As winter’s chill settles over the county, FCPS has announced that virtual learning will no longer continue during snow days. This development also includes 11 snow days built into the school calendar, which differs from last year’s count of five structured into the calendar.
With recent winters yielding fewer snow days, the county has a complex forecast ahead: balancing state educational requirements against unpredictable weather patterns. FCPS has occasionally surpassed the 11-day threshold for snow days in the past decade, according to data from The Weather Network writer Dennis Mersereau. While the frequency of these events has decreased in recent years, recent predictions suggest that there is a greater potential for snow-related events this year.
“FCPS students and staff will likely get somewhere between 14 and 20 inches of snow, depending on where you are in the county,” said educational technology manager and weather expert Aron Sterling.
In preparation for these coming natural events, the county is undergoing a preparatory period this season. The county division has voiced deeper reasons for its policy change, emphasizing the importance of classroom presence.
“The division was concerned that new students and teachers since 2021 would not have experience with virtual learning. Additionally, we wanted to maximize in-person learning and ensure equitable access to instruction and student services for all students,” described a FCPS spokesperson who wished to remain anonymous.
Current bell schedules have been strategically designed to build in extra instructional time, exceeding Virginia’s mandated hours. Elementary and high schools run 42 minutes longer, while middle schools add an extra 27 minutes daily. These additional minutes accumulate, creating an 11-day cushion within the school year, which serves as a buffer against snow days. If snow days exceed this count, the county will collaborate with the Virginia Department of Education to fulfill all legal requirements for the school year.
Principal Michael Mukai cited accessibility as a key reason for the benefits of this decision. Previous attempts to add these buffer days to the school calendar resulted in more days at the end of the year and even ten-minute additions to each school day. The school division hopes to receive more feedback on this most recent decision, citing a new initiative to effectively gain community feedback.
“FCPS leadership heard from staff, parents, and students who shared their thoughts on virtual learning and snow days,” continued the spokesperson, also mentioning Superintendent Michelle Reid’s new email address that seeks to respond to and gather responses to this new choice: [email protected].
Students welcome this recent decision and even positively attribute the district’s commitment to community input. Several students express the change from the pandemic-era virtual learning to traditional snow days as one of progress. Citing their enthusiasm for the winter season ahead, students seem to stand behind this decision.
“I think if we do get to use the snow days, it’ll let everyone have an opportunity to maybe take a ‘lil break and enjoy the winter weather,” said senior Miranda Dress.
After virtual learning, the majority of students seek education away from the winter weather. Students can expect to put down their laptops and enjoy the snow.
