Editors’ Note: This disclaimer was not originally included in the article. It was added at the end of the school day. As the dateline suggests, this article is an April Fools’ prank and has no basis whatsoever in actual fact. It is entirely fictitious.

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Although the North Allegheny School Board has yet to vote on the measure, it is looking likely that a new start time is in motion for the 2026-27 school year. According to the NA’s Director of Academic Performance Evelyn Grogan, the hope is that NASH and NAI will begin their school day at 6:28 a.m. next year.

“It has proven difficult for sports teams to fit enough practice time into students’ busy schedules,” Grogan said, “so we’re proposing the earlier start times in order to maximize daylight hours outside of school.”

Grogan explained that a big focus for the school community is to continue to excel across all sports in the WPIAL.

“Games, meets, and matches are an important part of high school life because they bring students together under one common goal — winning,” Grogan said.

Student-athletes are hoping that the proposal for an earlier school start time is approved.

“I think it’s great that we’re getting extra practice time. Sure, waking up extra early is a bummer, but energy drinks exist for a reason,” said junior running back Jack Brown. 

Brown isn’t alone with his perspective, as sophomore defensive lineman Jacob Davis agrees with him. 

“Last year, we could have definitely benefited from more practice time. We needed a few extra hours to really fine-tune the defense. I look forward to working with the coaches to improve on what I can do,” Davis stated.

Football isn’t the only sport that stands to benefit. With the extra time after school, the North Allegheny swimming and diving team will have fewer morning practices. 

“Morning practices are rough,” stated freshman Charlotte Saunders. “I have to wake up early, swim, and then get bused back to NAI. I end up missing ten minutes of first period, forcing me to have a swim study hall. I walk through the halls, soaking wet and miserable.” 

Already accustomed to an early wake-up call, the swim team sees no issue with the proposed start time alteration.

“I’m used to waking up at ungodly hours for the normal swim practices, so this really doesn’t change my morning routine too much. If I’m lucky, I’ll actually get more sleep,” elaborated junior Annie Welsch. 

Academics may also notice a benefit with this change. There will be more club meetings after school, increasing the pursuit of academic excellence. 

“I’m super excited to have the extra time dedicated to clubs. I feel like there is never enough time to be allocated to Book Club,” NAI English teacher Robert Zimmerman said. “It often gets lost in the shuffle.”

Likewise, all of the Honor Society clubs are seeing an increase in possibilities for volunteer hours. 

“I almost didn’t make the hours requirement for NHS this year, so I’m happy that the seniors next year will have the opportunity to volunteer more,” explained senior Chris Chen. 

However, the 6:28 a.m. start time has not been well-received by all. Even with the sure success of sports and academics for the next school year, many students are angered by the idea of losing time previously dedicated to sleep.

“My sleep schedule is so messed up already. This is just going to make it worse. It’s not like I’m going to go to bed any earlier because I still am going to have to manage homework and extracurricular activities,” said junior Emily Garcia.

Sleep schedules aren’t the only worry for students. NASH students have concerns surrounding the safety of the drive to school.

“Starting an hour earlier, it’s going to be a lot darker outside. I’m hesitant to drive to school at that time, so I might have to be that senior who rides the bus,” said junior Ben Johnson.

With the mixed reviews from students, the next NA School Board meeting will be interesting, to say the least.