A later start time for students is not merely about reducing stress but about recognizing the biological demands of teens (“Newton considers later high school start times,’’ Globe West). Unfortunately, the greatest obstacle concerning changing times is the inconvenience it may cause the adult community.

Teens are not awake and ready to learn at dawn. Anyone who says otherwise is welcome to observe my students. We start at 7:20, well before Newton. Most objections to changing the start and end times of high school amount to the tail wagging the dog.

While schedules for transportation, athletics, clubs, and jobs would naturally have to adjust, are these changes more important than the academic needs of the students? Once we have answered that question, the decision to delay start times is a simple one.

Michael J. Maguire

West Roxbury

The writer has taught at Boston Latin Academy for 22 years.