Sleep Study: No changes

Following months of study, input gathering and discussion, the Sleep Study Committee will not bring a recommendation to the Superintendent to change the schedule at Walla Walla High School. The proposal being studied was to move the current first period start time of 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. This proposal was based on scientific research teenagers need more sleep.

“The committee discovered more clearly during this process at least 50 percent of Walla Walla High School students already start their day at 8:30 a.m.,” said Committee Chair Ted Cohan. “Community levy support in Walla Walla allows the district to offer a seven period day at Wa-Hi which provides much more flexibility in scheduling classes.”

Nearly 1400 people completed the survey which asked what schedule was preferred. Approximately 70 percent wanted the schedule to remain the same. The primary concerns of changing the schedule centered on less time in the evening for homework, student employment schedule conflicts, extra-curricular activities disruptions and missed class time for those involved in activities.

“It was important to go through this extensive process to determine if this was the right fit for Walla Walla,” said Cohan. “The community prefers the current schedule and it will remain in effect going forward.”

Cohan also thanked the committee for its work on this issue and the community stakeholders for providing input to the district.