By Bella Ghile
FCPS has 13 built-in snow days in a school year; more than enough days to combat Virginia’s predictable weather. In a typical school year, they need to meet the status quo of 990 hours of instruction, or “teaching time;” this number may now be lower because of virtual school. But because of “hours of instruction” system versus the previous set requirement of 183
full days of school, it lets FCPS have more Photo Courtesy of FCPS
leeway for cancellations and use 2-hour delays more often to gauge the weather. Regardless, the 13 built-in snow days haven’t changed due to the virtual setting, so why isn’t FCPS using them?
Weather in Fairfax County has never been an issue. There is the once in a while hurricane scare, but overall I remember the practice drills more than the “environmental disasters.” Although Virginia’s weather can be strange, as it shifts from being below freezing to a day full of sunshine the next, in these last five years, I don’t recall surpassing the built-in 13 snow days limit. This is mainly due to global warming, but this is an issue for another day, or should I say the issue for the next generation. Temperatures are increasing though, it is evident through an increase of warmer days in the winter. Especially seeing 6 inches of fluffy snow, and then in a few hours, it can make for a slushie smoothie. So why not let the kids enjoy their day off? Neighboring counties like Loudon, Prince George, and Alexandria have surely gotten the memo, as they unleash thousands of kids from the reins of school by merely sending a tweet. It’s a harmless thing and can effectively raise a child’s dopamine level quickly. There is a high number of elementary school students, so the probability of them paying attention in class while large snowflakes land on the concrete beneath their eyes in an already distractive environment is very low. Even middle and high schoolers can use a break, as school pressure piles on with tests and the frustration of not being able to understand certain topics are enough said for a break.
Snow days give people a chance to connect with their family and friends. I hear the neighborhood children run onto the parks to meet with their friends to build snowmen. And the annual winter pictures taken next to their snowman. It truly is one of those moments a family can treasure forever.
Not to mention, mental health issues are at a high. Many students, parents, and teachers alike are facing stress, depression, anxiety, etc… at an increased rate. The lack of seeing familiar faces daily, and doing those everyday things that you hate, but give you structure: waking up at 6 am for school to see a text message from FCPS that says “All activities and .. are canceled for the day,” makes you appreciate school 10x more. And a student who is going through a tough time may really need it. So why isn’t FCPS using snow days?
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