Questions, concerns, proposals for new proposed schedule

[Erika Stupka]

Good morning, members of LAPS School Board,

I am writing with questions, concerns, and proposals for the new proposed schedule based on the new PED requirements.

Question 1: Do the minimum 5.5 required hours per school day mean instructional time, or just time at school? So do lunch and recess fit into those hours?

If it’s just time at school, why is there a move to start elementary earlier (7:45 am)? 

Question 2: How would this earlier start time affect before-school orchestra, band, etc? I think asking kids to be at school at 6:45 AM is asking a lot and is going to be very problematic for many families. I for one know my orchestra kid will not be rested enough going to orchestra at 6:45 AM once a week. She’s barely able to get enough sleep as it is. Not every child can get to sleep early enough for that and be rested enough, thus they’ll be even more tired at school, lowering chances of success, and less likely to participate in these music programs.

Question 3: How would this proposed schedule change affect preschool days and times?

Proposal 1: I, and I know many parents would agree, absolutely want to see more restrictions on homework. The more I learn and think about homework, the more of a proponent of LESS (or no) homework I become. Kids should NOT have to be in school mode when they’re not in school. Let them enjoy themselves, decompress, do extracurriculars they love without having to “pay” by needing to catch up on homework. Their mental health matters. This feels too similar to having employees do work things outside of work hours. Personal example: This has been a huge issue for our oldest child and it causes so much stress for her to do homework, while at school she is doing great academically. She’s so happy doing her extracurriculars she loves, but faces extreme stress around them due to having to squeeze in homework time. I propose that the only homework, if any, should be longer-term projects kids can work on over time, studying a bit for a quiz or test, and maybe extra practice for individual students when the teacher recommends it for them specifically. If the kids are going to need to get up earlier for the new 7:45 AM proposed start time, they should not have homework be another thing that keeps them from getting the sleep they need.

Proposal 2: Can we move elementary to 8:30-2:30 (assuming the minimum 5.5 hours is all time, not just instructional)? Then that extra hour in the afternoon that kids are not in school will give them a little extra time for resting, extracurricular, etc without having to “pay” by getting up earlier, especially if they will no longer have the half-day Wednesdays to give them a little break.

Thank you,

Erika Stupka

Parent of 2 elementary children and one that will be PK4 eligible this upcoming school year.