School Start Times Affect Family Life

To the Editor:

When I moved to Newtown two years ago, one of the aspects that attracted me to the town was what appeared to me to be a well thought out, and developmentally appropriate school start time plan. As a family therapist and mother of three elementary-aged children, I was impressed with what had appeared to be sensitivity to the needs of middle-schoolers and their parents. Having this group return home last gave them the protection of watchful eyes during hours in which they could let their normal curiosities get them into trouble (think 18 month old). I understand ultimate responsibility for proper supervision belongs in the family, it just appeared, at that time, that the school system was trying to do their part to be supportive. After all, any problems that occur on a community level with children, i.e., experimentation with alcohol and drugs, sexual behavior, become a problem for the schools.

I was also impressed by the early start time/return time for elementary aged children. I believed it showed a school system that appreciated the needs of these children, still in formative years, to have time to develop social skills with play dates, good habits of physical activity and most importantly, the opportunity, afforded by the luxury of their early return time for increased family interaction and bonding. A chance for parents to get in the habit of talking to their children, and children to get in the habit of talking to their parents about things that happen when they are not together. All this elementary work would be setting the stage for when the discussions are critical and life’s challenges and demands increase.

As for the high school, any former teenager does not need a sleep specialist to tell them what sleep cycle works best for teens. But since they have been called in, I would think we could mostly agree, the data supports our experience. It would seem common sense. How disappointing to see my assumptions about the forethought and planning of times were wrong.

I am writing now, before the Start Time Committee makes a final decision to encourage other parents who have felt the negative impact of the changes in the school hours to also write. Let the School Start Time Committee and the Board of Education hear what we have to say regarding the quality of life we want for our families. I have heard the committee feels there is not enough time to reorganize for next year, while I do not pretend to know all that goes into that process, as I recall the change was made rather quickly last year. This change has made my family’s life more rushed and stressful, that is not in my children’s best interest. I do all I can to ease the impact of the change, but my global view that Newtown has kids’ best interests in mind, has been altered.

My kids are in a great school, taught by dedicated, caring professionals, complimented by a helpful staff and lead by an incredibly supportive principal. We have a phenomenal, committed group of parents who do all they can to make positive impact of the lives of our children. We are going to continue to make the best of this situation, I am just asking for some support from those we chose to lead us. Please consider the social, familial ramifications of your decisions, they will become school ramifications.

Sincerely,

Catherine J. Roche, LMFT, Mom

3 Wedgewood Court, Newtown                                 January 12, 2004