Topic: Should the start times for middle school and high school students be later?
Hook: It’s 2 AM in the morning, and I finally finished my homework after long hours of work, family time, and extracurriculars. Stumbling over my own two feet, I somehow found my way to my bed, and as soon as I know it, I drift into a deep slumber. I’m passed out for a good four hours before an ear-splitting noise interrupts my dream. “BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!!!” My entire body jolts awake as soon as the sound waves reach my ears. It’s 6 AM, and I could already tell that today was going to be a great day.
Background: I believe that it is important and necessary for middle and high schools to have a later start time.
Thesis statement: Many middle and high schools start too early in the morning to allow teens to get enough sleep – and that’s taking a huge toll on health, safety, and learning.
Gianna Ottaviano 