As many of you know, the SD41 school district is planning to add a fifth block, increasing school hours from 6 hours to 8 hours. They say it is to accomodate the increased enrollment of students, but the vast effects this move will have are unprecedented.

The 26,000 students of the district will all have to experience this unexpected alteration, and issues regarding mental health as well as the balance of life will arise. The change will affect students' ability to pursue hobbies and interests, and motivation for schoolwork will also dip, leading to decreased assignment quality and a general dislike for school. With the increased school hours, there will be less time for interacting with friends and family, and the balance between work and life will be disrupted. Not only students are affected by this proposal but also educators and teachers who are already working hard to aid them to the best of their ability. There would be increased stress laid on their backs, and the sole people tasked to preparing youth for the future are being given an increased workload that deteriorates their mental health.

A study by Stanford University said that less than 1 percent of students say homework is not a stressor, and more than 70 percent of students say homework is a stress factor, with 56 percent saying it was a primary reason. Another study by the RWJF foundation said that over 46 percent of teachers report high daily stess, which deprives them of their sleep and overall quality of life. 

It is extremly vital that this new act does not go through, as immediate action needs be taken. You can contribute by SIGNING THIS PETITION NOW

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