Showing posts sorted by date for query start times. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query start times. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Monday, May 27, 2024

Fare Ambassadors Check For Fares

Fare Ambassadors wear blue-clad jackets and yellow hats

Fare Ambassadors will only check for fares on platforms on the 1 Line during the summer of 2024.  (But, payment of fares is still expected on 2 Line.)  

Sound Transit expects to expand fare paid zone inspections to 2 Line stations as more riders begin using the system. One-way adult fares range from $2.25 - $3.50.  (see Fare charges.)  

Fare Ambassadors systematically review paid passenger fares. In pairs, they start at opposite ends of light rail vehicles and announce their presence before checking for paid fares. Have your proof of paid fare ready, and feel free to ask any questions. They will also inspect while waiting next to the tracks.  

Source:  Sound Transit ; Seattle Times (5/28)

Saturday, May 18, 2024

UPDATED:, 6/6-2024 - Regan Dunn Condemns Homelessness Approach, Population Surges Past 16k

 

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn issued the following statement Wednesday after the King County Regional Homelessness Authority issued its 2024 Point-in-Time count of the number of people experiencing homelessness in King County, which tallied 16,385 people:


“King County’s homeless population has surged nearly 50% since the King County Regional Homelessness Authority was first formed five years ago and a shocking 23% since 2022, despite the millions of dollars spent. Leaders need to face the fact that the KCRHA’s current approach doesn’t work. Lives depend on leadership’s ability to change course.”


-- CONTACTDaniel DeMay, 206-265-9197


###


"To qualify for a Bellevue Plymouth Crossing studio potential residents must  come through the King County Regional Homelessness Authority’s Coordinated Entry process, which determines who is prioritized for permanent supportive housing."


Update:  Presently, the Redmond Silver Cloud permanent housing hotel  is only used for emergencies until kitchenettes are installed. 35% of chronic homeless individuals go through a King County Coordinated Entry.  65% will be locally placed through Coordinated Entry by Tisza Rutherford as well (from Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue referrals.) "The hotel has a capacity of 184 units and will house 100 after renovation is completed in 2025. Those in need of permanent housing are sent elsewhere."  So far, there are 10 referrals and the facility is currently unoccupied.  Tisza is doing a fantastic job finding homes and shelters for Eastside residents.  

 -- Source:  Tisza Rutherford, Redmond Homeless Outreach Coordinator, 425-553-7093 (mobile.)  6/5/2024

Redmond Councilmember Melissa Stuart said earlier this week that until KCHRA gets a new CEO and reorganizes, the Silver Cloud housing hotel could start moving forward.  On 6/5/2024 they hired hired Kelley Kinnison

-- posted by Yoder, 6/6.   

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Notes and Observations Of Light Rail Line 2

Redmond Technology Station Train / credit "Experience Redmond"

The April 27 ribbon-cutting for opening Light Rail "Line 2" was an historic day in Redmond.  The ceremony took place at Redmond Technology Station. Misty, 50-degree temps didn't stop the rush of thousands eager to experience their first ride on the Eastside.  My wife Pam and I had a terrific time!

The 6-mile, 17-minute trip from Redmond to south Bellevue had eight fun-filled station stops.  By far, the Overlake Village Station had the most exhibits, entertainment and food choices.  Unfortunately, we didn't have time to fully immerse, but I do have a few notes and observations to share:   

Friday, October 14, 2022

"Start Times" Under Review at Schools, LWSD Asks for Input


Research and recent history has proven Middle and High Schoolers learn better when start times are no earlier than 8 a.m. Mental health improves, as well. Universal time would really help?

The LWSD ThoughtExchange is an opportunity to share your ideas and feedback with the "Start Times" Committee.  Click here to join the exchange: https://tejoin.com/scroll/312692262  The Exchange closes October 26th at Noon.

The Start Times Committee will make a proposal to the superintendent for all high schools to start no earlier than 8:00 a.m. The committee will also recommend an earlier start and end time for preschool. No changes would happen before the start of the 2022-23 school year. The committee meets seven times between September and January. The committee includes parents and staff from across different high school feeder areas.

In November and December, the committee will ask for input from parents, staff and students on specific options.

What potential impacts of a change in school start times do you want to share with the committee to consider in this process?  The webpage is very well presented.

