With a number of snow days, half days and delays this winter, students are embracing the extra time off, but how does it impact learning and schedules? As the snow piles up, so do the challenges of keeping up with coursework, leaving it up to schools to balance education with unpredictable weather.
Each year, winter weather forces school districts to make tough decisions about whether to cancel, delay or modify the school schedule. While students and teachers may celebrate the unexpected break, these disruptions come with consequences. The debate over whether half days or delays are more effective has become a common discussion among students and educators.
Some students prefer delays over half days, as they allow extra sleep without significantly cutting into class time. A two-hour delay gives students more time to wake up and safely commute without disrupting the entire day’s schedule. However, others argue that delays can be frustrating, as they still require waking up early and heading to school with limited time for morning routines.
Senior Pio Kim expressed frustration with half days, saying, “Half days feel useless as classes are shorter and not much work is able to get done.”
Many students share this sentiment, believing that half days disrupt learning without offering any real benefits. Teachers often struggle to fit meaningful lessons into such short periods, leaving both students and educators feeling like the day was wasted.
Another major concern is the timing of school closure announcements. Many students and parents feel that decisions are made too late, forcing them to scramble to adjust their schedules. Some students may already be dressed and ready for school before an announcement is made, while parents with jobs struggle to find last-minute childcare solutions. The uncertainty can cause unnecessary stress, particularly when weather conditions seem manageable.
Beyond the immediate impact of cancellations and delays, there are broader scheduling concerns. The Maryland state requires 180 days of instruction meaning that any missed days must be accounted for, often leading to makeup days during spring break or extending the school year further into June. The make-up days can be frustrating for students and teachers who look forward to planned vacations, summer jobs or simply a break from academics. Some students worry that the constant disruptions will make it harder to retain information and properly prepare for exams, especially AP and standardized tests. Teachers also face the challenge of adjusting lesson plans to accommodate lost days, which can lead to rushed instruction and reduced class discussions.
One proposed solution is to implement virtual learning on snow days, preventing the need for makeup days. However, this comes with its own challenges, including accessibility issues for students without reliable internet and decreased engagement compared to in-person instruction. While some districts have experimented with this approach, it remains a debated topic. Others suggest extending the length of the school day slightly to compensate for missed time rather than adding extra days at the end of the year, though some students find this solution unfavorable.
“I don’t think Howard County should extend our days because it’s going to interfere with sports and afterschool activities,” junior Gabriel Summerfield said.
The decision to cancel or delay school is never an easy one, and some students feel that schools are too cautious with their approach. There have been instances where school is canceled despite clear roads and mild conditions, leading to frustration among students and parents. On the flip side, others argue that safety should always be the top priority, and it is better to be overly cautious than to risk dangerous road conditions. The unpredictability of Maryland winters makes it difficult to always get the decision right.
“I hate when school cancels for no reason because we have to make up for the days at the end of the year when it’s not our fault for missing days in the first place,” junior Joseph Petrae stated.
Whether it’s a snow day, half day or a delay, each has their pros and cons. While students enjoy the occasional unexpected day off, the disruptions to learning and scheduling remain a challenge. School districts must continue to find a balance between ensuring student safety and minimizing the academic consequences of frequent schedule changes. With more winter weather potentially on the way, the conversation about how best to handle these interruptions is far from over.