The Washoe County School District is exploring the possibility of changing the bell schedule for middle and high schools. They would not start any earlier than 8:00 and no later than 9:30. Some schools start before 8:00, but research shows that teenagers do better in school if they sleep later.

"There's research that shows, hey they perform better academically if they can be a little more on the later end than the earlier end," Dr. Angie Taylor, President of WCSD Board of Trustees said. "So because there's really a lot of research that says that, then we have to take a look."

Studies show the later start times for older students decreases tardiness and absences, reduces teen car crashes and improves graduation rates.

"Those equate to graduation rates because it's really the day-to-day academic performance that the research shows there's some benefits in," Taylor said.

The school district is asking the community to participate in a survey to decide which bell schedule would work the best. There are six options that would change the middle school schedule to 8:00-2:30, 9:00-3:30 or 9:30-4:00. The options for high schools are 8:30-3:00, 9:00-3:30 or 9:30-4:00. Every option would be later for students at Reed High School. Classes start at 7:45 there.

"Since a lot of people have to wake up and go straight to school, they'll stress out about school a lot," Leslie Davila, sophomore at Reed High School said. "I think they need plenty of rest to be able to have enough energy to be going to school."

"I sleep very late and I have to wake up very early, and I think it's great because it helps them learn more," Deltha Rios, sophomore at Reed High School said.

"I feel like people are going to be more energized because they wake up later than people, because a lot of people like me just stay up late," Ahilyn Santana, Junior at Reed High School said.

Other students say they like the current schedule. Many students have sports, clubs or other after-school activities, including jobs.

"I really don't like it," Eli V., Freshman at Reed High School said. "I want to get out of school a little earlier. I mean, I wake up either way."

"I definitely think it's better to start earlier," Ariana Lombardi, Senior at Reed High School said. "Like, for a lot of kids, you get your day over with and a lot of people have jobs, nowadays."

"I feel like it would interfere with jobs but also have people actually awake and get to school on time," Caleb Stine, Freshman at Reed High School said.

The possible bell schedule change could cost $0-$1.5 million because of transportation changes.

"Increasing the number of bus routes, the need for more drivers, extending the time where they're on those morning shifts, maybe those afternoon shifts," Taylor said.

The online survey is available until October 11. Bell Schedule / Bell Schedules (washoeschools.net)

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