A snowy road in Brick’s Herbertsville section in 2013. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Despite the proliferation of remote learning nationwide, the allure of a winter snow day – an elusive off-day in the Shore area – will not go away this winter.
With schools now capable of instituting remote classes due to the coronavirus pandemic, many observers have questioned whether snow days are still needed. If students can learn from home, why cancel school? But in some districts, Brick included, the tradition will continue.
“We all need snow days,” said Superintendent Thomas Farrell. ” I think it’s great for kids.”
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Farrell said he envisions the district possibly designating remote learning on a day with a delayed opening, but snow days will be treated as they always have this winter. The Brick school district is currently operating on a hybrid schedule where students attend in-person classes Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, with the remaining days remotely in order to maintain social distancing in classrooms.
Nationwide, districts have grappled with the question of snow days. In Green Bay, WI, school officials took the opposite approach and completely ended the district’s snow day policy. In North Jersey, however, the Mahwah school district made national headlines after officials pledged to maintain snow days and give students an opportunity to get some fresh air.
The issue was discussed by the Board of Education, which quickly reached a consensus.
“When we brought it up, everybody said the same thing: don’t get rid of them,” said Farrell.
There are also some fringe benefits of a snow day.
“Hey, I like when my son helps me shovel the driveway, myself,” Farrell joked.
