More Study Planned On School Start Times

Yet another task force meeting is slated for consideration of changes to the start times for Jackson Hole High School and associated adjustments to the starting times of other district schools.  Superintendent Pam Shea says more data is being sought regarding state required class-time hours and input from the community.  The board will also look at the practice times for the extracurricular activities and the activities of community youth groups for how it would impact when those activities would have to begin and end.  Shea says additionally, they will be collecting data on tardiness and absences during first period and survey students and faculty in regards to concerns about sleep or sleepiness. Shea says school districts around Jackson Hole use a variety of schedules – some start later.  She says Jackson has one of the earliest schedules.  She adds that some have “zero hour” classes available prior to the regular school day which the district is considering as well.  Shea explains that there is no trend or pattern, but the schedules are purely based on what the school districts want to have in place.