Snow days ran out quickly the week of Jan. 3. The five snow days that FCPS accommodated were quickly used due to the unexpected amount of snow and the bad weather conditions that were in place. As good as it felt to have a full week off of school, we no longer have snow days which is a pretty big factor in the winter.

Prior to the start of the 2021-2022 school year, FCPS announced that there would be only five inclement weather days or more known as “snow days” for the year and also decided to transition to use virtual learning if there were to be more snow or bad weather conditions that affect in person learning after the five snow days are used. For example, since the five snow days or inclement weather days have been used, the next time it snows or the weather is a concern for students and staff, and in-person learning is inaccessible that day, virtual learning is used to make up for the in person learning that is being missed that same day. Also a two hour delay is in place when virtual learning is used for inclement weather.

With virtual learning causing concerns and struggles for students the past years, there has not been much preparation for virtual learning this year which has also caused a bit of concern and frustrations by students while others do not mind. On Jan. 20, students are going to attend class virtually due to weather conditions.

“I think FCPS should at least be able to give seven days of snow because you never know with the weather,” said senior Valentina Pinzon. “ I think it’s a good way to use virtual learning because it helps us keep up with our classes while we can’t be in school,” said Pinzon. “It was a good idea to use the snow days this early because it was the safest option for students and staff.” Pinzon said.

“I really enjoyed the snow days while they lasted, I do miss having more snow days but unfortunately FCPS is limiting them.” said senior Gabe Thayer “ I think it is a good way to keep students engaged with their classes even while doing virtual learning at home but sometimes students just need to take the day off without having to worry about a project that’s due next class,” said Thayer. “It was nice to use the snow days but it would be nice to still have some left although we have none left,” Thayer said.

“I think that only giving five snow days for a county that does not have enough protocols put in place for when it does snow and people are unable to drive in those conditions does not make any sense,” said senior Nawal Abikar. “Using virtual learning when it snows kind of defeats the purpose of having snow days built in the school calendar,” said Abikar. “I’m not surprised our snow days got used up so quickly considering we didn’t have that many to begin with.”