By Chester Charter Scholars Academy Healthy Highlights reporters | “Put the phone down” so you can get some sleep, said Mrs. Henriquez, a fifth-grade special education teacher. 

In recent interviews, Mrs. Henriquez and other school staff members said kids should not be on their phones late at night texting their friends. 

They “won’t be in a great mood the next day and won’t be paying attention in class,” Ms. Burrell, a fifth-grade teacher said. 

Experts at The Sleep Foundation say that you should close your computer or get off your phone an hour before bedtime. It will help you sleep better. 

The Academy of Pediatrics recommends that elementary school students get 9 to 12 hours of sleep a night. Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours. 

When kids get enough zzzs, they benefit in many ways, according to KidsHealth.org medical experts. With enough sleep, kids can learn better, grow normally, and be in better health. 

Like their students, CCSA staff members sometimes have trouble getting enough sleep. 

Ms. Burrell said she often doesn’t get enough sleep because she is either stressed or has too much energy. She has several routines to help her fall asleep. For instance, she likes to work out after school, take a shower, and go to bed. 

She said she also listens to “brown noise” like birds and the wind. “Everyone is different so knowing what helps you” fall asleep makes a difference, she said. 

Ms. Nguyen, director of art and curriculum, said she often doesn’t get enough sleep because she is doing homework. She is studying for her doctorate in leadership in K to 12 education at Gwynedd Mercy University. 

“I am learning more about education to be a better teacher and administrator,” she said 

She said she sometimes falls asleep on her couch when she comes home from school. That makes it harder for her to go to sleep at night. She then reads to help her fall asleep, she said.

Illustration by Omari, Chester Charter Scholars Academy.