should take into account the middle school kids who are now home hours earlier than in previous years. This allows some of them too much free unsupervised time to experiment with drugs, drinking, and sex. As evidenced in newspaper articles and television programs this problem is national, not just local. As always, the primary responsibility lies with the parents. But the Board of Education should be aware of potential problems due to these hours in the afternoon, as these are things which affect the whole community, not just individuals.

Of course some people may prefer this new schedule, but if you don’t please write to the Board of Education and let them know. I hear many people listing these same concerns as I have, let your voices be heard.

Sincerely,

Janet McKeown

10 Hillcrest Drive, Newtown                                 February 24, 2004