This question is probably a controversial topic for schools…Should schools start later? I mean, obviously, this is painfully opinionated, and anyone could use science to back both sides of the argument.
However, let’s just ignore science for now and focus on opinions! Freehold Borough High School starts early (07:30) and ends early (14:06). Each school in the district varies; some start later and, in compromise, end earlier. I think Marlboro High School starts at…8? But which is right? Technically, both times aren’t wrong, but uhm, I think one is wrong. And since I am obviously a credible source, I believe schools starting later should NOT be a schoolwide thing.
Before anyone accuses me of not agreeing with the students’ side, I understand sleep deprivation, health, and the other issues. As someone who LOVES staying in her bed, why would I choose earlier school times? Well, let’s break it down.
I understand why many people advocate for later school times. More time for students to complete work…leaves more rest time…and you know, who wants to wake up early? But many of those people don’t realize the other consequences that come with later times. With later start times, schools will have to force clubs and sporting events even later throughout the day. So, the students are actually coming home later. Even if they aren’t per se, nothing changes in the sense because it is just later in the day.
To add on, later times often promote further procrastination. It could be unhealthy because students will push work “in the morning” and create bad productivity habits.
In general, people start the day early to enhance productivity. For example, it is better to wake up early on the weekend to get stuff done, rather than lying in bed until 11 A.M. and getting minimal work done. In many jobs, they start early, too. So, in the sense, schools with later times won’t prepare students for a real-life experience, where they expect people to wake up early to be productive.
And, honestly, as a morning person, I would much rather get my work done early so I can finish early. I am not much of a procrastinator. So, there you have it. I’m uh right about this, so don’t think about…like…opposing my argument. ♥️
