SHREWSBURY – After months of research, discussion, review and public input, the School Committee unanimously voted to change school start times for the 2023-2024 academic year.
On Jan. 25, the committee approved a modified version of one of the options before them. According to the plan, the high school day will span from 7:55 a.m. to 2:20 p.m., the middle school day from 8:35 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the elementary school day from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This option originally planned for the elementary school day to end at 3:40 p.m., but after feedback from elementary school parents, the plan was modified to let school out earlier.
In its recommendation to the Shrewsbury School Committee, the Sleep Health Advisory Committee noted several benefits of the modified this plan, including a “lengthened morning sleep opportunity” for high school students.
The plan also preserves the order of the current school dismissal, maintaining the basic schedule that has allowed high schoolers to provide childcare to younger siblings after school. In addition, the modified plan would streamline the bussing schedule without increasing district transportation costs.
The plan also preserves the order of the current school dismissal, maintaining the basic schedule that has allowed high schoolers to provide childcare to younger siblings after school. In addition, the modified plan would streamline the bussing schedule without increasing district transportation costs.
“Any decision we make is not going to be ideal; there’s not one universal answer,” School Committee member Sandra Fryc noted. “[But the change] clearly aligns with our strategic priority of enhanced well-being for all.”
“Any decision we make is not going to be ideal; there’s not one universal answer,” School Committee member Sandra Fryc noted. “[But the change] clearly aligns with our strategic priority of enhanced well-being for all.”
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