Each week, high school students balance a packed schedule—classes, homework, sports, jobs,
and family responsibilities. Yet, despite the proven benefits of rest, many schools have
eliminated Late Start Mondays. This decision should be reversed.
Removing late starts deprives students of one of the few chances they have to recover from
long, stressful weeks. According to the CDC, teens need 8–10 hours of sleep per night for
proper health and development. Most aren’t getting it. Early school start times only worsen the
issue, leading to burnout, reduced academic performance, and mental health concerns.
Late Start Mondays gave students time to catch up on sleep, study, or mentally reset for the
week ahead. Teachers also benefited from the additional time for collaboration and planning.
The benefits were real—and students felt them.
Opponents may argue that Late Start complicates bus schedules or family routines. But the
health and success of students should come first. Other districts have found creative solutions
to make it work—ours can too.
Reinstating Late Start Mondays would show that the district is listening to students and putting
their well-being first. It’s not just about sleep, it’s about respect, balance, and setting students up
to thrive.
and family responsibilities. Yet, despite the proven benefits of rest, many schools have
eliminated Late Start Mondays. This decision should be reversed.
Removing late starts deprives students of one of the few chances they have to recover from
long, stressful weeks. According to the CDC, teens need 8–10 hours of sleep per night for
proper health and development. Most aren’t getting it. Early school start times only worsen the
issue, leading to burnout, reduced academic performance, and mental health concerns.
Late Start Mondays gave students time to catch up on sleep, study, or mentally reset for the
week ahead. Teachers also benefited from the additional time for collaboration and planning.
The benefits were real—and students felt them.
Opponents may argue that Late Start complicates bus schedules or family routines. But the
health and success of students should come first. Other districts have found creative solutions
to make it work—ours can too.
Reinstating Late Start Mondays would show that the district is listening to students and putting
their well-being first. It’s not just about sleep, it’s about respect, balance, and setting students up
to thrive.
