As a person who witnesses firsthand the effects of inadequate sleep on the academic performance of students, I am compelled to bring this issue to the fore. Many friends of students in Manchester, New Hampshire, public middle and high schools are reporting getting less than 6 hours of sleep per day due to the early school start times. This is far less than the recommended sleep duration of 8-10 hours for teenagers by the National Sleep Foundation.

School start time plays a significant role in students' amount of sleep, overall health, and academic performance. Studies have shown that later school start times can result in a significant increase in academic performance, attendance, and overall physical and mental health (American Academy of Sleep Medicine).

I propose that all public middle schools in Manchester, New Hampshire, should commence at 8:45 am and high schools at 9:10 am. Not only would this afford our students the necessary time to rest, but it would also align our city's schooling system with the American Academy of Pediatrics' stance on optimal school start times. 

By implementing these changes, we can improve the health, emotional well-being, and academic performance of our students. Let's put the well-being of our students at the fore and adjust the school starting hours. Please sign this petition to show your support for a healthier future for our students.