Embedded Files
The District has been formally engaged in the topic of student sleep health and school start times since 2015, when the LMSD Interschool Council produced findings from their study of sleep and later start times for high schoolers. Through All Forward, the District's strategic plan, the topic was designated for further in-depth exploration of the issues and feasibility of adjusting start times in response to best practice recommendations from the health community.
An advisory group worked with a professional facilitator from TregoEd to develop a recommended school schedule, which was presented to the Board of School Directors on October 24, 2019. Input on the recommendations throughout the Fall and Winter of 2019-202, and the Board of School Directors is expected to take action in Spring 2020.
Teams
Teams
From January 2017 through March 2019, the Adolescent Sleep and School Start Times Research and Development ("R & D") Workgroup was responsible for gathering research, logistical information, and other data to inform decisions about new school schedules for Lower Merion School District. This group was led by Dr. Kristina Ayers Paul, Special Assistant for Research and Program Evaluation, and included eleven other district and building administrators. This website is a product of their work, and four presentations were delivered to the Board of School Directors from October 2017 through March 2019. The slides and handouts from these presentations can be viewed here.
The All Forward Focus Exploration Team for Sleep and Start Times is responsible for organizing a rigorous, balanced, and transparent process to move this issue forward. The team is co-chaired by Veronica Ellers (Principal of Gladwyne Elementary School) and Kristina Ayers Paul (Special Assistant for Research and Program Evaluation) in collaboration with Amy Buckman (Director of School and Community Relations). Five additional district and school administrators are part of this process-focused team. This team convened for the first time in Winter 2018-2019.
The Sleep Health and School Schedules Advisory Committee (SHSSAC) is a group of 18 representative stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, local business owners, district/school administrators, and community members with expertise in public health and sleep. The group is guided by Patricia Schwarber and Kathy Blackburn, experienced facilitators from TregoEd, an organization that helps school districts make challenging, evidence-based decisions. A recommendation was presented to the Board of School Directors in October 2019.
Visit the LMSD Sleep and Start Times website for ongoing updates from the District.
Visit the LMSD Sleep and Start Times website for ongoing updates from the District.
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