New Canaan Public Schools Announce 2nd-Straight Snow Day Tuesday

NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan Public Schools and the private New Canaan Country School will be closed again Tuesday, Feb. 2, both announced, as the community and the state digs out from Monday's severe winter storm. St. Luke's School in New Canaan, however, will host remote instruction for its students Tuesday, according to officials.

Schools Superintendent Bryan Luizzi explained his decision in a message posted on the district's website Monday evening:

Dear NCPS Community,

Due to the severity and duration of the storm, the New Canaan Public Schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

While some towns have designated tomorrow a "remote learning" day, we are not. We will have a traditional snow day.

There are several reasons why we believe this is the correct decision.

First, thanks to our on-time start in August, we have two additional days remaining in our schedule before we have to make up a snow-day in June.

Secondly, many homes are experiencing power outages due to the storm, and children living in those homes would be unable to participate remotely without power and WiFi.

Third, and most importantly, is this. As we have navigated the challenges of the pandemic, you've heard me say that we will always prioritize the health, safety, and wellfare of our school community above all else. I don't believe our goal should ever be to "get the day in" or to rush through the school year. The quality of a child's learning experience is paramount, and students learn best when they're in school, interacting with their peers and teachers, exploring and learning together. There may come a time when we have no choice but to substitue a "remote" day for an "in-person" day, but I'm not willing to do so unless absolutely necessary. Our days are too precious - and our work is too important - to do otherwise.

Besides, snow days are one of the joys of growing up and living in Connecticut. For children, they are magical opportunities to explore, discover, and play. For parents, they can be opportunities to create lifelong memories. By all accounts, we'll be back in school on Wednesday. Until then, I hope your time is filled with warm and wonderful moments that matter to you and your family, tomorrow and for a lifetime.

Onward!

Bryan

Bryan D. Luizzi, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
New Canaan Public Schools

As of about 8:45 p.m. Monday, 143 Eversource customers in New Canaan were without power due to the storm, according to the utility company.