By Kennedy Thomason
Elm Staff Writer
Few things can compare to the joy of a snow day — waking up to realize that commitments, deadlines, and everyday stresses have been magically put on hold.
There is also the opportunity to take advantage of some of life’s simple pleasures: playing in the snow, drinking hot chocolate, binging cable television, and more. The possibilities of a snow day are endless.
However, in the wake of COVID-19 forcing school systems to adapt to utilizing online learning tools, more and more institutions are transitioning to forms of virtual schooling on days when winter weather might otherwise put a pause on the academic calendar. An EdWeek Research Center survey found that “in November 2020, 39 percent of principals and district leaders say their district had converted snow days to remote learning days, and another 32 percent said their districts were considering the change.”
At first glance, this premise seems outrageous. As if our increasingly fast-paced society which prioritizes efficiency over leisure was not already leaving little room for fun, now kids cannot even enjoy snow days? I am with you, it is downright un-American.
As someone who has experienced a post-COVID public school classroom, though, I can sympathize with superintendents who feel there is no time to waste. According to NBC, “nearly [nine] in 10 parents are worried about their children losing ground academically” since the pandemic shut down schools. It is imperative that we catch students up.
However, it is hypocritical that these parents and school officials recognize that virtual learning’s shortcomings have put us into this mess, but simultaneously believe that using online spaces in place of snow days is expected to get us out.
This battle also calls into question the proceedings of colleges and universities in the event of extreme weather episodes. In recent weeks, Washington College has had multiple closings and delays — and delays which turned into closings. Breaks in the norm such as these are usually welcomed, and can even be healthy. Having a snow day here and there is beneficial to the mental health and well-being of students and staff alike.
That being said, being situated on Maryland’s Eastern Shore comes with a great deal of climate unpredictability, and the threat of long-lasting weather events is very real. A plan for how to proceed with classes in these situations may have to involve some type of virtual learning. This does not negate the fact that snow days are a sacred right, and virtual solutions should only be explored if multiple consecutive closings are needed.
Though this is sometimes forgotten due to the overarching residential nature of WC, commuters do exist. Staff members and professors do not just appear out of thin air or live beneath campus grounds in some kind of secret catacomb. Closings and delayed openings are designed to keep everyone safe, especially those who must drive to campus.
Accessibility is another practical argument against virtual learning in lieu of snow days. Students may have varying access to the internet or limited technological resources, which could hinder their ability to participate in a remote class. Not to mention the benefits that being in a traditional classroom setting offers, including visual aids and more open opportunities to share thoughts or questions.
Lastly and perhaps most importantly, students are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, not only on our learning landscape but on our collective mental health. So much of our formative years have been lost. While it is important to ensure education is still paramount in places like WC, tinkering with one of our last hopes of childlike wonder is not the way to motivate students. In fact, weather closings just might decrease the need for students to skip class for “mental health days.”
All of these factors combined point to a need to preserve the sanctity of snow days and reserve virtual learning resources as a last resort. In the long run, WC will have a happier, safer, and more equitable learning environment.
Photo by Liv Barry
Photo caption: Snow days are uncertain for students nationwide.