EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (AP) — Some students in Rhode Island will be leaving for school a half an hour later this year as part of efforts to encourage students to sleep more.
WPRI-TV reports middle and high schools in the East Greenwich School District will begin at 8 a.m. this year. The academic year begins Wednesday.
Superintendent Victor Mercurio says research indicates teens perform better when they get more sleep and sleep better.
He says East Greenwich is the first public district in the state to change start times based on sleep research.
East Greenwich officials spoke with school leaders in Sharon, Massachusetts, who said tardiness fell and student performance improved after pushing back start times.
Mercurio says the move will cost the district an additional $90,000 a year.
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