Children in the Big Apple will not be able to enjoy the winter days at school this year, and will instead be forced to sit at home, in front of screens.
Schools Chancellor David Banks said Tuesday in an appearance on Fox 5’s “Good Day New York”, “There are technically no more snow days. With the new technology that we have – that’s one of the good things that came out of COVID – if a snow day comes around, we want to make sure that our kids continue to learn.” He added, “So, sorry kids! No more snow days, but it’s gonna be good for you!”
Source: Stephen Speranza for The New York Times
First implemented during the pandemic in 2020, the no snow day policy forces students into remote learning. “On ‘snow days’ or days when school buildings are closed due to an emergency, all students and families should plan on participating in remote learning,” a note on the upcoming school year calendar warns.
Angered by the decision, several parents took to Twitter, with one writing, “NYC removing snow days is the most foul thing (you) can do with the advancement of technology.” Another user wrote, “NYC cancelling snow days is a sin.”
A United Federation of Teachers union spokesperson said all teachers had to have a “digital classroom” set up by a Sept. 30 deadline to ensure students aren’t affected by the sudden switch to remote learning, if required. “The set-up should include uploading necessary materials for the first day of an emergency closure,” the spokesperson said.
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