Later start times for high school improve conduct, grades and even save lives.

No news to us here at Nora, but a recent study published in the July issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine reports that giving adolescents an extra 30 minutes in the morning leads to more alertness, better moods, lower levels of tardiness and healthier eating (at least at breakfast). As part of the study, seven high schools in Minneapolis began classes at 8:40 am (like Nora) instead of at 7:15 am (like MCPS). The University of Minnesota study found that students at these seven schools got more sleep and missed fewer classes among other benefits. They even turned out to be safer drivers! For more on adolescents and sleep, visit the National Sleep Foundation summary.