-- LWSD article and opinion by Bob Yoder, 10/14/2022

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

UPDATED 4/25/2024: EvergreenHealth Commissioners Hold Open Public Meetings

EvergreenHealth Public Hospital District No. 2


"By enabling the public to observe the workings of government, Open Government helps them hold the government accountable. In addition, enhanced public participation can result in more informed and better government policies, practices and decisions, and in more responsive, innovative and effective governance and services."

EvergreenHealth's Board of Commissioners meet publicly two times each month in Tan 250 (Community Meeting Room Chambers) of the "Physicians and Surgeons Building." 
  • The third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm the commissioners start their Business Meeting. Public comment is taken at 6:30 pm in the Community Meeting Room Chambers. (suggest you call 425-899-1000 to confirm the meeting time; times may change.)
  • Educational Sessions are held the first Friday of every month in Tan Room 250, Community Meeting Room Chambers.  When the Agenda has an "Action" item, there's an opportunity for Public comment.  
  • Budget Hearing:  Budget Hearings are held once a year, the first Friday of  November at 7 a.m. in the Tan 250 Community Meeting Room Chamber   Notice is give in the Seattle Times newspaper 2-weels before the Hearing. 
  • The Study Session was eliminated in 2021.  

Chamber Location Go down the narrow, winding hallway (hung with awesome history photos) of Tan 250 "Public Meeting" Room located in the  Physicians & Surgeon Building.  


Photography and video-recording are forbidden in Board chambers unless the Board makes an exception.  Several of seven commissioners are appointed, not elected.  


-- Bob Yoder, Updated 4/25/2024

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Leah Choi Leading Cassandra Sage In LWSD School Board Race

 

Leah Choi (53.99%) leading Casandra Sage (45.45%) as of 8:15 p.m. 11/2.
 
Education: B.S. Chemistry/Molecular Biology, University of Denver; Ph.D. Candidate Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego

Occupation: Parent; Financial Planner, Nordstrom
Statement:

In a rapidly changing world, students deserve a public education that will adapt and prepare them for success. This requires leaders who are committed to doing the work and driving educational progress.

Our schools must lead in educating students and communities on the critical issue of Earth’s climate. We are living with the consequences of human driven climate change, and we need to better prepare future generations for the challenge it poses.

I support the work to provide technical training for students who may choose non-traditional secondary education and will work to enhance and grow these opportunities, because not everyone learns the same way and there are many paths to success.

Finally, we need to consider implementing science-based recommendations like changing our school start times. Overwhelming evidence supports delaying school start times for adolescents. It’s time that we join the thousands of schools nationwide that have made this change and are reaping the benefits. My diverse background in education, science and business gives me a unique perspective to work collaboratively and achieve goals. It would be an honor to work for our community and I am grateful for your vote. Endorsed by: NWPC-WA and Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion.


-- 2021 King County Voters Pamphlet

Monday, February 22, 2021

Second Through Fifth Grades Transition To In-Person Or Continued Remote Learning

 February 22, 2021

Lake Washington School District jointly with Lake Washington Education Association are excited to release pertinent details for the second through fifth grades elementary learning model transition to in-person or continued remote learning services. 

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

King County Council Approves $100M In Response to COVID-19

COVID-19 

Response Prompts Nearly $100M in Additional Emergency Funding

The King County Council has approved a fourth round of emergency funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Totaling nearly $100 million, the Fourth Emergency COVID Omnibus budget was passed unanimously Tuesday afternoon and provides funding for a variety of needed services and programs. The vast majority of funding is to continue to bolster Public Health’s response to the pandemic, to support and continue to expand testing, and to maintain the isolation and de-intensification sites throughout the County. The funding package:

  • Continues to fund isolation/quarantine and recovery centers through the end of the year: $12.6 million.
  • Funds the public health response through the end of the year: $29 million.
  • Continues to fund hotel vouchers for the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness through the end of the year: $2.5 million.
  • Provides funding for an outreach and compliance initiative to help restaurants, bars and taverns increase compliance with the Governor’s safe start orders: $2.7 million.
  • Provides funding to support arts, culture, and science organizations: $2.5 million. ($2M to 4Culture and additional $500K to arts, culture or science organizations that have been adversely affected by closures, cancellations and loss of work).
  • Provides funding for emergency child care: $4.3 million.
  • Provides rental assistance for local businesses that are responding to Covid-19. $1.5 million.
  • Provides expanded flu vaccination in communities disproportionately impacted by Covid. $650,000.

