School is virtual already, but some students will still get a ‘snow day’ Thursday
Some Triangle students will get a snow day on Thursday, even though many already aren’t attending in-person classes.
With inclement weather in the forecast, here is what Triangle school districts are doing.
Wake County
Wake County students are receiving online-only classes through at least mid-February due to concerns about COVID-19 in the community.
Wednesday, Wake announced that students won’t be required to take live online classes on Thursday. Instead, teachers will communicate assignments to students to complete on their own.
This school year, snow days will become what Wake calls “asynchronous learning days,” in which teachers give students activities they can do on their own time. These days will not have to be made up.
“Schools will take into consideration that winter weather and snow days are a time-honored celebration in our community and assign work accordingly,” the district says on its website. “While there will be requirements for work, families should expect to also have time to celebrate their own traditions.
“Families will continue to receive an email and text message when the school day is modified due to inclement weather. When possible, the announcement will be made the day before so families can plan.”
The district has also announced that it’s canceling food distribution and all after-school activities and athletics on Thursday.
School athletic departments will determine if and when any athletic competitions will be rescheduled and announce any makeup dates.
Durham County
Durham Public Schools announced that all school facilities and in-person events are canceled Thursday. Durham has virtual classes for the remainder of the school year.
But Durham school officials say remote learning will continue as scheduled Thursday and that students are expected to log on at the usual time.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools said all school buildings — and even computers — will be closed Thursday for students and staff.
“That’s right. Closed. It’s a snow day, so please unplug, get away from your computers and enjoy your time,” according to a statement from the school distrcit.
That includes learning centers at University United Methodist Church, Hargraves Center and the Chapel Hill Community Center.
All sports will be postponed. A virtual meeting with new Superintendent Nyah Hamlett also will be rescheduled. Remote interviews for a school board vacancy will still be held at 6 p.m.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board members will decide in February when students will return to in-person learning, The News & Observer reported.
Orange County
Orange County is closing all school buildings, but all students will still have at-home remote learning Thursday. Teachers will also be remote with classes starting at the usual time.
All on-site activities, including before- and after-school care and supervised learning labs, are canceled. No meal sites will be open; double meals were provided Wednesday.
Johnston County
The Johnston County school system is declaring Thursday to be an asynchronous learning day for all students, so no live online classes will be held.
Most Johnston County students won’t return for in-person classes until next week. A small group of Pre-K and special-education students who are currently taking in-person classes will now join the rest of the district’s students in taking a remote learning day on Thursday.
The district is also canceling curbside meal service and all after-school activities Thursday.
This story was originally published January 27, 2021 at 4:54 PM with the headline "School is virtual already, but some students will still get a ‘snow day’ Thursday."
