School Start Time Study

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A National School District of Character

THE PENNSBURY SCHOOL START TIME STUDY

Rationale

The Pennsbury School District is committed to promoting the safety, academic achievement, and mental and physical health of our students. Over the past several years in particular, mounting scientific evidence reveals that chronic adolescent sleep loss has become a public health issue. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, and the National Sleep Foundation all recommend later school start times for adolescent students.

Purpose

In alignment with the Board-approved, 2020-2023 Pennsbury Comprehensive Plan that states we will “investigate changing school start times” in relation to Student Supports, the School District formed a committee of stakeholders to examine this topic. Members of the committee are listed below. School districts across the state, many of them located close by, are also examining the prospect of changing school start times in order to allow for a later schedule for high school students. As the Pennsbury committee continues its work, we encourage all District stakeholders to investigate the presentations and articles that are posted on this School Start Time Study website.

Progress

Before the COVID-19 school closure, two 90-minute meetings had taken place and more are scheduled. An update will be provided at the June 18, 2020 School Board Action Meeting, and a Community Forum is planned for Fall 2020. It is hoped that a final recommendation will be shared with the School Board by the end of 2020. To share feedback with the committee, use the email link posted to the right.

Members of the School Start Time Committee

School Board
Howard Goldberg

Gary Sanderson
Christine Toy-Dragoni

Debra Wachspress

Parents/Guardians
(NOTE: Titles were current during the 2019-2020 school year.)
Elizabeth Beckelman, PTO President, Afton Elementary School
Carolyn Fogel, PTO President, Pennwood Middle School
Sumana Kanubaddi, PTO Co-President, Quarry Hill Elementary School
Kathleen Kolanko, PTO Co-President, Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School
Joanie Layden, PTO President, Makefield Elementary School
Jane O’Neill, PTO President, Walt Disney Elementary School
Michelle Smith, PTO Co-President, Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School
Lauren Stout, PTO Co-President, Charles Boehm Middle School
Amy Waters, PTO President, Pennsbury High School

Community Partner
Charles Stough, CEO, KidsCare

District Employees
Dr. Elizabeth Aldridge, Director of Student Services
Christopher Becker, Principal, William Penn Middle School
Christopher Berdnik, Chief Financial Officer
Michelle Corbett, 1st Grade Teacher, Afton Elementary School
Michael Dumin, Director of Facilities
Richard Fry, Assistant Principal, PHS West
Dr. William Gretzula, Superintendent
Barbara Hidalgo, Principal, Penn Valley Elementary School
Colleen Jones, Kindergarten Teacher, Afton Elementary School
Vince Jones, Guidance Counselor, William Penn Middle School
Matthew Kolowajtis, Custodian, PHS East
Ann Langtry, Supervisor of Communication Strategies
Marla Lipkin, Secretary to the Principal, PHS East
Derek Majikas, Principal, Pennwood Middle School
Pamela Martino, 6th Grade Math & Language Arts Teacher, William Penn MS
Donna McCormick-Miller, Principal, Makefield Elementary School
Reggie Meadows, Principal, PHS East
Mary-Margaret Pannick, Supervisor of Assessment/Federal Programs
Bettie Ann Rarrick, Director of Human Resources
David Reimschussel, Music Teacher, PHS West
Dr. Theresa Ricci, Director of Secondary Education
David Schwind, Assistant Principal, Charles Boehm Middle School
Michele Spack, Director of Elementary Education
Greg Stoloski, Social Studies Teacher, PHS West
Lou Sudholz, Assistant Principal/ Athletic Coordinator, PHS West
Melanie Talbert, Paraprofessional, William Penn Middle School
Robert Talbert, Bus Driver, Transportation
Charles Williams, Director of Transportation

Ongoing Feedback

All Pennsbury community members are invited to share their feedback at
[email protected]

Pennsbury School District
134 Yardley Avenue, PO Box 338
Fallsington, PA 19058
Telephone: 215-428-4100

Mission Statement
Recognizing our proud traditions and diverse community,
the Pennsbury School District prepares all students to become creative,
ethical, and critical thinkers for lifelong success in a global society.

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