As an alumnus of Horseheads High School and a parent to children currently studying in the Horseheads district, I am deeply concerned with the wellbeing of students spanning 9th to 12th grade. I have a background in human development, with a specialty in adolescent development from Cornell University. Research has returned the same consensus: teenagers have shifted circadian rhythms and function optimally later in the day. Mandating students to start the day earlier is not an optimized approach for their health and performance.

Areas like California and Seattle have taken note of this crucial data, passing laws to ensure high schools cannot start before 8:30am. By doing so, they acknowledge the importance of aligning school schedules with adolescent brain development and natural sleeping patterns. This decision is backed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine which states that early school start times run contrary to the biological sleep rhythms of adolescents.

We should embark on the same route for the benefit of our students at Horseheads High School. It's high time we employ a science-backed schedule to encourage healthier routines, higher attendance and improved academic results. We urge the school board to consider changing the start and end times, grounding the schedule changes on these findings. We believe it's a move packed with potential to enormously improve the wellbeing of our students. Sign this petition to help us push for change that will foster a healthier learning environment for our children.