Study Group History
SLEEP STUDY GROUP HISTORY
In 2004, the LWV of New Canaan invited members of the LWV of Wilton and the town’s school superintendent to a public forum in our town to describe their experience in delaying middle and high school start times.
Hearing about the positive experience that Wilton had, the study group began its own research into children’s sleep needs and school start times. Group members have examined scientific studies and literature on the subject, medical journals, and other districts making changes in start times. In addition, the group has interviewed experts in the field of sleep medicine and sponsored public forums with expert speakers.
After presenting the idea of surveying the school community to the Board of Education in the fall of ’05, the study group administered its survey about children’s sleep habits and opinions regarding school start times to students in grades 4,6,8,10, and 12, New Canaan public school parents, and professional staff in all NCPS schools in February of ‘06. Results of these surveys were released at a public presentation on April 5th, and were reported in the local newspapers.
Throughout this entire process, the study group has maintained contact with Dr. Abbey, the New Canaan Superintendent of Schools, informing him of our progress and updating him about different steps we were taking. We are grateful for his cooperation as we’ve investigated this issue. (This does not signify any commitment on the part of the superintendent or the Board of Education to consider or act upon our recommendations.)
On June 1st, after obtaining a unanimous vote from its membership, the League of Women Voters of New Canaan issued to the public its position statement on sleep and adolescent health, along with a supporting fact sheet and overview.
Later in June, the League released its final report with all of its research findings, and it plans to make a formal presentation to the Board of Education in early fall ‘06.
CHRONOLOGY OF ACTIVITIES
4/19/04 Dr. Clune, superintendent of Wilton Public Schools and two members of the Wilton LWV discussed their research and the process to implement a 40 minute change in school start times for their High School and Middle School.
9/20/04 Organizational meeting of Sleep Study Group in New Canaan
9/27/04 Louise Herot and Lisa Bogan from the Wilton School Start Time Group come address New Canaan Sleep Study Group.
11/15/04 Dr. O’Malley and Dr. Fine, of the Norwalk Hospital Center for Sleep Disorders present their findings at an open meeting of the NCLWV.