Should Grand Junction Schools Start Later?

Colorado schools consider pushing back start times. Should District 51?

Over on the front range, the Poudre School District is considering moving back their start time to no earlier than 8:30 AM. Currently, most Colorado school districts start class between 7:25 and 8:15 AM.

Back in February, the Poudre School District sent out surveys asking staff, high school students, parents and community members their thoughts on the idea. The school board will take up the issue at an upcoming meeting. Until then, the district will hold public meetings with parents, students,  and staff where they will continue to discuss the survey results and future options.

It's a fact that kids, especially teens, don't get the recommended 8.5-9. hours of sleep a night. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 60% of 6th to 8th graders and a whopping 87% of high school students get less each night. It's proven too that this lack of sleep can translate into a number of issues, including poorer academic performance, test scores, memory loss, anxiety, and depression.

Denver area Cherry Creek School District and the Greeley-Evans School District 6 have already made the change to a later start time. Thompson School District announced earlier this year they will make the change to 8:30 AM next year. Jefferson County Schools announced it too is considering making the change.

With so many Colorado school districts making the move, should Grand Junction and District 51? How would the change impact your life and that of your kids?

Credit: The Coloradoan