From KOB-TV:
The school year will start completely different for thousands of New Mexican children once this coming summer break is over. Some will sleep in, others will need to get acquainted with their alarm clocks.
Starting in the 2023-24 year:
- High school students will go from 8:40 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. (7:25 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. currently)
- Middle school students will go from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. currently)
Elementary school times will be split into two groups:
- 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for Group 1
- 8:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. for Group 2
On Monday, APS Superintendent Scott Elder explained the change is based on research showing early start times have negative impacts on school performance, especially for teens who need more sleep.
But other parents fully support the switch.
“I think it is good I work at a school, so I think it is good for them to have a little bit of time to wake up and stuff. The kids don’t want to be there early, they are always complaining, I think they are happy about the changes,” Washington Middle School parent, Leticia said.
So far, it sounds like high school students agree. One student who was picking up her younger siblings from middle school said this change might make pick-up, and drop-off more difficult for her family – but she’s looking forward to sleeping in.
“I think it is better to be honest because waking up at 7 in the morning is hard and getting there on time is pretty hard,” APS high schooler Genesis said.
We know Rio Rancho Public Schools are flirting with making a similar change. But, a district official says they’re in the very early stages of researching a potential change.
There was a school board meeting Monday, but the board mainly focused on next year’s calendar. Which will be very similar to this year’s.