This article was originally written on January 2025.
The beginning of the new year has brought lots of snow, resulting in students not being able to attend school for an extended time. These closures included several Code Red days, which shut down all schools and offices to ensure the safety of students and staff. The decision to close schools was based on worries about icy roads, heavy snow and dangerous conditions for traveling. While snow days provided a much-needed break from school, they also interrupted schedules, leaving students with mixed feelings about the break.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
During these snow days, students spent their time in many ways, using the break to either relax or be productive. Seneca Valley High School sophomore Anna Gerges shared her experience of how she spent her time at home.
“I worked out on the treadmill and prepared for an AP Psych Test,” Gerges said.
Other students used the time off to relax, such as Seneca Valley High School junior Chloe Okon, who spent her snow days binge-watching Netflix.
The announcement of Code Red snow days led to numerous reactions among students. For some, it was an exciting break from school, while others were concerned about the impact on their summer break.
“I felt happy and also interested in the fact that MCPS gave us so many snow days. I would’ve thought we would be asynchronous,” Gerges said.
On the other hand, she also acknowledged the results of the closures.
“I was upset that the snow days cut into summer break, but it is understandable why they did it,” Gerges added.
Oken also expressed her excitement about the snow days.
“I was very happy when I saw Code Red during the snow days,” she said.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
However, as a result of the snow days, MCPS made the decision to extend the school year by one day. The last day of school is now scheduled to be Monday, June 16, and Friday, June 13, which was originally a half-day, has been changed to a full school day. While this made some students disappointed, MCPS emphasized that their primary concern is always the safety of students and staff.
According to MCPS, ensuring safe conditions for students and staff is their top priority when deciding to close schools due to inclement weather. While this decision helps prevent accidents and ensures safety, it also interrupts academic planning and schedules, creating challenges for students and teachers to stay on track with work and lesson planning.
Despite the interruptions, snow days offer students a chance to rest, relax and reset. Whether spending time outdoors enjoying winter activities such as sledding, building snowmen or having snowball fights, or staying indoors watching movies, baking or reading, these unexpected breaks allow students and families to create memories.
“Snow days allow families to have extra time with each other,” Oken said.
Families often use these days to engage in fun activities together, making winter more special. The break brings happiness and togetherness, reminding everyone of the simple joys of a snowy break. It is a chance to relax, enjoy winter and be with loved ones.
Written by Miley Thomas
Graphic by Bella Li