Dear Residents of Elizabeth New Jersey,

If you are not aware, for these past few snowstorms the students of Elizabeth haven’t had any snow days. Every time there is snowstorm students and faculty work virtually. There are multiple reasons why this is unfair to residents of Elizabeth. The first reason being because these recent storms have caused internet problems for many students and faculty. These problems cause classes to not be able to run smoothly and also causes students to miss class because they can’t get into the call. Not having snow days puts students who have internet problems at a disadvantage because they are missing class and aren’t learning. These students miss class because of something that they can’t control. The second reason why not having snow days is unfair is because parents and guardians have to shovel snow without any help. These past few storms we have gotten a lot of snow and my dad has had to go outside to shovel snow alone because my siblings and I are in school and can’t help. My mom has arthritis so she couldn’t go outside to help my dad because the cold makes it worse. Since kids have to go to school, they can’t go help their parents shovel snow. Some kids have parents who are a little older who have a lot of trouble shoveling snow especially if they are doing it alone. My third reason is because students and faculty need a break. Kids enjoy going to school because they like to be social and talk to their friends and teachers, but since we are virtual it is kind of hard to have separate conversations in a group call with 25 people. Doing school virtually has been very challenging for a lot of students and has affected their mental health. Kids aren’t motivated to go to school and do work. This is also a challenge for teachers because they are trying to keep students engaged through a computer screen. Virtual school isn’t easy, and people need a break. The fourth and final reason is that students would probably prefer an extra school day of in-person school over a virtual day of school. This year is my eighth-grade year and I am going to graduate. It is horrible that eight graders are spending their last year in middle school staring at a computer screen. Students would probably prefer to spend an extra day of their last year in middle school in person. In person, students can give their fair wells to teachers and other students. If you agree with what I wrote, I have made a petition for the residents of Elizabeth to sign, it would very helpful if you shared this with others. Thank you for your time and stay safe.