As the winter weather is approaching, the Wentzville School District is working hard to make sure they are prepared this winter season.
The new superintendent Brian Bishop, who was the former Interim Superintendent, has released what to expect for upcoming winter weather school closures.
Unlike previous years, from now on, only 1-2 traditional snow days will not need to be made up at the end of the year. Former superintendent, Danielle Tormala made it to where there were up to 7 of these traditional snow days before we would have to transition to AMI days.
After those 2 traditional snow days have been used, we then will transition to Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) learning days. During these days, students are expected to learn remotely at home. During 3-7 snow days, no make up days will be required. One good thing about this new policy is that if the Wentzville School District reaches 3-7 snow days, the last day of school will be moved up to May. 23.
When first hearing about this information, some students were shocked at how little traditional snow days we have built in.
“I think we should be allowed more regular snow days,” Anabelle Hargrove (12) said. “I mean, we had so many last year and everything went fine.”
Bishop made sure to provide as much information as he could to families and students in order for everyone to be happy.
“We understand that unexpected changes to your family’s schedule can be frustrating. Our team takes these decisions seriously and uses all available information to ensure the safety of our students,” Bishop said.
In the case of 8-11 snow days, AMI days will no longer be needed. With that being said, every snow day that is used will be added onto the end of the school calendar starting at the original last day of school, which is currently set at May. 23.
In the rare case of 12 or more school days, just like 8-11 snow days, any day used as snow days will be added onto the end of the year, but this time starting with the last day of school being May. 30.
Although 12 snow days are highly unlikely, it is not impossible. The WSD made sure to plan ahead for the future of all schools. This procedure is set and was reviewed by the Board of Education before Memorial Day. It was then approved by the board of education, which then was implemented in a message to all staff members and WSD families.
Seniors are the most affected by this new rule out of all students. Normally, seniors have around a week to prepare for graduation. The impact of how many snow days we have during the duration of a school year will determine seniors’ last day. As of right now, it is too early to tell when the seniors’ last day will be.
