Multiple Genres: Analyzing Argumentative Texts By Identifying The Claim (TEKS.ELA.6.8.E.i) Practice Test

Most of us know what it feels like to drag through first period, blinking hard just to stay awake. That's not laziness; it's biology. Doctors explain that middle schoolers' bodies naturally fall asleep later, so an early bell makes learning harder. When students start school later, they arrive more alert, remember more in class, and make safer choices on the way to school. A nearby district pushed its start to 8:45 and reported better attendance and fewer tardies. Our buses can be re-routed with a small schedule shift, and clubs can meet before or after school as needed. Some families rely on early drop-off, which is a real concern. We can address it by offering a supervised study hall starting at the current time, giving those students a safe, calm place to read or finish homework. Moving the official start to 8:45 is a practical change that respects how students' brains work and sets us up for healthier habits, stronger learning, and a better start to every day.

Think about how often a buzz or ding snaps your attention away from a lesson. Even when phones are silent, knowing they are close can pull your focus. To help everyone learn, students should keep their phones in lockers during class. Without constant alerts, class discussions run deeper, labs are safer, and group work stays on task. Teachers can still use technology through school devices that have the tools we need and filters that keep us safe online. Some people argue that phones are useful for quick research, but our school laptops and tablets already provide reliable internet and larger screens for shared work. Emergencies are another worry, yet the office can contact classrooms immediately, and families can call the office any time. When phones wait in lockers, pressure to reply instantly fades, and so does the temptation to scroll. Protecting quiet minds protects learning. We can check our messages at lunch and after school—but class time should be for class.