Some SJSD parents aren’t concerned about elementary start time changes

By Jazmine Knight

After the St. Joseph School District announced a change in schedule for three elementary schools, parents had mixed reactions online, but some local families think the change won’t be too disruptive.

Eugene Field and Parkway Elementary will now be in session from 8:45 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Bessie Ellison Elementary will now be in session from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

While some people on social media expressed concern, two local parents said they actually prefer the change.

“It really doesn’t bother me at all,” Christin Arnold said.

“I actually prefer the earlier start time. and I think my kids do too, mostly because they get out earlier. So there’s more time in the evening,” Jennifer Letterman said.

In the Letterman household, the extra time at night allows for more time for sports, clubs, homework and even dinner.

Both said they believe it will help their children as they get older and participate in sports or extracurriculars in middle and high school.

“They’re going to be having to be at school early for practices or stay late for practices. So it’s really a constant time change as your kids grow,” Arnold said.

Letterman said the start time at Bessie Ellison Elementary has changed for the last three or four years, and while consistency would be nice, it doesn’t throw off their schedule too much.

“For us, it’s been okay because we’re pretty flexible. We’ve had a lot of flexibility in our scheduling and getting our kids to school. But I do understand that it’s not that way for everyone,” Letterman said.

Both moms believe their children won’t mind the change.

“(It’s) just like a 30-minute difference,” Arnold said.

“I think it gets the kids up, get them going and get their brains going in the morning,” Letterman said.

The St. Joseph School District said this change will boost efficiency with the bus company, First Student.

“First Student has assured us that these changes are necessary to improve transportation efficiency and ensure that all students arrive at school safely and on time,” the district said in the email.

“The bus company, they’ve struggled. I know that lack of employees is a big thing for them,” Letterman said.

Letterman and Arnold said they trust the district’s decision and hope to see efficiency improvements in the future.

Both moms said they’re doing their best to just roll with the punches and be flexible. Letterman encourages parents to reach out for help if they have trouble accommodating the new start times.

“Reach out to local organizations and maybe see if there are some before care programs to help them out,” she said.