Many Southern Ontario school boards are doing snow days differently this year, with some offering classroom instruction online for all students when buses are cancelled, and others shutting down schools entirely on snow days.
These changes are related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Boards closing entirely on snow days are concerned the smaller cohorts who attend school on those days might mix, increasing the possibility of infection.
And, of course, remote instruction materials and infrastructure are much more commonly available these days.
But local school boards say it’s pretty much business as usual when it comes to snow days in this region.
In an email to Sudbury.com, Rainbow board spokesperson Nicole Charette said when transportation is cancelled due to inclement weather, the board’s schools will remain open and staff is expected to report to work.
“Classes will continue for elementary remote learners,” she said.
“In person learners in elementary schools who go to school will receive instruction, consolidation and support. There will be no mixing of cohorts or combining of classes on snow days as we continue to follow all health and safety protocols.
“In secondary schools, students who attend in person and remotely will also receive instruction, consolidation and support. Again, there will be no mixing of cohorts or combining of classes.”
Conseil Scolaire Catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO) spokesperson Paul de la Riva also said that as they have in the past, schools will remain open on snow days, and will continue to operate.
“A day of learning will be provided to students,” he said.
“Inclement weather does not prevent all children from attending school and we wish to continue to support our families who decide to transport their children to school. Although less students are usually at school during snow days, learning activities are maintained and students can benefit from this support.”
He said the only change in his board’s policy is that in the past, staff were (with permission) able to work at another school closer to their home when road conditions were dangerous.
This year, they are asked to present themselves at their regular workplace. “This change is to respect health and safety measures related to COVID and limit social contact,” he said.
Students who normally receive in-person instruction will not receive remote instruction on snow days. “Schools will continue to receive students while students pursuing their learning online will also continue to do so,” de la Riva said.
Students taking part in virtual school will continue to be supported by their teachers on snow days, and their learning will continue, he said.
Conseil Scolaire Publique du Grand-Nord d’Ontario (CSPGNO) and Sudbury Catholic District School Board also answered our emailed query on the subject, but did not go into as much detail.
A spokesperson for CSPGNO, Carole Dubé, said in a short email that “it is business as usual for us.”
Sudbury Catholic director of education Joanne Bénard said in an email statement that “we do not anticipate any changes to the procedures we follow when buses are cancelled due to the weather conditions.”
