As a student, I have personally witnessed the toll that early school start times take on our teenagers' mental health. The lack of sleep due to these early starts is negatively impacting their well-being and academic performance. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, adolescents who do not get enough sleep are at risk for a host of serious physical problems, including obesity and diabetes; safety issues like drowsy driving; and worsening mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. They recommend that middle and high schools should start at 8:30 a.m. or later to align school schedules with the biological sleep rhythms of adolescents.

In addition to this, studies by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that later school start times contribute significantly towards improved attendance rates, better grades in math/English/science/social studies, standardized test scores increase, improved student attention levels throughout the day among other benefits.

It's time we prioritize our children's health over outdated routines. By pushing back school start times in Mahomet public middle and high schools we can ensure our youth are given every opportunity to succeed both academically and personally.

Please sign this petition if you believe in supporting healthier futures for our children through later school start times.