Dear School Principal / School Board Members / Superintendent

We, the undersigned parents and community members, respectfully request that Valley Oaks consider delaying the current 7:20 AM start time to a later, healthier time. Our reasons are as follows:

1- Scientific research, including that by American Psychological Association & the National Library of Medicine, shows that very early school start times are not aligned with children’s health, development, or academic success. Forcing young children to begin their school day so early impacts sleep duration and overall well-being. Long-term insufficient sleep is linked to a range of physical and mental health issues. Later start times have been associated with improvements in attendance, reduced tardies and absences, and greater alertness during the school day.

2- The vast majority of our kids participate in SBMSA sports with other elementary schools kids in the area, and have games, practices and scrimmages that often start at 630 pm or later – making it impossible to get to bed in time to allow Valley Oaks students sufficient sleep.

3 – A very early start time and associated early dismissal is incredibly inconvenient for working parents. This creates daily stress for working families who must arrange childcare or time off to transport children or meet bus schedules.

4– Many Valley Oaks families are actively considering private school options or relocation due to the burden of the early start time and its impact on family schedules and work commitments. This is consistently a hot topic among many Valley Oaks families, and the frustration level is high.

We invest significant tax dollars into our schools and expect policies that support student & family well-being, extra-curricular life, and academic success.

What We Are Asking For

We request that the District conduct an evaluation of the current schedule and consider a feasible adjustment or a rotating schedule, similar to other large districts. We also seem to be the only school in the Memorial Villages with an earlier start time, where we often do sports and after school activities with kids from these same schools.

We understand there are bus schedules that must be taken into consideration for such a large district, but as equal taxpayers and community members, there is no reason why one elementary school should continue to get the short end of the stick on the schedule.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,

The undersigned parents