Thursday, July 23, 2020

LWSD Return To School Update - Fully Remote Teaching

Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent 

Dear Lake Washington Staff, Families, and Community,

Over the last week I have been actively engaged with a number of entities as we evaluate our plans for school in the fall. As you know, we have been actively working through the details of developing remote learning and a hybrid model. We also asked families to indicate their preference for which model their child would learn in to start the year. I know the amount of time and considerations each family has gone through to evaluate which model is best for their child given the amount of information provided and questions that, at times, we were not able to answer.

Today, I am announcing that Lake Washington students will be starting the 2020-21 school year learning in a fully remote setting.

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

School Start Time Advisory Findings And Recommendations

"The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to give students the opportunity to get the amount of sleep they need, but most American adolescents start school too early." 

The Advisory shared 3 recommendations for the district to consider in planning for any potential future changes in school start times:
  1. Recommend that the district consider the range of Preschool programs and Elementary school start times to begin no later than 9:00 a.m.
  2. Recommend that the district consider the range of middle school start and end times to remain similar to the 2018-19 ranges. (after 8 AM) 
  3. Recommend that the district consider the range of High School start times to begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. My wife suggested using Microsoft Connector buses.
The big hang-up for our district is geography. The LW High School principal gives their students Orca passes.  My wife recommended Microsoft Connector buses.  
Next Steps:
The Superintendent will examine the recommendations to determine next steps and feasibility for any changes. Any revisions to the existing schedule would not take effect until the start of the 2020-21 school year.

Additional materials, including survey data results, verbatim survey comment themes, and student listening session themes can be found at the Start Time Advisory webpage

Sunday, May 5, 2019

School district considers new start times


The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to give students the opportunity to get the amount of sleep they need, but most American adolescents start school too early.

This video was made last year when school start times changed. when a seven-period day was implemented for high school students. This change took effect starting on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 4, 2018. 
A School Start Time Advisory is meeting this year to study the impacts of potentially changing high school start times to later in future years. The Advisory includes staff and parents from elementary, middle and high school levels. They will make a recommendation for any potential further changes to school start and end times. Further changes in the 2019-2020 school year may or not occur, depending on their recommendation. There is still ample opportunity for families to provide input throughout the process. Any changes to the high school start and end times result in adjustments to middle and elementary start and end times due to transportation.

-- LWSD website

   edited excerpt

Thursday, May 3, 2018

UPDATED: Our School Board selected an outstanding search firm for superintendent

 James Hager is seated left of Tony Apostle
OPINION:  Yesterday, seven of us (six parents and one community member) met with high level but down to earth search firm executives, James Hager, PhD and Dr. Tony Apostle. We gave them feedback on what we wanted in a new superintendent.  I was surprised so few showed up, however they are taking notes at over 15 other focus groups. 

I can't thank the school board enough for hiring this R&A firm to advise them.  Jim was a superintendent in four school districts and Tony got his bachelor's at University of Washington and PhD in education at Washington State.  He was an English teacher, principal and Superintendent in Pierce county and has been an executive at R&A for years.  In so many words Jim said there's no need for an overhaul.

R&A is open to traditional and non-traditional applicants.  LWSD is becoming a very diverse, global community and I commented our board should consider candidates from that perspective.  The first question Jim and Tony asked was what we liked about LWSD.  The parents in our group really liked how the district and community cared about our students.  They valued our strong PTSA.  An Asian parent stressed keeping the bar high and adjusting it according to the capabilities of the student.  We all talked about the overriding educational influence of technology in our district, STEM in particular.  I suggested more emphasis on art and music and Tony quipped, yes, STEMA.  I also asked for a superintendent who encourages innovation and community participation.  We worried  about young teachers long commutes from more affordable cities like Maple Valley and even Everett with concerns they would leave our district. Apparently, about 50% have to commute but they do because we have a top school district.  If we continue to allow overcrowding many good teachers may get dissatisfied and find work in districts closer to home.  Early start times make it hard on commuting teachers [and students] too.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Construction Continues on Eight Projects Funded by the 2016 Bond


LWSD is Building on Success
 
Although the February 2018 bond did not pass, construction continues for the eight projects funded by the April 2016 bond. Below are the updates on all of our projects.

