The joy of a snow day is one that all children should have the privilege of experiencing. For the past several decades, Quincy Public Schools students have been given the entire day of school off on snow days. On these snow days, students have been able to leave the stress of being a student behind and truly be kids. To a child, there is something so magical about a snow day, whether that be building a snowman, curling up on the couch with a hot chocolate, or simply using the extra time to sleep in. Snow days are a gift of childhood and for so many they become fond memories full of happiness. Replacing the cancellation of school with remote classes takes away this joy, instead replacing it with stress.

2020 has been an extremely challenging year for everyone, there is no doubt. Students have already lost so much this year due to COVID-19, including sports, dances, clubs, and even normal social interactions within the school. Taking snow days away from these students, who are already deprived of so much normalcy, is simply uncalled for. At Quincy Public Schools, students are on Zoom calls at least three days a week, for 6 hours straight, with few breaks - remote students are in virtual classes during all five days of the school week. These types of classes are very unusual and hard for so many students to adjust to. Sitting in front of a screen all day, everyday is difficult and draining, especially on children. On a snow day, when a child is supposed to be creating joyous memories, they will now have to instead face the challenges that come with remote learning. 

Not only does requiring students to join Zoom calls for half of the day take away the full joy of a normal snow day, but it also causes a variety of complications for many. Often during snowstorms large enough to cancel school, the power goes out, leaving students without the internet. Those students without power will be unable to join their virtual classes, causing them to fall behind those students who do. Older students who have to help shovel or watch their younger siblings are also at a huge disadvantage. Requiring students to go to school, even for only a few hours, will only create more problems and stress - something that no student needs any more of during these already challenging times. 

We are asking for Quincy Public Schools to please allow all students to have the full day off on snow days, without having to attend any online classes.