As the winter season officially begins this weekend, the possibility for inclement weather, including snow and ice increases.
At John Carroll, the inclement weather policy accommodates emergency closings and delays for weather related events.
The policy on The John Carroll School website states that in the event of inclement weather, the school may be closed, delayed, or dismissed early. All updates and changes would be announced on the JC emergency communication system, the school website and social media.
JC follows Harford County Public Schools regarding changes to the school day. The JC website says, “If HCPS is not in session and/or not utilizing emergency closures for weather-related events then the decision is made by The John Carroll School.”
Specifically, during the winter months, snow days are often what changes the school’s daily schedule. JC gives students three snow days (no classes are held), and after the three are used, students and teachers switch to virtual learning.
Assistant Principal of Academics, Danica Attanasio said, “We have three regular off days, then we switch to virtual learning through Teams.”
As many Patriots know, the policy is the same as last year.
“The policy worked well, and we had no reason to change it,” said Mrs. Attanasio regarding the same inclement weather policy for snow days as last year.
In the case of virtual learning due to three inclement weather days being used, “Teachers will receive information about expectations and students have a Teams login to use. Teachers will post any directions for classes on Veracross,” explained Mrs. Attanasio.
“Everybody likes a snow day. By keeping three days, you can still have that break before going virtual; then you do not have to make up the days at the end of the year,” added Mrs. Attanasio.
Sophomore Leo Lacotti said, “I like how the school gives us a fair amount of days off, but I would not like that after three days, they would add more at the end of the year.”
Freshman Cate Bianco said, “I am hoping for snow this year, and I like the off days so I can have a break from all my schoolwork.”
Cate added that she would rather go virtual during inclement weather than have full days off, “so I can have my whole summer.”
Junior Arabella Holmes commented, “I would rather have snow days than virtual days and just have them added to the end of the year so we can have that day to enjoy the snow.”
Whether students want snow days or virtual, it is important to know the John Carroll inclement weather policy, especially since it is getting time to celebrate the winter months.
It is possible that the day used last week on Tuesday, December 10 may be the first of the three days used.
Last year the year was extended by one day as the timing for a fourth school closure corresponded with the change of semester. Additionally, another closure brought virtual learning to the forefront for one day.
At this point, there have been no days off due to inclement weather.