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My name is Mackenzie Blecha, and as a parent of children attending Amanda Arnold Elementary School, I am deeply concerned about the recently announced schedule change for the USD383 school year 2026-27. This decision impacts not only my family but thousands of families across the district, potentially altering our daily routines and introducing unforeseen challenges. 

Our concerns include:

Child health and learning: Elementary-age children are not developmentally equipped to handle significantly earlier wake-up times. Reduced sleep negatively impacts attention, emotional regulation, behavior, and academic performance, directly undermining learning in the classroom.
Student safety: A 7:30 AM start means many children will be walking to school or waiting at bus stops in the dark during fall and winter months, increasing risks related to visibility, traffic, and extreme weather.
Loss of family time: Earlier mornings and earlier bedtimes reduce meaningful family time in both the morning and evening, increasing stress for children and parents alike.
Childcare gaps for working families: A 2:30 PM elementary dismissal creates a critical supervision gap for families, particularly single-parent and dual-income households. Older siblings will not be available to provide care due to later middle and high school dismissal times, forcing families into unsafe or financially unsustainable choices.
Lack of after-school capacity: Existing after-school programs already face staffing and space limitations. They are not equipped to absorb a large increase in demand without higher costs, waitlists, or exclusion of families who need care most.
Reduced access to activities: Earlier bedtimes required for young children will limit their ability to participate in after-school programs, evening sports, and community activities that support social development, physical health, and well-rounded growth.
Disproportionate impact: This schedule change will disproportionately affect low-income families, students with disabilities, and families with limited work flexibility.

We ask the School Board to pause this proposal and pursue alternatives that prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of elementary students while acknowledging the real-world constraints faced by families. At a minimum, any schedule change should include a clear, realistic plan for childcare, safety, and equity before implementation.

Our youngest students deserve schedules that support their growth, not ones that place unnecessary strain on them and their families.

By signing below, we respectfully request that the School Board reconsider the proposed elementary start time.

If you are a USD383 staff member, please fill out this anonymous form to express your concerns. The answers will be compiled and brought to the board: https://form.jotform.com/253545635448061

Board Member Emails:
kristinbbrighton@gmail.com
gregh@usd383.org
katiea@usd383.org
karla.usd383@gmail.com
mailme@curtherrman.com
jaymem@usd383.org
christinewe@usd383.org
ericre@usd383.org

https://usd383.community.highbond.com/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx