FAQs

What is going on with the Norwood Public School Start Times?
The school committee decided to change the school start times. The new start times are as follows, with the current start times in parenthesis:

Willett School: 8:10 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. (9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
Elementary Schools: 7:50 a.m. - 2:05 p.m. (8:40 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.)
Coakley Middle School: 8:45 a.m. - 3:20 p.m. (7:15 a.m. - 2:05 p.m.)
High School: 8:15 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. (7:40 a.m. - 2:23 p.m.)
There are no changes to Little Mustangs Preschool Academy
You can view the full press release here.

Why was this decision to change start times made?
The school committee formed a task force to investigate the possibility of changing school start times because of research done on adolescent sleep habits. While sleep is important to all children, the school committee decided to move the High School and Middle School times back and the Elementary times earlier. A detailed description of why the decision was made and the research collected can be found in the press release.
You can view the full press release here.

What do the parents think of the time change?
The school committee sent surveys out to parents but the questions were confusing and not fully transparent. The question that was not asked, and we feel is most important, is “are you in favor of the time change.” 
You can access all of the survey data collected here: https://www.norwood.k12.ma.us/sc/school-start-time-subcommittee

What do teachers think about the time change?
Many of the teachers surveyed are not in favor of the time change. The survey that went out to teachers was confusing and even the question about being in favor of the time change was a rating instead of for/against. 
You can access all of the survey data collected here: https://www.norwood.k12.ma.us/sc/school-start-time-subcommittee
(Scroll to the bottom of the page to access faculty surveys.)

What is the teacher’s union doing about the issue?
It is unclear what the Union can actually "do," as a change in start time is the decision of the School Committee, not the Teacher's Union. The Teacher's Union is dedicated to protecting teachers' whereas the School Committee is dedicated to the students. Each organization has different powers and duties. The Union holds a responsibility to amend any changes being made to teachers' contracts. The Teacher's Union is continuing to listen to teacher concerns, and the School Committee is obligated to work with the Union to amend teacher contracts. We will update this answer if anything new emerges.

Did the School Committee take into account parents' and teachers’ opinions?
Prior to the times being confirmed, the Teachers Union met with the School Committee to share their concerns. The School Committee has not addressed the teachers' concerns publicly and passed the vote regardless. Since the surveys did not ask the parents directly what they thought of the proposed time change, no one know how they feel.

Were the surveys available in languages other than English?
No, the surveys were only sent out in English. You can access all of the surveys and data collected here: https://www.norwood.k12.ma.us/sc/school-start-time-subcommittee

Does the School Committee have to listen to the community?
It is stated in their policies that they should exert every effort to determine the desire of the community (Community Involvement in Decision Making; The People and Their School District). They believe the education of the children should be in the hands of the community. You can read more about the responsibilities of Massachusetts schools committees here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/advisory/cm1115gov.html

If the School Committee already voted on this, what can we do? Is it too late?
There is an election in April. If we can get a question about the school change on the ballot, we can make our voices heard before the election and find School Committee candidates that are willing to represent the desires of the community. The Board of Selectmen are holding a meeting to vote on the ballot question on Thursday, February 24th.

I heard people opposed to the time change were attacking members of the school committee. 
We are absolutely against attacking or slandering members of any community. If this has happened, and we have seen no proof that it has, it is not right. Asking questions and speaking for what you believe, even if it is in disagreement with another’s views, is not attacking someone.