Start times pushed back for students at two Novato high schools

NOVATO, Calif. (KGO) -- Classes begin at two Novato schools Thursday, and this year students will be allowed to catch a little extra sleep as the start time has been pushed back.

There was much excitement Wednesday at San Marin High in Novato. Students were getting their class schedules before their first day back on Thursday. The school district hopes that enthusiasm continues as teens will be less sleep deprived.

"All the research is pretty clear now that teenagers need more sleep at night, that they're cycles are such that they need to go to bed at 11 or 12, and that research really drover our decision this year," Superintendent Jim Hobeboom said.

School began as early as 7:15 a.m., which will now change to 8 a.m.

Jeffrey Ramirez was on the student committee that pushed for this new time.

"Everybody was tired and no one was happy to be here during first period, everybody was groggy, falling asleep in class and the teachers noticed," Ramirez said.

Parents, teachers and community members also weighed in. The school board approved it last April.

But, it's a burden for some parents who need to be at work early.

"He doesn't need more sleep. That's what weekends are for. My son has been going here for two years now and so we've gotten used to this schedule," parent Aaron Clark said.

But, the school district is allowing parents to drop off their children earlier than 8 a.m.

California is considering pushing back the school start throughout the state.

Senate Bill 328 would change start times for middle and high schools in California to no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

So far, other districts in the country have opted to start at a later time. As a result, attendance is up and so are grades.