On January 5, the NFHS Start and End Time BOE Subcommittee resumed discussions regarding a healthier high school start time, which were tabled during the construction of the new high school. The Subcommittee discussed the possibility of shifting the high school start time to 8:00 a.m., beginning with the start of the 2024-25 school year. Public participation and parent perspectives shared at the meeting were greatly appreciated. There will be future opportunities to learn more about this study and provide input into the decision-making process. The next meeting of the BOE subcommittee is on March 2.
The health and learning benefits of a later start time are well documented. The current start time for New Fairfield High School is 7:15 a.m., which is the earliest start time in the region. There are logitical considerations, including but not limited to, transportation, traffic management, budget, and athletics that will need to be addressed throughout the review process.
Please note that the high school school start time change is the only start time change under consideration in this process. In the coming months, you may refer to the quick link at the top of the NFPS website to access any documents, presentations and meeting videos generated in conjunctiuon with this topic.