Bristol Schools To Study Later Start Times

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — Schools in Bristol Township are the latest to begin looking into whether later start times would better serve their students, particularly high schoolers.

The district is forming a Sleep Committee to investigate the relationship between student sleep and school start times. Officials in the district cite medical research that has suggested a later start time meshes better with teen biology and sleep rhythms.

The sleep committee, officials say, will have 20 members, including district staff, parents of high school students, students at Truman High School and other community members. The committee will help develop a survey for the entire school community, present its findings publicly and make its own recommendations.

District officials note that no decision has been made already on a later start time at Truman, but say there is "compelling information and research" that makes it an issue worth exploring. If the high school were to have later start times, that also could impact elementary and middle school start times, officials said.

Community members interested in joining the Sleep Committee are asked to fill out a six-question survey by Oct. 31. District officials say they will contact those who are chosen to participate.