Wayzata Elementary School Start Times

It's too bad we are pitting high school parents against elementary school parents with the options that have been presented. I'm sure parents of any age student would like to see all start times at 8am or later. It seems that this is all about busing. From what we have heard, there is no solution to the busing problem other than spending millions of extra dollars. Hopefully, there is more work that can be done to find another solution to this issue.

While I do agree that the high school start time needs to change, I was very disappointed to see the options presented. Both plans are completely unacceptable. They introduce significant and numerous new problems for elementary / middle school children and their families - many of which have already been outlined on this petition ranging from health and safety issues, learning concerns, logistical issues for parents and family time concerns. It seems that both plans were made to accommodate status-quo bussing. As a growing and prosperous district, we need to address this issue if we want to come up with a plan that is reasonable for ALL children. Sacrificing the sleep time of one group for another is simply not acceptable. Simply flipping start times for different groups is not acceptable.

Is it possible that the district is trying to gain support to raise taxes for additional transportation? Are we so outraged with this proposal that we will vote for higher property taxes? Some districts that have later start times added buses to accommodate all students. More money - more buses. Follow the money - not the "concern" for the teens welfare

If a kid cant get up for HS School, how will he be able to get up for college and a job?

Younger kids deserve more sleep

I completely disagree with the high school late start time at the expense of our youngest learners. What about our young children’s sleep? Don’t they count? Earlier start times for young kids mean earlier bed times and less family time. My 5 year old would have to go to bed at 6:40pm with that early of a start, which means her dad would have 20 minutes a day with her as he gets home at 6:20pm. Greenwood and Oakwood already start way too early. Please add buses so Greenwood and Oakwood kids won’t have to be at the bus stop in the dark. At the very least keep the Status Quo. And the Hybird Scenario does not work either. Having the Middle School start at 7:35 and Elementary Schools at 9:10 leaves a 1 hr 35 min gap in between start and end times that does not work well for families of kids that are close in age. Please don’t punish the middle school children with an early start so the high school kids can sleep in.

Ok so why little kids should suffer ? This also impacts parents who work part time because child would be home early . Really really bad idea .

This seems like a crazy plan. I can't imagine waking my 5 year old up that early to go to school!

It would be an ironic and sad situation if one of the most valued and highly sought school districts in the state became the one to avoid because of a ridiculous 3-tier bus scheduling that negatively impacts family schedules so much. Let's consider these first three proposals a first draft and seek one or more smarter revisions that makes more sense for all of our learners. There's no need to disregard the sleep needs of teens, but let's do so in a way that makes actual sense, not just theoretical.

We continue to have higher and more expectations on our little ones. We expect more academically, socially and emotionally from our children yet we continue to take away the “basics” they need to achieve this. The school lunches are basically processed, heated up, garbage that with such a short lunch period, they can’t finish eating anyway. We have shortened recess and taken away gym on most days. We now are going to take away their ability to get the much needed, proper amount of sleep. The number of grade school children struggling with anxiety, depression and ADHD is at an all-time high and we wonder why!

Greenwood and Oakwood already start too early. I will not wake my kids up any earlier than 6 during the week (which is already too early). As it is the bus comes at 7. This would mean a pick-up at 6:45. Please add buses to get these kids on a better schedule. Consider putting Greenwood and Oakwoos on the same schedule as other schools. At a minimum, keep the status quo.

The current start time for our elementary school is certainly later than I would prefer. I have been hoping it will be moved earlier since my children started grade school. That said, I would hope there's a way to make 8:00 or 8:30 work. 7:20 is too early. Thank you for your consideration.

I am strongly against the district's plan B proposal of starting all elementary schools at 7:30. I think the current 9:10 start time is perfect for elementary kids and it should not be changed, at least not be pushed any earlier than 8:30. The younger kids need more sleep (10-11 hours of sleep) than the older kids, and their natural wake up time is between 7 and 8. They will have a hard time in school if they are forced to wake up at 6, they will not perform well and not be happy. It is also not good for their health and growth. They will be waiting for the bus in the dark in snowy and bitterly cold winter days and it will be a cruel and dangerous situation for these little kids. Also school dismissal at 2:10 is immensely problematic for families with two working parents. They have to pay for significant extra $ for after school care, and quality family time is taken away since they have to go to bed between 7 to 8. Please do not compromise the health and well-being of our younger kids as they build the foundation for future success.

Earlier start for elementary school students is not okay for many reasons - both academic & practical.

Please figure out a way to add buses so that none of the schools need to start before 8 a.m.

I am in favor of the Status Quo scenario and against the Research-aligned Scenario. Further, Greenwood and Oakwood Elementary schools should be aligned with the other, later, elementary school start times. Thank you.

Please add more buses!

I am strongly opposed to my elementary school boys having a bus pick-up and school start before 8am. My reasons are as follows: 1)They are currently involved in sports most every night that prevent them from getting to bed before 9 or 9:30pm. I am having to wake them at 7:30am as it is to give them an hour to eat a healthy breakfast, get ready for school and complete or review homework. 2) I am also concerned with young children waiting at a bus stop in the dark most of the school year and feel that this is risking their safety and increasing liability for the school district. 3) Additionally, from a work perspective, my husband works full-time and I work part-time. Currently, the school schedule allows us to work our jobs and get our children on and off the bus, something that is of great value to us. With the proposed early start, it would make it difficult for me to complete my work and be home by 2:30pm, resulting in after school care costs and less time with them. 4)Lastly, after reading and analyzing the school board's "research" provided, it appears to be lacking in sample size and study controls. It is also not a peer reviewed study; thus credibility is in question. It cannot be considered science or fact based on the aforementioned. In conclusion, I am strongly in opposition to early start for the elementary school students!

Figure out a way to add buses please!

I strongly believe the high school kids need a later start time, I also believe elementary kids should start at reasonable time also.