Should your high schooler start class later?

GLOUCESTER TWP. - A national study recommends middle and high schoolers start the school day later in the morning.

But would it work for New Jersey's students?

The state Department of Education will take public comment throughout the Garden State next week in its investigation of later start times.

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The first regional meeting will be held in Camden County May 2, with a central regional meeting in Middlesex County May 4 and a northern regional meeting in Hudson County May 10.

The American Academy of Pediatrics in 2014 recommended adolescents begin class no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

Insufficient sleep in adolescents is "an important public health issue" impacting academic success of high and middle school students, according to the group.

Delaying school start times is an "effective countermeasure to chronic sleep loss" with a range of potential benefits to students, the AAP wrote.

The first of the state DOE's three public meetings will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. May 2 at Camden County College at 200 College Drive in Blackwood.

Participants must register with the state by May 1 here.

A second meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 2  p.m. May 4 at New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, room 1 at 12 Centre Drive in Monroe.

The final meeting will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. May 10 at Franklin Williams Middle School auditorium at 222 Laidlaw Ave. in Jersey City.

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Carly Q. Romalino; (856) 486-2476; cromalino@gannettnj.com