By Bryce Whittier ’24
The use of online learning has made it possible to go to school anywhere. Naturally, many wondered, even feared what implications this would have for that most revered of student winter traditions: snowdays. Reminiscent of the feeling brought only by waking up in the morning to see that school has been canceled and replaced by a day of mental relaxation, some students and teachers worried about what may happen to that bliss with the newfound capabilities of virtual learning. The New York Times even published an article titled, “Sorry Kids. Snow Days are Probably Over.”
But at Saint Ignatius, our principal Dr. Anthony Fior ‘02, the person with the greatest authority on such issues, seems to have an idea of the answer in mind.
“Just because we can have virtual learning on a snow day, does not mean we need to have virtual learning,” Dr. Fior said. “I think the occasional … snow day is kind of a joy that kids and even teachers love.”
I think the occasional … snow day is kind of a joy that kids and even teachers love.
Given this response and Dr. Fior’s decision to have a traditional snow day on February 15th, his first snow day call as principal, it seems likely that snow days will, for the most part, still be the day we all know and love. However, there is one key potential alteration. Dr. Fior says that one exception would be if there were a long streak of snow days. “In the situation where there is an extended period of days, 3-4 snow days, maybe that is different,” Fior said. “I think we will have to have some conversations with our faculty.”
Much of what Dr. Fior has said, suggests that snow days are likely to remain. As long as Cleveland weather stays consistent, 1-2 snow days in each of the years to come are well within the realm of possibility. If, however, Northeast Ohio is annihilated with snow, it seems Saint Ignatius will then have 1-2 traditional snow days, but transition to online learning while the weather clears up.
It seems the principal is supportive of protecting the future of snow days, but what about the teachers? “I really hope we let you keep your snow days,” Mrs. Hruby said. “Snow days are also one of the joys of childhood, and you guys aren’t going to be kids for much longer.”
“My undying hope is that snow days will continue. I just love that feeling when you wake up at 6 AM and check your phone and school has been called… you go back to bed and wake up at 10 and drink hot chocolate,” Ms. Martin said. “I think realistically, we probably won’t have too many snow days going forward.”
“I think we will have snow days, like 1 or 2, but that is probably it,” Senor Torres said. “After that, it will probably be online.”
It seems many teachers are in agreement: snow day will likely still happen. This, combined with Dr. Fior’s opinion on snow days, and the decision to call of of school this Tuesday seems to be a shimmer of hope for some continuity in this trying time of ever-changing schedules, learning management systems, and conventions. All indications suggest that snow days, a treasured winter delight, will survive!
