Changes to School Start Times at Hilton Head Island High School

Changes to School Start Times at Hilton Head Island High School

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Students at Hilton Head Island High School will soon need to adjust their morning routines as the school has announced a change to its start times. Beginning January 7, 2019, the bell will ring for a new day 15 minutes earlier than usual.

New Schedule Details

Currently, the school day at Hilton Head Island High School begins at 8:40 a.m. and finishes at 3:45 p.m.. With the shift, students will start at 8:25 a.m. and still leave school at the same dismissal time of 3:45 p.m.

The Reasons Behind the Change

The principal of Hilton Head Island High School explained that this change in start time is aimed at managing traffic better around the school. School officials are hoping that by starting the day a little earlier, it will help lessen congestion during the busy morning drop-off times. The new schedule allows high school students to clear the vicinity before middle school students leave for the day, thereby improving the overall traffic flow in the area.

Impact on Other Schools

It’s important for parents and students to note that the altered start times will not affect the arrival and dismissal schedules for the elementary schools near the high school. This includes the Hilton Head Island International Baccalaureate Elementary and the Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts. Additionally, other high schools in the district will keep their schedules unchanged.

Feedback from the Community

As the school prepares for these changes, many students and parents are weighing in on this new schedule. While some students feel that waking up earlier might be a challenge, others believe it could help them arrive on time and even give them a little more time to prepare for classes and start their day on a positive note.

Parents have also shared mixed feelings about the change. Some believe that an earlier start time aligns better with their own work schedules, while others are concerned that it may lead to a struggle for students who are not morning persons. Engagement with the community has been encouraged, as school officials hope to keep an open line of communication regarding any concerns or feedback.

Conclusion

The 15-minute change is a small adjustment but holds the potential to make a significant impact on the daily routines of both students and staff at Hilton Head Island High School. Traffic management is a priority for the administration, and they are optimistic this new start time will facilitate easier arrivals and departures for all.

As the school year continues, updates and further insights into the effects of this schedule change will likely be shared with the community, helping everyone stay informed about how it is shaping up. For now, students will need to set their alarms just a bit earlier as they prepare for the new year ahead.