School Start &

Dismissal Times

Phase I--Task Force: February 2014-December 2014
Phase II--New Work: January 2015-December 2015
Phase III--Community Involvement: January 2016-February 2016
Phase IV--Board Requested Options: March 2016-Present
Option C

NOTE: This page describes one of the models presented in October 2014 by the AACPS School Start Times Task Force. To review Superintendent George Arlotto’s proposal to shift school start and dismissal times in the 2017-2018 school year, click here .

All schools shift 30 minutes later than current start times.

     

With this option, high school begins 30 minutes later than current start times, middle school begins 30 minutes later, and elementary school begins 30 minutes later.

 

Pros for Option C

Cons for Option C

 

Health

  • All students have the potential to gain 30 minutes more sleep per night.
  • High school start time is closer to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended start time to achieve improved adolescent health benefits.
  • Offers minimal gains in additional sleep time, decreasing likelihood of adolescents receiving adequate sleep.

After-School Activities & Sports

  • Minimal impact on athletic and extra-curricular schedules.
  • The late end of day for middle school participating in after-school activities could lead to students walking home from bus stops in the dark.
  • Community sports and activities organized by the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks will be delayed.

Before & After School Care

  • Minimal impact on extended high school Magnet Programs, Evening high school, and twilight school schedules.

 

  • Some elementary and middle schools will start and end late, impacting families’ capacity to supervise young children in the morning and potentially increasing child care expenses.

Transportation

  • Little to no impact on transportation routes.
  • Easiest to implement at the lowest relative cost.

 

  Estimated Annual Cost: $600,000

  Transportation: $600,000

How were these transportation costs determined?

This option will require 10 additional buses to transport students to  nonpublic   special education facilities who are currently transported by buses that also service traditional high schools. Because this option keeps the current  tiered structure  of high, middle, and elementary schools, most bus routes would remain the same.

  Staffing: $0

 

Click here to see all start time options.