2022-2023 Bell Schedules
Overview
California Senate Bill (SB) 328 was signed into law in October 2019, which revises Education Code 46148 to align school start times with the developmental needs and biological sleep cycles of adolescents. SB 328 requires the school day in California to begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. for middle schools and 8:30 a.m. for high schools starting with the 2022-2023 school year.
In anticipation of this shift, a committee of school and district administrators began planning for the implementation of SB 328 last year. Due to logistical implications, it has been determined that some of our elementary, middle, and high schools will have slightly modified schedules starting next school year. The modified schedules may also impact other district operations including food service, child care, bus routes, and before-and after-school schedules.
Thank you for your understanding of this statewide shift.
*Schedules are subject to change.
A: This change is not unique to PYLUSD. In fact, all schools and school districts (except rural school districts) in California must make this change. It is the law according to California Senate Bill (SB) 328, which was put into place in October 2019. SB 328 revises Education Code 46148 to align school start times with the developmental needs and biological sleep cycles of adolescents. Therefore, middle schools can start no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and high schools can start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. effective July 1, 2022.
A: Click here to view SB 328 in its entirety. Click here to view a helpful summary of SB 328 by law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR).
A: According to the April 24, 2019, Senate Committee on Education report, later school start times have been shown to improve grades, reduce depression symptoms, reduce caffeine use, reduce substance abuse, reduce tardiness, improve attendance rates, improve graduation rates, and greatly reduce car crashes caused by teen drivers.
A: Schools will have the following start and end times on traditional days (non-late start/minimum days):
- Elementary Schools: 7:50 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
- Middle Schools: 8:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- High Schools: 8:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
A: Yes, the new law will still allow middle and high schools to offer academic and extracurricular classes and activities—also known as zero period—before the official start of the school day. The district’s zero period offerings at middle and high schools will be very similar to years past.
A: Due to logistical implications surrounding transportation routes and other district operations, it has been determined that some elementary schools will have slightly modified schedules starting with the 2022-2023 school year. The modified schedules may also impact other district operations including food service, child care, bus route, and before- and after-school schedules.
A: The district does not anticipate the schedules of El Camino Real High School, Buena Vista Virtual Academy, George Key School, Parkview School, and Venture Academy will shift much or at all as a result of SB 328.
A: Before- and after-school child care schedules will remain the same. Child care will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.