WAKEFIELD — As school officials continue to gather information about starting class later at Wakefield Memorial High, they have sent out a survey for all families to fill out.
The survey asks the participant to indicate what grade their student is in, how often the student is seen “struggling with alertness and engagement in the early morning hours,” how a later start time would impact student learning and classroom engagement, concerns about a later start time, whether the survey participant desires a later start time, and more.
Research on adolescent sleep patterns and cognitive performance suggests that later school start times can lead to improved student health, well-being and academic success.
There will be no changes made to start times during the next academic year.
The message accompanying the survey was written by the district’s administrative team. It states, in part, that back in 2016, then-schools Superintendent Dr. Kim Smith, along with other Middlesex League superintendents “signed a letter of intent to explore the idea of a later start time for their high schools to fall in line with research related to adolescent sleep needs/patterns. Since this letter of intent, Middlesex League Districts have shifted their high school start times. Wakefield is one of two districts that has not yet made a change. Additionally, the Student Services Subcommittee of the School Committee has taken interest in this idea since a presentation was held four years ago by members of the Youth Council advocating for this as a positive change for students.”
So far in the process, the message states, the Student Services Subcommittee has reviewed the process that other Middlesex League Districts have used to make the change and has met with the Burlington superintendent to learn more about his experience leading this change.
Following a discussion with leadership of the employees’ bargaining association, Wakefield Education Association leaders asked the district to host a forum with faculty members in addition to the survey being sent.
The administration has discussed this topic with principals, the transportation coordinator, facilities director and other management and operations stakeholders to determine if later start times could be a possibility in Wakefield.
The statement continues that there “have been three public community forums to discuss this topic with key stakeholders. All were welcome. The first forum was focused on the research behind adolescent sleep needs with Dr. Judy Owens, the second included our Principals and the third focused on before and after school care and extracurricular activities.”
What does this mean for your family’s schedule?
“As discussed, a later start time for the high school could lead to other changes district wide. Sample times below are based on realistic bus route options and will also be subject to Union impact bargaining and updated transportation agreements.”
SAMPLE: 45 Minute Time Shift at High School
Elementary: 8:40 AM- 2:50 PM* No Change
Middle: 7:45 AM- 2:15 PM* No Change
High: 8:15 AM- 2:55 PM
SAMPLE: 60 Minute Time Shift at High School
Elementary: 8:45 AM- 2:55
Middle: 7:45 AM- 2:15 PM- no change
High: 8:30 AM- 3:10 PM
*Preschool times will be finalized after we determine the other levels (which offer transportation access to all students. An after 8:00 AM start for preschool is recommended).
When could this change occur?
There will be no changes made for the 2025-2026 school year. Three recommendations will be made to the School Committee to consider. The three recommendations that are likely to be:
1.45 Minute Sample Time Shift
2.60 Minute Sample Time Shift
3.No Change
“The School Committee will discuss and vote on next steps. If they vote on a 45 minute or a 60 minute shift, then we would move into impact bargaining with the Union throughout the 2025-2026 school year,” the statement from the administrative team continues.