New York City Snow Day Dreams Crumble Under Strict School Schedule
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed child of the snow, sparked hope among city school children that they would get to experience a traditional snow day this year. However, his comments were swiftly extinguished by the harsh reality of the packed school calendar and the growing number of cultural holidays on the education department's schedule.
Mamdani hinted at reviving the old-fashioned snow day for kids, citing the joys of sledding and childhood memories as reasons to reconsider. But Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels quickly quashed those hopes, stating that any decision would have to include remote learning.
The mayor's remarks were seemingly contradicted by his own statements, which led spokespeople at the education department and City Hall to refer reporters back to his most recent comments. By Friday morning, Mamdani put an end to the classic snow day, declaring that kids would have to attend remote classes if in-person instruction was called off due to the storm.
The rise of remote learning has made snow days a thing of the past in New York City schools. The education department's calendar is packed with cultural holidays and start and end dates required by the teachers' union, making it nearly impossible to accommodate a traditional snow day.
Education officials confirmed that this year's calendar includes exactly 180 instructional days – without a snow day. Remote learning during the snow has been glitchy in the past, with many families unable to log on during the first major remote snow day post-pandemic.
Parents are divided on the issue, with some embracing the idea of remote learning and others determined to have an old-fashioned snow day no matter what officials decide. One mother, Leigh Ross, expressed her frustration, saying, "I just don't see the harm in letting kids have a day off to play in the snow."
As the forecast remains uncertain, authorities are urging New Yorkers to be prepared for a foot or more of snow. The safety of students, staff, and school communities will remain the top priority, with officials encouraging families to follow guidance from local authorities and weather reports.
In the end, it seems that old-fashioned snow days are truly extinct in New York City schools, at least for now.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed child of the snow, sparked hope among city school children that they would get to experience a traditional snow day this year. However, his comments were swiftly extinguished by the harsh reality of the packed school calendar and the growing number of cultural holidays on the education department's schedule.
Mamdani hinted at reviving the old-fashioned snow day for kids, citing the joys of sledding and childhood memories as reasons to reconsider. But Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels quickly quashed those hopes, stating that any decision would have to include remote learning.
The mayor's remarks were seemingly contradicted by his own statements, which led spokespeople at the education department and City Hall to refer reporters back to his most recent comments. By Friday morning, Mamdani put an end to the classic snow day, declaring that kids would have to attend remote classes if in-person instruction was called off due to the storm.
The rise of remote learning has made snow days a thing of the past in New York City schools. The education department's calendar is packed with cultural holidays and start and end dates required by the teachers' union, making it nearly impossible to accommodate a traditional snow day.
Education officials confirmed that this year's calendar includes exactly 180 instructional days – without a snow day. Remote learning during the snow has been glitchy in the past, with many families unable to log on during the first major remote snow day post-pandemic.
Parents are divided on the issue, with some embracing the idea of remote learning and others determined to have an old-fashioned snow day no matter what officials decide. One mother, Leigh Ross, expressed her frustration, saying, "I just don't see the harm in letting kids have a day off to play in the snow."
As the forecast remains uncertain, authorities are urging New Yorkers to be prepared for a foot or more of snow. The safety of students, staff, and school communities will remain the top priority, with officials encouraging families to follow guidance from local authorities and weather reports.
In the end, it seems that old-fashioned snow days are truly extinct in New York City schools, at least for now.
[image of a kid looking disappointed] 
. And remote learning is just a fact of life now, like it or not 
. I guess if you're gonna live in NYC, you've gotta be prepared for some online classes during the snow days 
. The mayor was just trying to give us all a little hope, but I guess that's what happens when you have to deal with all those calendars and union rules 
I'm soooo disappointed 
about this news! Who doesn't love a good snow day?! 
.
, but can't we make exceptions for special occasions like snow days?! 
It's not fair to parents who want their kids to experience the magic of a traditional snow day 
. And what about the kids themselves? They deserve a break from school and some quality time with their families in the snow 
.
! Fingers crossed 
remote learning is cool and all but it's not the same as actually being able to play in the snow. my kids are gonna kill me if they don't get to go sledding on this one. 
mayor mamdani was like the voice of reason here, i wish he could've made some real changes. schools chancellor samuels is just trying to stick to the schedule and all that but can't we make an exception for snow days? 
it's just so frustrating when we're stuck in this new normal and old ways aren't being considered enough... 
. Can't they just let kids have a break to play in the snow without all the drama? I mean, come on, 180 instructional days with no snow day? That's just crazy talk 
I swear, this remote learning thing is just a bunch of hooey 
.
remote learning might be convenient but it can't replace the value of a good ol' fashioned snow day. plus, what's wrong with a little bit of disruption from the daily routine? it's all about finding that balance between academics and self-expression 
about this... i was really hoping to have a snow day with my kids today