When Do You Think School Should Start?

Montgomery County Bell timesMontgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is gathering feedback on recommended changes to school starting and ending times, also known as Bell Times. Superintendent Joshua Starr has recommended that high schools start 50 minutes later; middle schools start 10 minutes earlier; and that the elementary school day be extended by 30 minutes. None of these changes would occur until the 2015-2016 school year, at the earliest. There are several ways you can share your thoughts on the recommendations, including community meetings.

While I initially thought that the altered school times would be a good idea (my teenagers have always been teenagers in terms of rising times), my kids think it’s a bad idea. They don’t like the idea of getting out of school at such a late hour, particularly with regard to sports. “Mom- we won’t get back home from practice until 7:30!”.  Who knew?

The next community meeting will be held Monday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville. Childcare for ages 4 and up and interpretation will be provided. For more information, visit the MCPS website.