If only a quarter to half the kids are in school on a ‘normal day,’ does it make sense to have a ‘snow day’? They can all just continue remotely—every child is already used to it, and every classroom is already set up for it.
The question moved from the philosophical to necessary last night with the prediction of our first major winter storm. At least six inches was predicted for this area, but it was a nor’easter. These storms are notoriously hard to predict. My mother-in-law used to sum up snow predictions well: “I’ll tell you much snow we are going to get when it’s all done snowing.”
The email came from the superintendent last night:
“I am letting you know that tomorrow, December 17th, will be a snow day. The first snow day of the season is a time-honored tradition in schools and we have reached that point! All schools and offices will be closed. There are no remote learning classes. Please use the day to play outside, relax, take plenty of pictures, read a book with some hot cocoa, and enjoy the magic that is the first snow day. Schools, teachers, and staff will not be available for contact tomorrow as they will be enjoying the snow day as well.”
I guess that answers the question! While personally I originally thought it’s a bit silly to have a snow day when everyone is ready for remote learning anyway… I’ve come around to thinking he’s right.
Seeing kids outside with smiles on their faces, instead of in front of screens? Silver lining!
