Schools starting earlier than 8:30 AM have disrupted natural sleep patterns and increased stress for families in our community. As parents and concerned community members, we've recognised the toll this takes on our young kids' health and academic performance.

Currently, elementary schools in Orland School District 135 start at 7:30 AM. The bus pick up is even before 7 AM. Children must wake up at 5.30 AM. We believe this early start negatively affects our young children, particularly those in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and the first and second grades. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that middle and high schools start at 8.30 AM or later to ensure that students get a healthy amount of sleep. Young children, whose sleep patterns are naturally inclined towards later wake times, should not be excluded from the benefits of this recommendation.

Significant research suggests that early school hours can have detrimental effects on children's physical health, mental well-being and academic performance. Studies have found that insufficient sleep in children has been associated with obesity, depression, and poor academic performance (KidsHealth from Nemours, 2020).

By shifting our school start time to 8:30 AM, we can give our children the chance they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. It's time we put the health and success of our students first. Join us in calling on Orland School District 135 to make this necessary change to better aid the well-being of our students. Please sign the petition.