As concerned residents of Montgomery, NJ, we are deeply worried about the sleep health of our teens. Implementing a later high school start time in Montgomery is important for optimal teen health and education, and aligns with the recommendations of leading national bodies of health research and policy. The current early start time for Montgomery High School (7:45 AM) is causing many of our teens to be sleep-deprived, which is unhealthy. This lack of adequate sleep is not merely an inconvenience; it has been shown to lead to physical and mental health issues and can negatively impact academic performance. Let's prioritize our students' well-being in Montgomery!

     The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both recommend that middle and high schools start at 8:30 AM or later to give students the opportunity to obtain the recommended amount of nightly sleep. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teenagers who do not get enough sleep (8-10 hours per day) are at higher risk for a variety of physical and mental health problems, including:

- obesity

- depression and anxiety

- poor academic performance

- drug/alcohol use

- drowsy driving accidents

     California and Florida have become the first states to require later public school start times in response to years of research that show significant advantages for high school students who can sleep more by starting their school day at 8:30 AM or later. Numerous states have similar legislation pending. Within NJ, several school districts have implemented a later high school start time, including our neighboring Princeton Public School District, so we know that it can be done with success!

     All districts face obstacles in transportation logistics, budgeting, and staff willingness to make changes in school schedules. We believe that  Montgomery Township School District is capable of finding solutions to these issues in order to prioritize our students' health and well-being. Reorganizing the transportation system by combining our two elementary school bus routes and our two middle school bus routes can help alleviate the transportation issue. 

     By implementing a later high school start time in Montgomery, we can align with current national recommendations and prioritize our students' health over outdated schedules. We have an opportunity here to make a significant difference in their lives by giving them more time each morning to rest.

     Please sign this petition if you believe that our teens deserve a more optimal sleep schedule, which will ultimately improve their overall health and well-being, as well as their academic achievements. Let's stand together for healthier school hours in Montgomery!