South Jersey school district pushes back start times ahead of new year
PLEASANTVILLE, N.J. (WPVI) -- Days before students return to class, the Pleasantville Public School District has announced a change to daily start times.
During a Tuesday night meeting, the school board approved new start times for the upcoming school year:
The change is designed to give high school students a later start, aligning with research that shows they'll do better in the classroom.
For incoming seventh grader Daelon Bowling, the extra time in the morning is a welcome change.
"I mean it's kind of better because I get more time to get ready, put my clothes on, take a shower and stuff," said Bowling, a 12-year-old student at Pleasantville Middle School.
Superintendent Dr. Marilyn Martinez said the district is launching a communication campaign to ensure families are informed before the new schedule takes effect next week.
"Using social media, letters to parents, robo calls, smoke signals if we need to," Martinez said.
Some parents expressed concern about how the new schedule might affect their routines.
"I think it's going to be for every parent, they're going to start late for their jobs. So I think it's going to be hard," said Nayeli Juarez of Pleasantville.
To help ease the transition, Martinez said elementary students can be dropped off as early as 8:30 a.m. for free breakfast. She added that the new schedule is designed to maximize instructional time between teachers and students.
As families await more details, including updated bus routes, many are taking a cautious approach.
"Some parents, it might hurt them. Some parents, it might help them. You won't know until it really happens," said Gregory James of Pleasantville.
Martinez also noted a logistical benefit: the new schedule creates a 30-minute gap between middle and high school start and end times. Since the two schools are located next to each other, the staggered timing is expected to reduce congestion during drop-off and pickup.
The first day of school is scheduled for September 4.
