My One Request for My Kids’ School This Year: Don’t Skip the Snow Days

Freehold: As a mom of two tweens, I really wish schools would keep snow days. Those unexpected days off were magical when I was a kid. I have so many great memories from them.

Honestly, my kids spend way too much time on screens for school already. They deserve some fun! As winter rolls in, I hope school leaders will call for at least one good old-fashioned snow day this season.

It’s important for kids today to experience the joy of snow days like I did. It’s not just about staying inside; I learned a lot about history, science, and art during those days.

Some lawmakers in states like Iowa, New Jersey, and Virginia are pushing to replace traditional snow days with remote classes. I really hope that doesn’t become the norm. Kids will miss out on the chance to be curious and explore.

Thinking back to my snow days in the 1980s in Freehold, I remember the excitement of seeing the first snowflakes. My dad would take my brother and me to Monmouth Battlefield State Park, where we’d sled down hills and then warm up inside while learning about history.

Those experiences were way more impactful than reading from a textbook. I remember tracking weather patterns on my calendar, which taught me about empirical evidence.

One of my favorite memories is watching a cardinal on a snowy day. The red against the white was stunning! I wanted to capture that moment, and it inspired me to get my own camera later on.

Nature can be beautiful and unpredictable, and I want my kids to appreciate that. It’s tough to enjoy the snow when they’re glued to their Chromebooks all day.

As a working mom, I get the stress of wondering about childcare when schools close. Snow days should be used wisely, but if schools have to close, remote learning shouldn’t always be the go-to option.

I miss the excitement of waiting to hear if school was canceled. My classmates and I would listen to the radio, hoping our district was on the list. Even with technology, I still see the joy on kids’ faces when they find out they have a snow day.

I think schools rely too much on technology. This past summer, one of my kids had to do all their assignments on a Chromebook, including reading. I ordered the physical book anyway.

Kids spend enough time on screens. If we get a snow day this winter, let them have that magical time to explore and dream, just once!