Sleep deprivation among high schoolers has become a national concern.  During adolescence, teens' circadian rhythm naturally shift later, so they don't feel sleepy before 11 PM, even if they're sleep-deprived. Yet adolescents still require on average 8.5-9.5 hours of sleep per night in order to be well-rested, functioning, happy students ready to learn. The early start times of our high schools prevent most teens from getting a sufficient amount of sleep, resulting in "drunk" driving, poorer grades, depression, and risky behavior. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting high school no earlier than 8:30 AM.  (References:  CDC, National Sleep Foundation).

Polly Bove, FUHSD's superintendent, has started looking into delaying school start times for the health of our students.  Please sign this petition to show your support for delaying school start time to 8:30 or later.  The more interested parents and community members, the faster this change will happen.