Students in Central Virginia are experiencing an unexpected early winter break as local school divisions contend with severe weather conditions. Over the past few weeks, two significant rounds of snow and icy roads have prompted numerous school closures and delays across the region.
Schools in Hanover, Petersburg, and Dinwiddie have particularly felt the impact, each missing four days of classes due to the inclement weather. In response, Hanover County officials announced a schedule adjustment, designating Monday, January 12, and Monday, February 16, as instructional days to help make up for lost time.
In contrast, Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico school divisions have adopted a more flexible approach. These districts resumed classes on Wednesday after only a brief delay. A spokesperson for Henrico noted that the school calendar still includes several built-in days for such disruptions.
Parents faced with the logistics of picking up their children from school expressed mixed feelings regarding the time off. While many appreciated the break, concerns linger about how extended closures could affect academic schedules. One parent remarked, “It’s going to be later; they might have to graduate later, to make up for the snow.”
Despite these concerns, Henrico Schools reassured parents that asynchronous learning is among various strategies available to address instructional time lost due to the weather.
Richmond’s Superintendent, Jason Kamras, highlighted worries about the long-term consequences of frequent snow days. He referenced research indicating that student absences tend to increase the day after such closures. In a recent newsletter, Kamras emphasized the importance of keeping schools open whenever possible, noting that school facilities provide a safe and warm environment for students. He also pointed out the disparities in neighborhood conditions, especially in areas like Southside, where sidewalks may be unavailable, rendering travel to schools particularly hazardous even when roads are clear in other parts of the city.
