As concerned parents, teachers, doctors and mental health counselors, we are writing this petition to advocate for a delayed start time of 8:30am at Penfield High School in Penfield, NY. California has already taken this step statewide, as has our neighbor to the north, Webster. 

There is direct or indirect evidence that this change can affect our teenagers in the following ways:

• lower suicide rates, severity of depression, & reduce risk taking behavior and obesity
• lower use of tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine
• lower anxiety disorders
• improve cognitive function and memory (academic performance)
• improve immune function
• lower the incidence of car accidents among teens

We have experienced firsthand the negative effects of starting school too early. It is crucial that we address this matter as it directly impacts the well-being and academic success of students.

Teenagers' circadian rhythm naturally shifts later during adolescence, making it difficult for them to fall asleep before 11pm. Unfortunately, the high school currently starts classes at 7:30am leaving students with insufficient sleep each night. This lack of restorative sleep has been proven to negatively affect academic performance, physical health, mental well-being, and even increase the risk of car accidents among teenage drivers.

The NIH cites that sleep deficiency has been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behavior.

Numerous studies support the need for later school start times. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high schools should not begin earlier than 8:30am due to the biological sleep patterns of adolescents. Research conducted by Dr. Mary Carskadon at Brown University found that delaying school start times resulted in improved attendance rates and reduced daytime sleepiness among teenagers (Source: National Sleep Foundation).

Insufficient sleep has been linked to decreased cognitive functioning and impaired memory consolidation—both essential components for effective learning (Source: National Sleep Foundation). By pushing back our high school's start time to 8:30am, we can provide students with an opportunity for better quality sleep which will enhance their ability to concentrate in class and retain information more effectively.

Furthermore, inadequate rest can lead to various health issues such as obesity, depression, anxiety disorders, and weakened immune systems (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). By prioritizing our students' well-being through a delayed start time, we can contribute to their overall physical and mental health.

Additionally, studies have shown that early school start times contribute to an increased risk of car accidents among teenage drivers. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, delaying school start times by just one hour reduced the number of car accidents involving adolescent drivers by 16.5% (Source: Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine).

By signing this petition, we urge the Penfield School District and relevant authorities to recognize the importance of aligning high school start times with teenagers' biological sleep patterns. Implementing a delayed start time of 8:30am will provide students with adequate rest, improve academic performance, enhance physical and mental well-being, and ultimately create safer roads for our community.

NY Bill 2023-A440/S5449 is also calling for this measure state wide.  

Together, let's prioritize the needs and well-being of Penfield students by supporting this crucial change.

Thank you.
Dr. Jennifer Bateman, Lauren Reinert, & Dr. Amy Niertit