This time last year, the bell would ring at 8:00 am, signaling students to be in class ready for the day. This year, North Platte High School administration decided to take a different approach. Instead of beginning class on the hour, teachers are in meetings with their department. Students who get to school early have to wait in the commons area.

Teachers do not finish their meetings until 8:20 and students are not allowed to leave the Commons until five minutes later.

Some students are struggling with not being able to have help in the mornings. Junior Jayson Scott said many students are not available after school due to sports, jobs, and other obligations. Assistant Principal Stuart Lenz  said starting next week, National Honor Society students will be able to tutor struggling students in the distance learning room, 1519, on Wednesdays and Fridays. In order to get the extra help, students must be referred by teachers and given a pass. Lenz said the NHS students are excited to help out. “I feel like it ‘s a great opportunity to get help in the morning,” he said. Principal James Ayres said students can also get help from teachers before the 7:45 a.m. meetings. , before the meetings start.

The new start-time has caused some shifts for students– some like it, others are struggling. “With this late start, I have more time to drop off my sisters,” said Scott. The elementary and middle schools start at 8:00 a.m., which means that some students have more time to drop family off and then come to school. Junior Marko Torres said, “I can learn better with more sleep.”

However, many students who get to school early have to wait in the commons with nowhere to go. Stress levels are often high among students. “People are late to their classes since they only have five minutes to go to their locker then go to the other side of the school to get to their classes,” said freshman Melody Miller.  Freshman Isaiah Lindsei said it’s harder for her to focus later in the morning.
For teachers, the early start can be stressful too because they do not have time to get ready for the day in their classroom. Spanish teacher Sandra Mejia said, “I feel rushed in the morning because of the meetings.”