I have started this petition with the hopes that we can change the new way of things. Since the option to return back to school in person came about in the 20-21 school year, 7 elementary schools in our city have changed start and end times to accommodate bussing. Students are starting school after 9 a.m., and some not getting home until after 5 p.m. 

This is a huge problem. Our students are losing time with family. R.U.S.D staff is losing time with their families. It has taken a huge toll on family time spent together. Most of our elementary students are in bed around 8. Leaving 3 hours to shower, do homework, pack lunches, just to start getting ready for bed again. 

If staggered bussing remains needed due to Covid, a solution could be our high school students starting later and getting home later. Even our middle school children would be able to tolerate this schedule better. Alot of elementary school students are really struggling with school in general. Nothing has been normal. And alot of them have no idea what normal is, just starting a year or two ago. So let's all get together and fix this! Let's get our littles home at a reasonable time and help them get back to a "normal" school year! 

Covid rates are not going anywhere, so a better solution is needed for our younger children.