Snowed in: snow days vs. virtual days

By Isaac Krueger

Recent snow days have raised questions about school cancellations with current technology. Through the pandemic, schools were able to supply students and staff with the equipment for at home learning. So why do we still have snow days? There are two sides to this argument and pros and cons of each. 

Pros of Virtual Days

Virtual days are marked as school days on the calendar, and, thus, don’t get taxed onto the end of the year. Virtual days can also prevent breaks in student learning and could keep teachers from doing unnecessary review over previous material. Teachers can also, for the most part, keep their teaching schedule in line and unaffected. Virtual days keep students learning without having to travel in dangerous weather. 

Cons of Virtual Days

Although virtual days appear to be the perfect answer, it has its problems that keep the district canceling school. Though technology has become more and more readily available, some members of the community lack the crucial elements that make at home learning possible. Weather can also affect technology, powerlines can fall, central heating systems can fail and other problems emerge from winter weather. Another problem emerges when thinking about the district as a whole. Elementary students may not be able to operate the technology enough to log onto an online class, let alone sit at home and pay attention to a screen. Child care is also affected, some parents are required to work and cannot monitor and aid their children throughout the day. Older siblings may also be responsible for watching their younger siblings and be distracted while trying to complete their own work. Unfortunately the district can’t cancel school for younger students, and have a distance learning day for older students. 

Update: Owasso Public Schools has decided to end snow days in place of virtual days.