It snowed a lot in the northeast last week, making for a perfect snow day, a time to unleash kids and teachers alike from devices of all sorts to play–making snow balls, snowmen, snow angels, and maybe get in some sledding, too. But the likes of Philadelphia School Superintendent Hite didn’t see it that way. Citing the importance of uninterrupted “learning” he, instead, like a host of others including NYC’s Mayor DeBlasio, kept kids screened in.
Not so West Virginia’s Jefferson County Sschools Superintendent Bondy Shay Gibson who sent out a letter to the community that quickly went viral and for good reason. In case you missed it:
For generations, families have greeted the first snow day of the year with joy. It is a time of renewed wonder at all the beautiful things that each season holds. A reminder of how fleeting a childhood can be. An opportunity to make some memories with your family that you hold on to for life.
For all of these reasons and many more, Jefferson County Schools will be completely closed for tomorrow, Dec.16, in honor of the 1st snow day of the year. Closed for students… closed for virtual… closed for staff. It has been a year of seemingly endless loss and the stress of trying to make up for that loss. For just a moment, we can all let go of the worry of making up for the many things we missed by making sure this is one thing our kids won’t lose this year.
So please, enjoy a day of sledding and hot chocolate and cozy fires. Take pictures of your kids in snow hats they will outgrow by next year and read books that you have wanted to lose yourself in, but haven’t had the time. We will return to the serious and urgent business of growing up on Thursday, but for tomorrow go build a snowman.
Ah…
Merry everything, well wishes, and thanks, too, for your ongoing support, Carol