New Schedule

It’s Time for a Change

Dons opinions on 2022 school schedule start time

by Robby Romero

In 2019 Governor Gavin Newsom signed CA Senate Bill 328 into law, mandating that all high schools in California pushed their start times to 8:30 am. As a result AHS will be joining other California high schools next year with a new bell schedule and school will be starting no earlier than 8:30 am. Many AHS staff and students already have opinions on what they are hoping to see next.

California came up with a new law that every school is supposed to start later around 8:30 instead of 8:00 am according to an article from CalMatters, “Few high schools currently start at 8:30 a.m. or later, as will be required by 2022.” High schools are supposed to start at 8:30 while middle schools will start at 8 am.

Social studies teacher Lamar Hancock is curious about the law and schedule.

“I have to see it first, got to see it first because it’s not solidified yet, so once we see it we’ll move from there. If it’s gonna be longer class periods, I just need to make sure that I’m in a space and place and good to teach and all of you are able to retain it and still have fun.” Hancock said. Junior Trinity DeLa-Cruz has different feelings for this law. She is more happy about the new time and what she thinks it might affect her, she believes there could be ups and downs.

“I don’t think I’ll do anything specifically different in the morning. I think I’ll maybe have more time to go over things I have for school, but really nothing will change for me personally in the morning.” DeLa-Cruz said. One thing that would be a disadvantage in her opinion is that school could end 30 minutes later and it could take up time for her afternoon. “I don’t really know, maybe having a later start we’re going to get out way later. Maybe we’ll get out at 3:30, [I don’t know] I would rather get out earlier and start earlier in my opinion just because I feel like it goes more later into the day and I’ll have less things to do in the evening.” DeLa-Cruz said.

English teacher Mark Giller is looking forward to the school changes and new times.

“I think it’s good. I think it’s going to give everyone the opportunity to at least get more sleep. Hopefully, it will make it easier for students to get to school on time, because of less traffic, maybe it gives them more opportunity to get up in the morning, have a meal before they start getting dressed, and get here without feeling rushed. Overall, I think it’s a good change.” Giller said.

How will the AHS start time moving to 8:30 next year affect you?

Spanish Teacher Nancy Shuguli

“It won’t affect me because I’ll be here the same time, it’s mostly the amount of work I’ll have and not the time I need to start.”

Math Teacher Toby Jaw

“It would be easier for me to drop off my kids, and it would make mornings easier.”

Freshman Marco Rizo

“Amazingly, I’d get more rest and I’d be in school on time and I’ll be way more productive.”

Junior Angelina Louie

“It makes me more tired and its going to affect me because there is more traffic.”

Junior Freddy Alvarez

“It will benefit me greatly because I always come in late because I have to get ready and it will also help with traffic.”

English tecaher Jorja Santillan

“ I think it is important to have the late start so students can get more rest and to help alleviate some of the stress.”