There was a significant snowfall during the week of Jan. 15. In response, MCPS decided to close schools for most of the week. They are now seeking positive and negative feedback for future decisions.
Former superintendent Monifa McKnight and SMOB Sami Saeed encouraged students to enjoy their snow day by playing outside and spending time with loved ones without forgetting schoolwork and responsibilities.
Most kids experience snow days as a core memory, including fun activities such as sledding, building snowmen, and more.
“On snow days, I usually played in the snow with my sister. We would go sledding, too,” Walter Johnson junior Francesca Lisbino said.
The decision to close schools is made for safety since vehicles driving under such conditions would be hazardous and possibly lead to accidents. That particular week, it snowed not only one but two days, and it took time to clear the snow so the streets could be safe.
“I’m glad MCPS closed schools that week because Maryland doesn’t have the infrastructure to deal with snow in ways that other states do,” Walter Johnson (WJ) teacher Samatha Meyer said.
It is also an opportunity to take a break from school and prioritize mental health. For many students, school can be draining, and they’ve found it beneficial to stay home and relax for one or a couple of days; however, because of the unusual amount of snowfall that week and the extra day off due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, schools were closed for four out of the five days of the week.
Canceling instructional days is inconvenient because students miss lessons and material. There was a rumor that MCPS was considering announcing “code purple,” or virtual school, to ensure the school year and avoid lengthening the school year due to the days canceled.
Many students were discontented to hear the news that snow days may turn into virtual learning days.
“I thought virtual school would be stupid. We should have the opportunity to go outside and enjoy the snow and the day off,” WJ senior Rachel Finn said.
Some students think that just because learning from home is available doesn’t mean MCPS should deprive students of experiencing the joy and freedom snow days bring.
“MCPS should not resort to virtual school on snow days. They are an opportunity to stay home and relax on a rare occasion,” WJ junior Voin Satterfield said. “Having virtual school on snow days would take away the excitement of having a snow day, something that all kids should be able to experience a few times in their lives.”
Students and teachers can agree that virtual school also brings back memories of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they do not wish to relive it. Furthermore, some students find it hard to engage fully in virtual classes, and teachers have only so many options for helping students through a screen.
“I hate virtual school because during that time, I felt like a lot of kids were struggling, and I was not able to do anything about it,” Meyer said.
Most of the community was content with MCPS’s decision to close schools. Both teachers and students could take a break from school and spend time outside with loved ones.
Article Written by Sabrina Solares of Walter Johnson High School
Photo Courtesy of Map Quest