Jan 18, 2024 4 min read

Q. This is ridiculous. I want snow days back. When the weather is bad, instead of canceling school, we have an online day where we work on our computers. First, this whole idea reminds me of the lockdown, and I hated lockdown. Most of us did. I was 12 in 2020 when the schools were closed. Let me tell you, sixth grade is a lousy year to have school online. Second, I just don’t learn all that well unless I’m with a teacher. Finally, I’m old enough to remember real snow days. I loved them, and so did everyone I know, including the teachers. My mom says when she was a kid, snow days were wonderful too. What’s not to like? You get a day off, you don’t need to freeze at the bus stop, and stress lowers. Plus, at least in my family, my mom was able to take off when there was a snow day because she works at a school, so we had some great family time. We made cookies and it was like a mini vacation. I bet you can’t give me one single reason why snow days no longer happen. I dare you. – 16-year-old

Mary Jo’s Response: I loved snow days when our children were young! I was like your mom. I cooked and enjoyed my kids. Their friends who could walk to our house often did. I’d bake homemade bread. I have vivid memories of sitting by the radio and listening to hear if their school was canceled. This was before email, cellphones, and the internet. You’re right, snow days could be a lot of fun.

I’m not the kind of person who takes a dare, but I will try to respond to your question. Why would schools not just cancel when it snows and the roads are unsafe?

First, let’s talk about tradition. Snow days are regional. Let me explain. What constitutes an unsafe amount of snow in one geographic area may be vastly different from another. I once taught a February conference in North Carolina when a dusting of snow was forecast; less than an inch. The TV forecaster warned everyone in solemn tones to “remain in your homes.” On the opposite perspective, I flew into Northern Canada to teach one January and landed to see snow that nearly came to my forehead, yet the people who picked me up at the airport were calm and took the weather in stride.

In PA where you’re from, snow days were traditional until the pandemic awakened school districts to the possibility of online learning. Despite your dismay, students did learn during lockdown, granted, with varying degrees of success. Not only did schools adjust to online connection, so did businesses. I think we’ve all benefited from the ability to stay connected virtually.

I agree with your feelings. They’re valid. Many students learn best in person. Yet, consider the need for schools to offer a set number of instructional days. When snow days were frequent, it was common for the school year to end later in June. Those missed days needed to be made up.

Another factor you may not have considered is the reality of working parents. Your mom and I were both fortunate to be able to take off work when our children were home from school, but most parents are not so lucky. Child care needs to be arranged, often at the last minute, and parents may be forced to take time off. They may be saving those days for holidays or vacation.

Like most things in life, moderation may be key. Most districts build in some extra days. When winter is mild, they are not always used, so a day off may result. Try to make the best of virtual learning when it happens and enjoy the warmth of your home. You can probably squeeze in time to make cookies, too.

Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.