The adjusted start time has shown to be problematic for some students
When it comes to getting to school in the morning we all get here in a different way: whether we drive, walk, bike or get a ride, we all have a way to get to school. School usually starts at 8:30, and I have started to notice that some “bus students” are coming in late.
To most this may not be a big deal: so what? Its only 5-10 minutes of class. What most don't realize on average are classes at BHS run for around 50 minutes. That’s a long time, but let’s say a student walks in 10 minutes late to class because of the bus. The equates to ⅕ of class, or 20%! The class that takes the largest hit is the period A class because it falls during the first period block in five of the seven scheduled days.
The biggest issue is that buses are arriving to school late every single day. It’s extremely common to hear the office in the morning say “Teachers, please hold your attendance, there are buses still arriving.” Students everyday are missing a big chunk of their class time.
The good news is that we are making efforts in the right direction with the new tardy policies. But I’ve noticed another issue with start time: it’s now students who are coming in late almost everyday even though they don't take the bus. However, there are some steps that we, the students, can take. Perhaps carpooling with parents or upperclassmen, or getting up a little earlier to walk and bike.
I know this is not a viable solution for all: in my opinion, there should be a better system with the buses. Maybe the buses could leave just 10 or 20 minutes earlier when they begin with the elementary schools. Maybe we push school start time 10 or 20 minutes later. But no matter what we decide to do, our education is at risk and we need to take some more measures if we want to maximize it.
EDITOR’S NOTE
As a senior at BHS and a drive myself, I would like to express my opinion on this matter as well. I often drive people to and from school to not only save gas money, but also time. And yet, all too often I see a crowded parking lot, and oftentime I see parents in the student parking lot.
Now, I understand that parents are dropping off their children, but there should be a separation between the teen driving and parent driving areas. Significant time and frustration can be saved if we can clearly establish Upland Way entering into the parking lot as a student-only zone during school hours, and keep the front entrance as the dropoff zone. Students have already adjusted to the early start time, but we should not also have to adjust for parents driving inside the parking lot and eating up space and spots.
Of course, arriving to school at 8:35 is not excusable besides the late buses, but we should be willing to meet in the middle rather than put everything on students taking on clubs, athletics and AP classes.
Comments