“Pausing” Education for Inclement Weather

Inches upon inches of snow made its wintry appearance well known throughout central Virginia causing many school delays and cancellations for both teachers and students. Yes, the groundhog’s shadow proved to be correct when frigid snowflakes began spilling from the sky leaving their blankets atop buildings and roadways.

Most weather sources were calling for 7 to 12 feet of snow between that Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. A few schools and businesses had already prepared for the snow’s hazards by closing before its arrival. However, many other people were forced to rush home before the roads that they once depended on became their worst enemy.

PVCC was one of the many schools apparently blindsided by the growth of the fast building winter-wonderland. The college closed its doors after the fast-falling flakes had already arrived. Surrounding schools also closed early and canceled all of their evening activities.

Students from Richmond to Roanoke were ecstatic about the possibility of a few days off from their usual status quo. With no school, many built new snow friends, while others took their time to catch up on school-work or personal projects. Whatever the activity, it was the perfect time for students to fill themselves in hot chocolate.

When asked about how she spends her typical snow day, high-school student Aeri Armstrong from Nelson County says, “All I do is watch TV.” She should have been attending her four classes that day, but Mother Nature had her own plans.

For many teachers and professors, the winter weather brought days of lesson-plan frustration. Instead of looking out their windows and admiring the ensemble of the outdoors, they sat in front of their computers rethinking their schedule. Less school equals more work for students in a smaller amount of time.

When asked about the snow’s affect on students, current teacher Deniese Jasper said, “Any little bit of time away from learning is not a good thing. The longer students stay away from school, the more brain-dead they become.” The snow cost her school two cancellations and two delays.

It would be a good idea for students to take the time and learn a little something during a snow day. Get lost in a book, complete some homework, compose a poem, watch a documentary, create a documentary. Just make sure to stay safe, warm, and knowledgeable.

Winter proves to be full of surprises. Some people enjoy the wonder of each snowflake and appreciate the time spent away from their usual activities. Others are put in difficult situations where the snow causes stress and re-planning. For students, it is important not to be too distracted by the snow. The weather can not act as a pause button for education.