Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, hosted the first community forum of the 2016-17 academic year September 28, with a goal of hearing input from attendees on school start times and sleep.

"Every community has some unique attributes as to whether this is something that should be pursued or if this is something that should not be pursued," said Dr Erardi.

The superintendent explained that the Board of Education plans to finish its discussion of enrollment and facility use, and once that decision is finalized it will begin to look at school start times.

"The conversation concerning enrollment hopefully comes to a close in November, and this will launch [the start time] conversation," Dr Erardi said Wednesday evening. "The Board of Education... they are looking to gather information with a report back from administration by the close of this school year. There are no parameters that are in place at this point. What will take place is at some point the board will direct the administration and superintendent and give ... us a sense of what they are looking for and a timeline in which to respond back."

Members of the school board were present to hear community input during the hourlong community conversation.

"The board really is interested this evening on hearing your thoughts," said the superintendent.

Dr Erardi also announced Jennifer Kanaan, who he said is a renowned sleep doctor who just moved from Newtown, will be working with the University of Connecticut with the support of John Dempsey Hospital and community volunteers to conduct a study by speaking with students about sleep patterns for optimal performance in school.

"They are going to be offering to this community the opportunity to be better educated around sleep," said Dr Erardi.

Most of the evening's conversation centered around school start times for high school students. Some parents voiced concern about switching elementary school start times to be as early as the current high school start time.

The school day at Newtown High School and Newtown Middle School runs from 7:20 am to 2:02 pm, from 8:05 am to 2:49 pm at Reed Intermediate School, and from 9:05 am until 3:37 pm at Newtown's four elementary schools. Transportation runs are also provided for St Rose of Lima School, Fraser Woods Montessori School, and Housatonic Valley Waldorf School.

A number of speakers shared research they had gathered on the effect of early start times on students. One woman said it is "disgraceful" school starts so early, and referenced the town of Wilton's decision to change its school start times.

Years ago Wilton decided to changes its school day start times, to later than what it had previously been.

Another speaker said changing the school start time would set students up for greater success. A few people referenced circadian rhythm as a reason to change school start times. And others mentioned a lack of sleep can have other impacts, like depression.

One speaker said with students most effected by the tragedy on 12/14 reaching high school age in a few years, the district should try to avoid sleep deprivation for students and its possible consequences.

Others brought up different factors. One man mentioned the impact having high school students attend school later would have on teen driving accidents, saying there was a decrease in one case he read about. Another speaker shared concern about students using technology later at night to complete homework and its effect on sleep.

"Show these students that we value the health and wellness that we teach them," said Geraldine Jackman.

Parents also spoke about the "yelling" in the early hours by their older children, and one speaker said changing the start time would foster more peace and harmony.

One parent said her elementary student arrives home after 4 pm. An earlier release time would allow him more time to play during his day, she added.

"I'm a senior here at Newtown High School," said Cooper Roe, the one student to speak at the event, "and I'm actually quite fond of our release time, not so much our start time."

Cooper said the release time allows him to work after school, with time to finish homework, see friends, and pursue other hobbies or pleasures he may not be able to explore while in school.

The board members present thanked everyone for attending the community forum.

"Please stay involved and we will do our best," said board member Andrew Clure.

Board member John Vouros said the Board of Education's Curriculum and Instruction committee has been looking into the topic for the last year and has reached out to the town of Wilton for input.

"Thank you for your honesty," said Mr Vouros to the community members. "We're here for the children."

The next community forum is scheduled for October 26.