LHS Later Start Times

 As of Dec. 4 2018, the Lexington High School Committee decided to hold off for two years on delaying the proposed later start times for high school students. This decision, which may have had some degree of scientific backing, not only rejects the majority opinion of this town but also fails to take into account the ramifications of such a move.

On Nov. 20, the committee held a town meeting in which members were encouraged to come up and share their opinions regarding the matter. The meeting was attended by parents, teachers, athletic coaches/directors, and students. The meeting lasted about an hour and a half but not a single person spoke in favor of delaying the school start time. This stark contrast speaks to not only my opinion, but that of the town majority: later start times will negatively affect students.

Advocates of later start times argue that scientifically, the teenage mind seems to function better when school start time is delayed. Right now, many students, myself included, will procrastinate our daily homework until odd times at night, and thus lose out on precious sleep. Such students will label themselves as Night Owls”, but I prefer the term “Owls who procrastinate.” I take a relatively difficult course load and participate in a range of extracurriculars from Model UN to being President of my own NGO, but I have yet to receive homework requiring me to stay awake past 10:30. Most nights when I am awake past that time, I have spent a considerable amount of time procrastinating. Inevitably, my mind functions less productively the next day but I accept full blame for this.

Furthermore, delaying start times disallows people from taking part in various afterschool activities. Activities such as Model UN at Clarke and Diamond would not be possible, as high schoolers would get out too late to come to the middle schools. Likewise, students who take part in sports or musical ensembles outside of school would not be able to continue without running into rush hour traffic, routine tardiness would undermine their commitment. As of now, supporters of the late start time have yet to address this issue.

Most of the people who advocate for a later start time are blaming their drowsiness in the morning on excessive workload. It is time for people to wake up, stop feeling sorry for themselves, and utilize their time better. The majority of LHS should not have to suffer for the bad habits of a select few.

by AARYA TAVSHIKAR