WTVY - HomePage - Headlines

School Doze: Rethinking School Schedules

By: Kassi Shelley Email

When the morning bell rings, students usually have to be in their desks and ready to go sometime before 8 am.

"There are issues and we have considered starting school later."

Pitchford says there's just something about the start time of the school day that just doesn't work anymore.

"It would give students a little more time to get there in the morning and maybe they would be a little more alert. It could possibly improve academics that first period."

The public school system was set up when most women didn't work outside the home.
But now, many do, which leaves a lot of kids with "latchkey" hours.

"Two decades ago you had stay-at-home moms and dads who worked a set nine to five, that has changed dramatically. So regardless of what hours the school is open there is going to be children who have parents who work an evening shift or a longer shift. There is just not really a fix all and that's why it's just so important to be a proactive parent making sure that you are making the arrangements to either provide that care personally or ensure that there is proper supervision in place."

Also, soon the time will change which leaves many kids in the dark on the way to school, which could pose safety issues.

"Safety is a number one concern for us. If you look at the current times then you have with the time change an earlier, darker walk to school. The best bet is to just make a safety speech a part of your everyday talking with your children."

Pitchford says starting the school day even just a few minutes later could improve attendance and help students to be more alert.

powered by Disqus

What's on Tonight

7:00pm NCIS
8:00pm NCIS:Los Angeles
9:00pm Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
10:00pm WTVY News 4 at Ten
7:00pm Bones
8:00pm Bones
9:00pm Law & Order: SVU
10:00pm Family Guy
7:00pm The iHeartRADIO Album Release Party with Katy Perry
8:00pm The iHeartRadio Album Release Party with Lady Gaga
9:30pm Primetime News at 9
9:30pm Seinfeld
10:00pm Community
7:00pm The Biggest Loser 15: Second Chances
8:00pm The Voice
9:00pm Chicago Fire
10:00pm OK!TV
4Warn Desktop Alert-Download it Now!

Your Opinion

Have you gotten a flu shot?

No, but plan to
No, and probably won't
Not sure
Send View

Follow WTVY

Ipad App
Droid App
Text Alerts
RSS Feeds

Wiregrass Photobook

Upload your images, or browse our other albums.
In Partnership with AL.com
User Agent: CCBot/2.0 - 170099936