79% Of EHS Students Want School To Start Later

Although Eastside’s start time of 7:45 is already one of the latest in the District, it’s not enough for many Eastside students. According to a new survey, 79% of students at EHS want school to start later.

“I don’t think it’s healthy for students to not get the required amount of sleep because they have to get up and go to school before 8,” says Perla, an Eastside senior. When asked why students don’t just go to bed earlier, she explains, “Many students that have to go to work or play sports come home at eight or later most of the time. They have to do homework and end up sleeping around midnight or later.”

Eastside senior Alandra Bonilla agrees. “There's a lot of articles and research that have shown that schools that start later kids function better and do better academically,” she says. “If we can help students become better academically and help them function better, then I genuinely do agree to school starting later.”

“Teachers expect for students to have an amazing attitude in the mornings,” says Eastside senior Emely Mata. “Every student deserves more sleep because, for most teens, we have to work or have sports. It’s barely possible to get home and finish homework at an early time.”

But not all students are convinced a late start time is the answer. “School shouldn’t start later,” Eastside senior Kayla Fuentes says. “Yes, just like everyone else, I hate waking up early. But starting later means you’ll have to get out later, and people have things to do. You’re losing the day if school starts later. I’d rather school end early than start later.”