Updates on projects
Clara Barton Elementary School - New Elementary School (North Redmond)
Progress is being made on the New Elementary School in North Redmond. The project is now into its eighth month of construction. Everything is “under roof,” meaning that the roof is now on and the interior is protected from the weather. Drywall work is progressing inside the building. Windows are being installed. Much of the construction focus has shifted to the interior of the building as electrical, plumbing and mechanical components are assembled and anchored to the structure. Many of the mechanical systems for heating and ventilation have already been installed. While weather has been an issue (there has been over 36” of rain at the site since September), the project is on schedule.

The school has chosen its name. Art the March 5 School Board Meeting, the Board unanimously approved the name Clara Barton Elementary SchoolRead more about the school name and process used to select the name.

Clara Barton is best known for her humanitarian work. However, she began as a female teacher that fought for women to have equal rights to men in the workplace. She then joined the Civil War effort to provide care to soldiers through organizing methods of getting desperately needed supplies to soldiers on the front lines. She traveled from battle to battle, becoming known as the “Angel of the Battlefield.” In 1869, she went to Switzerland, where she worked to get the U.S. Congress to agree to the Geneva Convention. This agreement resulted in the formation of the Red Cross, and it asked nations to agree to protect medical personnel on the battlefield. The resulting American Red Cross provides relief for victims of epidemics and natural disasters. Her work helping people in times of war and times of peace made her an eternal symbol of humanitarianism.
Clara Barton Elementary will focus on developing social-emotional and leadership skills in children through a school-wide approach to providing instruction and growth of the inter-disciplinary skills and attributes of the LWSD Student Profile. Barton Elementary will incorporate a service-learning project at each grade level to apply these skills in a project that serves our local or global community.
Aerial photo by Tim Rice Photography.
 

Ella Baker Elementary School - New Elementary School (Redmond Ridge East)
Progress is also being made on the New Elementary School in Redmond Ridge East. The project is in its eighth month of construction. The project has completed all underground infrastructure as well as the structural support of the building. Everything is “under roof” at that site, meaning that the new roof is now on and the interior is protected from the weather. Construction crews are working to make the building more weather-proof and exterior walls are still being placed. This project is also on schedule.

The school has chosen its name. Art the March 5 School Board Meeting, the Board unanimously approved the name Ella Baker Elementary SchoolRead more about the school name and process used to select the name.

Ella Baker was a hero of the Civil Rights Freedom Movement who inspired and guided emerging leaders such as Rosa Parks. She played a key role in some of the most influential organizations of all time, including the NAACP, Martin Luther King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. She believed in grassroots movement and she believed change happened by unlocking the power of every person. Her influence was reflected in her nickname "Fundi," a Swahili word meaning a person who teaches a craft to the next generation. She reached out to the young to help them find their voices and become their own advocates. She was a well-respected and influential leader in the fight for human and civil rights. She is ranked as one of the most important African-American leaders and perhaps the most influential woman in the Civil Rights Movement. She dedicated her life to service, which is a cornerstone of our school; allowing students to see a need in our society and empowering them to make a difference.

Ella Baker Elementary will be an inclusive and nurturing environment that will develop students as global citizens through service-learning. Social-emotional learning, integrated with content knowledge, will encourage creative and critical problem solvers. Students at Baker Elementary will develop their character; empathy, grit, self-control, integrity, optimism and gratitude. They will learn to embrace diversity through enriching and integrated curriculum. Through service-learning projects and leadership opportunities, students will learn about themselves and how they can impact their school, their community and their world.
           
Aerial photo by Tim Rice Photography.
 

New Middle School - Redmond Ridge
The New Middle School in Redmond Ridge project is also underway. Some exterior and interior structural walls have started being built. Steel construction of framework is complete. The last steel beam was placed at the site onDecember 28You can watch the topping out video on YouTube.            
 
