PLEASE LOOK AT THE UPDATES OF THIS PETITION! SO MUCH OF THE ISSUES ARE BROUGHT UP IN THE UPDATES THAT HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATED TO THE BOARD.

Many community members have expressed deep concern over the proposed school time changes in the Stillwater District that involve school starting in mid-August and ending in mid-May as well as the time swaps with the elementary and high school start times. There is an understanding that this change could have several negative impacts on students and their families. 

As a deeply concerned community member, I see the looming threat that the new proposed school time changes pose for many families in the Stillwater school district. The plan to end school time for K-5 students at 2:15 pm is not only going to strain many parents and caretakers, it's also escalating an already existing problem - the lack of available after-school care which currently has an overwhelming waitlist. Our concerns are not unfounded, given that this change could further exacerbate this issue. Most families cannot give up working and get their children at 2:10pm. 

It has come to light that even high school students would be negatively affected by these changes. High-schoolers have voiced that the new time changes will result in adjusted sleep patterns with later nights. The ripple effects of this are twofold: one, it impacts their sports and job commitments, and two, it could foster unhealthy habits which can follow them into adulthood. They are not going to go to bed earlier because they get out of school later. It only pushes their daily routines later. We understand that sleep for their age is crucial and important, but there has to be a happy medium that can be worked out that helps all students, staff and families within the Stillwater school district. 

Moreover, the calendar changes are also highly undesirable. Starting the school year in mid-August and ending in mid-May disrupts the usual patterns with families and staff during the summer and enjoying things like the MN State Fair and other events that happen with warmer weather. Other states already have these time frames in place, but most of those places do not share the same weather patterns as Minnesota. 

We believe there are alternative solutions that cater to the needs of all students, families, and school staff that don't involve such drastic changes. We, therefore, call upon the decision-makers of the Stillwater school district, to show consideration for the diverse needs of our community and to seek a more realistic and less disruptive solution.

Please, lend your voice to this cause, stand with us, and sign this petition. Let's work together to ensure every stakeholder in our education system is heard and accommodated.