At last night’s joint
MVMMS/MHS PTO meeting, Melrose parent, family physician, and Board of Health
member Frank Brincheiro brought a concept before the group called “Start School
Later.” (Link to national chapter here: http://www.startschoollater.net/.)
He explained that teen sleep deprivation (regular sleep length of less than
8.5-9.5 hours/night), caused by melatonin secretions in the brain happening
around 11 p.m. for teens (which bring on the urge to sleep) combined with early
school start times, leads to consequences like increased risk of car accidents,
weight gain, and depression. More sleep is shown to improve academic
performance and result in an overall improved quality of life. Evidence was
presented from the American Academy of Pediatrics (http://tinyurl.com/k2g9d4a) and the
National Sleep Foundation (http://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/backgrounder-later-school-start-times).
He also stated that starting the school day at 8:30 a.m. is considered
appropriate and beneficial. Obstacles in other communities have included busing
(which Melrose does not do), resistance to change, and lack of public
education. Dr. Brincheiro indicated that a number of districts in the state
have shifted times successfully, (including Arlington, Needham, Hingham,
Marblehead, Sharon, Easton, and Marlborough) and that after-school activities
would be shifted later without consequence (i.e. competing teams could adapt to
new contest times). The Melrose Board of Health is expected to approve this
proposal today, at which time it would come to the district for consideration
including discussion with staff members. Dr. Brincheiro is advocating for the change
to be enacted this fall.
