In past years, if there was a lot of snow, school would be canceled. It would be unsafe for students and teachers to drive to school, so they would have a break for the day, playing in the snow or staying warm inside. However, as a result of the pandemic, students and teachers have learned new ways to connect virtually. Snow days may no longer be necessary because students and teachers do not physically need to be in school in order to learn or teach. 

While some people believe that snow days should still occur, others think that school should just take place online for that day. I have difficulty choosing a position. On one hand, snow helps bring happiness in this long period of uncertainty and loneliness. Students are stuck inside for a lot of their days, sitting on their computers, learning in solitary. They are missing seeing their friends and having conversations with others. Across the district, they have missed out on many opportunities, including trips, spirit week, and prom. A snow day would be a nice distraction from the losses and repetition of pandemic life. Students could see their friends in a safe setting outdoors, enjoy the snow, and have a break from their computers. On the other hand, with the new schedule, teachers lose a lot of instruction time. Classes are shortened, and the teachers need to fit the same amount of material in a different amount of time. High School students need to be prepared for their AP tests, and all students need to be prepared for their next year of education. A snow day would take away even more time.

Ultimately, I believe that there should still be snow days. With so much focus on our physical health, we often forget to take care of our mental health. Online learning can be exhausting and lonely. A snow day encourages students to go outside, see their friends while socially distancing, and free themselves from their computer screens. Losing one day of instruction will not be detrimental, and a couple hours of detachment and happiness can strengthen students’ well-beings and even make them more eager to learn. So go outside! Play in the snow! Do something that will make you happy!