Waking up early is a challenge for students at Derby Middle School. As a first-year student, I can vouch for the exhaustion that comes with rising at the crack of dawn just to catch the bus or make it to school on time. When you add after-school sports and other extracurricular activities to the mix, the early start becomes overwhelming. We're not only physically drained but also mentally exhausted, leading us to be irritable and, at times, land us in trouble.

Research has shown that adolescents require more sleep than adults; they need 8-10 hours of rest each night to function at their best during the day. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that middle schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. to align with the natural sleep cycles of teenagers. When schools begin too early, students can suffer from sleep deprivation, which negatively affects their academic performance, concentration, mood, and overall health.

Starting school later can drastically improve our well-being and academic results. Schools that have shifted their schedules report numerous benefits: better grades, improved mood, lower rates of tardiness, and reduced reliance on caffeine and stimulants.

We need Derby Middle School to understand the real impact of these early mornings on students’ lives. By pushing the start time to 8:45 a.m., we can ensure that students are getting the rest they need. This adjustment supports not only our health but our education as well.

Join us in advocating for a change that will benefit us all. Please sign this petition to support a later start time for Derby Middle School, enabling a healthier and more productive environment for students.