MCPS Transitions to Virtual on Snow Days

by Bryan Kim ‘23

On February 1, the MCPS Board of Education approved a plan to consider transitioning to virtual learning on days in-person instruction is closed due to inclement weather for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year. Board members believe that virtual learning during snow days is an adequate way to avoid further disruptions to the school calendar, as the plan states that virtual learning days will contribute towards the 180 minimum required days of instruction under Maryland law 7-103. The decision to go virtual will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The Board of Education voted 7-1 to approve the plan to transition to virtual learning on snow days. The SMOB, Hanna O’Looney, voted against the plan, believing the district did not have enough student input to move on with the plan. 

“I feel like we’re talking about students and how they feel without ever making an effort to actually include them and inform them,” she stated. “I think to make this decision without ever asking for input from our greater student community … is going to be a real hit to student morale at a time where we know students are already overworked and exhausted.”

During inclement weather, MCPS transportation and leadership will monitor the weather forecast and notify families and students whether schools will transition to virtual learning. Students will be asked to make sure they bring home Chromebooks, chargers, and other instructional materials. Staff will also be asked to be prepared with virtual instruction lessons and materials. 

Families and students can be notified through the MCPS website, ConnectEd for system emails and text messages, Alert MCPS countywide emergency texting system, social media, local news media, MCPS- TV, and through recorded phone line (301-279-3673). 

In order to allow time for students and staff to adjust, login, and access resources during an inclement weather virtual learning day, all instruction will begin two hours later than the school’s normal bell schedule. Virtual bell schedules and other information specific to individual schools will be communicated through the principal. If students are unable to access instruction during inclement weather days, they will be marked excused and given the opportunity to make up the missed work.

From January 27 to January 31, MCPS opened a survey for parents to answer questions and share their thoughts on virtual learning when school buildings are closed due to inclement weather. Of those who responded, parents were roughly evenly split between keeping traditional snow days or utilizing virtual learning.