"READ MORE" FOR THE OTHER SIX PROJECTS

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Lake Washington School District evaluating course schedules and later start times



Weeks ago, Matt Manobianco, a Lake Washington School District superintendent e-mailed his "family" this video explaining a district task force's work to achieve 1) later start times and 2) increased flexibility in the high school course schedule. As you'll see in Mr. Manobianco's video the process is complicated, especially with the geographic challenges of our District.  So far, the District's been able to come up with three scheduling options all with 8:00 a.m. high school start times. 

Of interest, recent literature recommends "middle and high schools should aim for a start time no earlier than 8:30 a.m."

1)  In 2015 the CDC reported that adolescents who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight (1); not engage in daily physical activity (2); suffer from depressive symptoms (2); engage in unhealthy risk behaviors such as drinking, smoking tobacco, and using illicit drugs (2); and perform poorly in school (3). However, insufficient sleep is common among high school students, with less than one third of U.S. high school students sleeping at least 8 hours on school nights (4). In a policy statement published in 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urged middle and high schools to modify start times as a means to enable students to get adequate sleep and improve their health, safety, academic performance, and quality of life (5). AAP recommended that "middle and high schools should aim for a starting time of no earlier than 8:30 a.m."

2)  A study published in Pediatrics about five months ago evaluated sleep patterns of adolescents, documenting why students may benefit from later start times. 

The Seattle School District, and I think Issaquah, Bellevue and North Shore districts have already implemented later start times.  If you didn't get Mr. Manobianco's e-mail and you or your neighbors want to give the District feedback, you can e-mail the school board at board@lwsd.org or message them at 425-936-1257. 

Bob Yoder

Note:  I'm not a member of the school district's "family" and stumbled upon Mr. Manobianco's e-mail on a Facebook post.  I personally think it would be best practice for the district to be all inclusive with their constituents on these matters.   

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

New Redmond blog "About Us" page


Bob, Lexie and Pam Yoder
Hello!  I'm Bob Yoder, the Editor and Scribbler of Redmond Neighborhood Blog.  I've lived 38 years in Redmond and started blogging about 10 years ago.  When I first moved here from the mid-west to sell medical supplies, Redmond was a rural one-stoplight town. We loved visiting the downtown feed store to play with the chicks; golf the downtown course; drive through the horse farms, line up at for ice cream and milk at Thenos and generally just enjoy a peaceful lifestyle away from the big city. 

In the early 2000's, things started to change -- developers moved into our Education Hill neighborhood leveling evergreens. The City of Redmond's, less-then-perfect public notice of an environmentally sensitive project provoked me to start my blog to "get the word out." I've been writing it ever since under the well known premise that governments fostering  "transparency and citizen participation" are good governments.  

Since local print media doesn't cover all the community news and opinion. I do a lot of general-interest reporting.  Our rapid pace of growth, the environment, student educationmental health and City of Redmond elections are popular topics. You'll see more posts on the city council elections, Redmond's creeks and riparian habitat, fine schools and soon advocacy for mental health.  

One of my favorite activities is watching the City Council and Mayor on RC-TV.  Yes,I'm a government wonk. My interest in the city extends into governance reporting of our school district and local public hospital district. I now advocate much more, than from my earlier days of "open government" activism.  

Investigation, analysis and input of the school district's old organizational chart and leadership roles furthers their accountability and transparency.  And, after a very prolonged investigation involving blog leverage, EvergreenHeath hospital reshuffled their personnel, began day-lighting their government and re-focused their attention on customer service; revamping pages on their website.

So now you know something about "About Us" and the year ahead!

Cheers, 

Bob Yoder

Disclaimer:  I'm a Seattle Times News Partner, but by far nowhere close to a journalist. Errors. omissions and miss-representations occur on a regular basis; and my posts aren't always sourced. 

Email:  redmondblog@gmail.com. Twitter: @RedmondNeighbor    Facebook Page  Subscribe by email,  Sign up for "Friends Who Like Redmond Neighborhood Blog,

Privacy Statement:    Facebook and Redmond Neighborhood Blog comments are rarely posted. If possible, I'll contact the author before posting.  

