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Emmaus High junior urges 'zero block' schedule, cites sleep and college outcomes
Summary
Emmaus High junior Emma Bistram told the East Penn School Board that later start times and a proposed optional "zero block" could reduce student sleep deprivation and better prepare students for college, citing survey results and a class inquiry project.
Emma Bistram, a junior in AP Language and Composition at Emmaus High School, urged the East Penn School Board on April 13 to consider changing high school schedules to include an optional "zero block" that would allow most students to begin class later while offering an earlier start for those who want extra coursework or activities.
"We can't expect college-level results from students who are stuck in a sleep-deprived system," Bistram said in public comment, summarizing research she compiled for a class inquiry project that found most students report getting about six hours of sleep. She recommended a model in which some students could take a "zeroeth period" starting at a traditional time while most of the building begins later.
Bistram argued the schedule would better align with students' biological needs, give student-athletes and ambitious students a way to fit activities into their schedules, and provide struggling students the option of later arrival as a form of rest. She framed the change as a way to help more students reach college readiness and to teach time-management skills.
The board did not act on the request during the meeting; the chair had opened the public-comment period by reminding speakers that comments are not interactive and that follow-up should be directed to the chair. Superintendent Dr. Campbell later praised Bistram and highlighted the district's many student achievements during the district update.
