Take Action to Support SLEEP

Help Make Later Start Times A Reality!

ACTION ITEM:  Please stay engaged! We will need to continue to actively support the school board's work to reach its goal to start high schools after 8:00 a.m. to benefit the health, well-being, and performance of students. Plans call for FCPS transportation experts to continue to refine and improve Option 3 in the coming weeks. The board expects to review revisions in September with a vote expected on a final plan in October. This timeline allows plenty of lead time for Fairfax families and stakeholders to adapt personal schedules. 

TALKING POINTS TO SHARE:

72 of 95 counties in Virginia start high schools at 8 am or later! 

Results for students with later high school start times:
    • Fewer teen car crashes
    • Less depression and a decreased need for medications to treat depression
    • Decreased drop-out rates and improved attendance 
    • Fewer behavior problems or disciplinary referrals (interruptions to instruction)
    • High school students gain sleep - gains are commensurate with the shift in start times
    • Students are less likely to fall asleep in class or while doing homework and the school day better coincides with a time of day when students are awake and alert and prepared to learn
    • More sleep means better sports performance and fewer sports injuries
    • The return on investment is worthwhile: Brookings Institute economists report that improved performance is equivalent to two extra months in school

    Thank you so much for your support for later start times!

SLEEP in Fairfax
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