Parents, teachers, students and community members crowded the Barrington High School library on Thursday, April 25 as school officials attempted to thwart misconceptions about the upcoming school start time changes beginning in the 2019-20 school year. 

Officials are planning to shift start times across the district — from 8:15 to 7:50 a.m. for K-3 schools; from 8:50 to 8 a.m. for Hampden Meadows; from 7:45 to roughly 8:40 a.m. for the middle school; and from 7:40 to roughly 8:30 a.m. for the high school.

The change follows years of discussion, debate and delays. However, on Tuesday night, April 23, the committee on appropriations voted to recommend a budget that would include funding to allow for a shift to the two-tier busing system, opening the door for the start time changes.   

“I think we’re in a really good place to make this change,” said Barrington Schools Superintendent Michael Messore. 

The shift, however, has not come without its concerns, prompting school committee members and officials to organize the “speed-dating” style discussion on Thursday night to provide clarity on everything from the impact the changes would have on athletic schedules, to the improved communication between K-3 and 4-5 grades, to why an extra hour of sleep can make such an important difference in the mental and physical health for older teens. 

“We appreciate that change is difficult for everybody, but change that allows us to address the well-documented physical and mental health need of our students is worth the challenge,” said Barrington School Committee Chairman Dr. Megan Douglas. 

Not everyone was pleased about the information that was presented Thursday night. Before the forum even began, student protestors stood outside the high school, demonstrating their concern about how the start times will negatively impact their schedules, from athletics to after school jobs and activities.

“They’re just taking advantage of us,” said Barrington High School junior Nick Ratteree.

It was not just a concern of the students; teachers voiced their apprehension as well. With the change pushing the high school dismissal time back to around 3 p.m., some non-athletic clubs are fearing that students will now be forced to choose between those activities and sports.

“If the district values sleep more than opportunities and activities for students, then so be it,” said Bob Marley, who is head of the math department at Barrington High School and coach of the math team.