Where has the Squirrel been?

5:30 is early?

I think most of the teachers in our building are up by that time - I either
wake up at 4:44 or 5 - teachers are required in the building by 7:05 -
classes start at 7:20.

If I have a lot of correcting to do I might get up at 3 or 3:30 - yes, I know
that is crazy - but sure is quiet at that time. And staying up late is some
time not as good a strategy as getting up very early. I think the 7 Habits
of Highly Effective People calls that "sharpening the saw"

Signed,
One (half) of Your Readers

If I recall correctly, you live in New England. My school district could (just) hold the entire state of Rhode Island within its boundaries. Our students (all 430 of them) travel ridiculous distances to school, often over poor roads, especially in winter. Many even have chores to complete before school. Our 8:20 starting time is realistic.

You're right about getting up early. I noted I'm most productive in the morning. I really do think 5:30 is reasonable, if a bit early.

My trouble is that I have trouble sleeping if work isn't done. I must get it done before I sleep, even if I'm up late. Mornings are better for working ahead.

Honestly, if my correcting or planning or prep-work aren't done, I'll lay in bed awake all night thinking about it and I've never been able to stop myself. It's an obnoxious quirk of my personality.

I don't like late nights, but here I am at quarter of 11 posting after I completed a bunch of prep-work. At least I'll sleep tonight.

the largeness of district equates to a later starting time.

Your 8:20 is not only realistic it is sane. Although I would think for a district your size even later would be more sane.

8:30 would be good for our district - 1 town - 1600 + students.

The push for earlier times is two fold so the same bus drivers can do all 3 routes - hs, ms, and elem.
and 2 so sports can practice in the light of afternoon.

Funny, since every study I've ever seen says teens would be better starting later.