Cape Central classes starting earlier

Central High School's first bell will ring well before those in any of the surrounding high schools this year, with students reporting for their first-hour classes five minutes earlier than last year and as much as 35 minutes earlier than students in neighboring schools.

"Students are already accustomed to the early start," said Al McFerren, assistant principal at CHS. "It doesn't take much for them to become acclimated, especially since it's not a drastic change."

The high school's schedule has been bumped back from 7:45 a.m. in previous years to 7:40 a.m. for the 2003-04 school year. School officials say the move was necessary to accommodate changes in bus scheduling in the district's other schools.

Central Junior High School will also begin at 7:40 a.m. this year. Both schools will dismiss five minutes earlier as well, from 2:20 p.m. last year to 2:15 p.m. this year. Elementary schools and Central Middle School will start at 8:15 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m.

The 7:40 a.m. start means teachers will also be required to report for work five minutes earlier than last year.

"I'll have to make an adjustment, but it's not huge," said Linda Dirden, CHS science teacher. "Although there may be a few sleepyheads amongst the students."

Students like Emma Porter, a 14-year-old freshman, say it can be tough to wake up so early for school, especially when faced with classes such as algebra and chemistry first thing in the morning.

Porter admits she's come close to falling asleep in school, especially during her first-hour classes.

"It will be hard, especially getting back into the routine," Porter said. "But I actually like going early, because it means we get out early too."

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128

HIGH SCHOOLS' START TIMES FOR 2003-04:

Central High School: 7:40 a.m.

Delta High School: 8:15 a.m.

Jackson High School: 8 a.m.

Oak Ridge High School: 8:05 a.m.

Scott City High School: 7:55 a.m.

Chaffee High School: 8:11 a.m.

Oran High School: 8:15 a.m.

P To accommodate changes in bus schedules, classes will start at 7:40 a.m.