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Lessons learned from Redmond's homelessness forum

On November 3rd, my wife and friend John Reinke attended a forum on Homelessness at the Redmond library.  It was excellent. The panel included:  Two speakers from Hopelink (case workers,) NAMI-Eastside (a bipolar spokesperson,) Resource Police Officer Dave Sowers, Kent Hay (Redmond's homeless outreach specialist,) Karina Woodruff of Friends of Youth (FOY,) the Executive Director of Teen Feed (Seattle based,) and Mellisa Munn responsible for monitoring and enforcing the "rules of conduct." at the  Redmond Library.

We learned the homeless are welcome to the library without I.D. at any time as long as they abide by the rules of conduct. "Friends of Redmond Library" sponsors community service providers to assist the homeless at the library on the first Wednesday of every month.  Kent Hay runs the program.  .

Mr. Hay's primary job is to work with the police as a buffer to the homeless, in part, to overcome the police stereotype of crime enforcement.  In Kent's buffer role, the homeless are more approachable and receptive to human service assistance.  Officer Sowers was thrilled with Kent's police/homeless assistance and complimented Police Chief Wilson for initiating the program.

Severe mental illness is approximately four times more common in the homeless population. I asked officer Sowers what the incidence of  involuntary commitment of the mentally ill was in our community.  He couldn't answer me but indicated the commitment process in our State is very involved.  Earlier this year when I had a public coffee with the Chief Wilson I was told the police involuntarily commit about one citizen a day. I just can't believe this and emailed the Chief to clarify. She didn't respond.

The NAMI-Eastside spokesperson, a valued and generous volunteer, quoted a 60% incidence of mental illness within the homeless community.  In my opinion, 60% is too high and saying so contributes to stereotyping the homeless. Scientific literature finds 20 to 25% of the homeless population in the United States suffers from some form of severe mental illness.  Upon questioning, he clarified 60% included mild illnesses.

The Friends of Youth manager said 30% of their clients have a severe mental illness and another 30% have milder "homeless induced" illnesses.  Friends of Youth (FOY) shelter and care for the Eastside's homeless teens -- many with a: 1) mental impairment, 2) substance abuse, and/or 3) sexual abuse issue. Their extensive programs and services are described here.

The manager, Karina Woodruff, didn't know anything about HERO House -- a non profit devoted to providing the seriously mentally impaired with socialization opportunities, job rehab and housing assistance. I've attended two HERO House galas and two luncheons and have tried very hard to help them reach-out to the community for new consumers.  The House is now moving to a new location and doubling in size.  Already, they've been reaching out to Fairfaix Hospital and Swedish outpatient home clinic.  

Some of the homeless could find comfort from their belief in a God.. We need to start thinking about the usefulness of  compassionate spiritual caring and include the faith community in our discussions.

Bob Yoder, opinion

According to NAMI.org "one in five of Americans have a mental health condition in a given year".--  "Only 6% of Americans are severely mentally ill (National Institute of Mental Health, 2009.)"

What can you do to help the homeless?   There are many,many ways.

Monday, November 21, 2016

The Lake Washington School District is considering later start times, task force formed

 ' Night Owls' May Face Special Challenges
Credit New York Times
A study published in Pediatrics this month evaluated sleep patterns of adolescents, further documenting why students suffer from early start times. All the recent literature recommends start times no earlier than 8:30 am. 

Presently Redmond, Eastlake, ICS and Tesla STEM all start at 7:30 a.m. Lake Washington High and Everson High start at 8 am. And, it can take well over 30 minutes to arrive at school requiring some students to wake as early as 5:45 a.m.

In 2015 the CDC reported that adolescents who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight (1); not engage in daily physical activity (2); suffer from depressive symptoms (2); engage in unhealthy risk behaviors such as drinking, smoking tobacco, and using illicit drugs (2); and perform poorly in school (3). However, insufficient sleep is common among high school students, with less than one third of U.S. high school students sleeping at least 8 hours on school nights (4). In a policy statement published in 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urged middle and high schools to modify start times as a means to enable students to get adequate sleep and improve their health, safety, academic performance, and quality of life (5). AAP recommended that "middle and high schools should aim for a starting time of no earlier than 8:30 a.m."

Kathryn Reith, LWSD Communications Director, says a Task Force is underway to study the problem. The Seattle School District, Issaquah, Bellevue and North Shore districts raised their start times.  If you want to push for later start times, e-mail: krieth@lwsd.org or the school board at board@lwsd.org.  

Bob Yoder, opinion