Schools' Snow Day Letters Remind Us What's Truly Important Right Now

December 18, 2020

Many school districts are letting kids enjoy the season's first snow day -- even though the schools are virtual and do not need to close for student safety.

Jefferson County Schools in West Virginia declared a snow day Wednesday with a heartfelt note from Superintendent Bondy Shay Gibson, who told parents to "take pictures of your kids in snow hats they will outgrow by next year."

"For generations, families have greeted the first snow day of the year with joy," the letter reads. "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."

Another school principal sent out a similar letter. A screenshot of the email was posted by a parent to Reddit.

"We possess the technical ability to make snow-days a thing of the past, the fact that we can do something does not mean we should," the letter reads. "Our children have sacrificed so many joys of childhood in this pandemic year, and have exchanged the carefree nature of youth for anxiety of masks, distancing, and safety protocols. Now is not the time to deprive them of the joy of a snow day."