As a member of the Whitnall High School Class of 2012, I often hear the phrases "everything good happens after we leave" or "we're the last to get everything." Whether its seniors that can not experience the new sports fields Whitnall High is creating, or that our class is that last one to receive WKCE testing, it seems as though students have something to disagree with. However, there is one change that Whitnall High is undergoing that not many people are happy about, and as for my class of 2012, some say they are not sad they are missing it. This change is the start times for Whitnall next year.
As stated on the Whitnall High School website, the starting time will be 30 minutes later than it is now (7:45) and a one hour late start every second and forth Wednesday of the month. The middle school will have the same change; however, the elementary schools will have the same start time all year. The second and fourth Wednesday of the month, they will have an early release. The sole purpose of having these changes is to improve academic achievement at along with being "up to par" with other schools such as Nathan Hale and Greenfield, who have late starts as well.
Studies are shown that late starts do better the ability of the student academically. Also, there are studies that disagree with their findings. Personally, I believe that with time, Whitnall High will adapt to this change, and, in fact, improve significantly. However, I am concerned with the adapting process of the families in the district since I know that this change will probably not have a smooth-sailing start. Nevertheless I have high hopes that Whitnall High will not regret this decision and that over time, everyone will be pleased with the collaborative release.
Editor's note: As part of a partnership with Whitnall High School, Greenfield Patch will be posting blogs and announcements written by WHS students through the end of the school year. All blogs and announcements have been approved by the student's teacher
