In a letter to the community, Acting Superintendent Megan E. Shafer expressed her gratitude to LMSD students, families and staff members who shared their feedback, thoughts, support and concerns regarding the proposed change in school start times that is being considered by the Lower Merion Board of School Directors for implementation in September 2023.

The change is being considered in light of research that shows later school start times better align with the circadian rhythms of adolescents and teens that make it more difficult for them to go to sleep and wake up early.

The proposal under consideration is shown below, with additional details in this infographic:

• The middle school day begins first, at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:50 p.m.
• The high school day begins second at 8:40 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
• The elementary school day begins last at 9:20 a.m. and ends at 4:05 p.m.

At the March 13, 2023, Education Committee/Supplementary Regular Board Meeting, Ms. Shafer shared an initial review of the stakeholder feedback data that had been collected from the community over the prior several weeks through in-person and virtual “Listen and Learn” sessions; a survey for students, parents/guardians and staff; emails to the dedicated sleep@lmsd.org email box; and in-person outreach.

To view that presentation, click here. The full meeting video will be posted here, once it can be processed and made accessible. LMSD's research partners are continuing their analyses of the survey and emails, to develop an even better understanding of the impact of the proposed change on specific constituencies, so that the District can continue work to mitigate challenges related to the proposed change.

The Board is expected to vote on the proposal at the Regular Business Board Meeting on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. You are invited to attend the meeting in person, or virtually via Zoom (Passcode: 143492) or livestream.