AACPS Used All Its Snow Days, What Happens During Next Winter Storm?

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Students rejoiced when the snow gifted them a short school week. The same system that dumped up to 10 inches in Anne Arundel County on Sunday and Monday put students in a bind for the next winter storm.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools used all three of the inclement weather days built into its calendar, canceling class Monday through Wednesday. Schools also opened two hours late on Thursday and Friday.

So what happens if there's another significant snowfall?

AACPS can either have a virtual instruction day or cancel classes and add an extra school day to the end of the year.

"Staff and students have been reminded to take devices home daily so that we can switch to virtual instruction if needed," AACPS spokesperson Bob Mosier told Patch in a Friday email. "It would always be our preference to switch to virtual instruction rather than add a day to the end of the school year."

There are times, however, when online classes could be less appealing.

"It would be the circumstances of the situation that would dictate that decision. If there are widespread power outages, as an example, switching to virtual instruction may not be possible," said Mosier, who's also the voice of the recorded calls announcing snow days to families.

The last day for most students is currently Friday, June 13. Graduating seniors finish classes on Friday, May 23. Teachers can start summer vacation after their final day on Monday, June 16.

More information on AACPS's snow day plans is posted here.

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