UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Importance of Sleep and Bell Times

The UCDSB is currently exploring an adjustment to elementary and secondary school bell times. Scientific research shows that good sleep hygiene can increase academic achievement, school attendance, and both physical and mental health of students.  

For these reasons, the UCDSB is considering earlier start times for elementary students and later start times for secondary students.  

We have created a summary video of the two in-person consultation sessions on the importance of sleep and bell times that were held in late November. 

Video: https://youtu.be/Zl3y77qAxb4

After watching this video, we hope you will have a better understanding of the science of sleep and the connection to student well-being and academic achievement. If you have feedback, please use this form. There is also a QR code in the video you can use.

Next steps 
It’s important to know that this decision is not a done deal. The UCDSB is still in the consultation phase, seeking feedback and identifying gaps. Further consultation will be happening with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario and Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario and all findings will go back to the Board of Trustees for further discussion. 

UCDSB Trustees initially discussed amending school start times and the impact it could have on students at the January 26, 2022, Board meeting.

At the April 12, 2023 Board meeting, UCDSB Chief Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Curry along with Clinical Psychologist Dr. David Armstrong presented to the Board, indicating that changing the school start times would be beneficial for teenagers and younger students.

To date, the UCDSB has consulted with:

- UCDSB Parent Involvement Committee
- Special Education Advisory Committee
- Labour groups
- Parents/guardians through two in-person consultation evenings
- UCDSB Student Senate

Resources: