Danvers Takes Wait-And-See Approach On 'Blizzard Bags'

DANVERS, MA -- School districts across the state are implementing plans to makeup days lost to snow this winter, and in Burlington, Melrose and Wakefield, officials have turned to so-called "blizzard bags." The bags contain homework assignments students can complete on snow days or, in some cases, after cancellations. The goal is to avoid extending the school year deep into June.

But Wicked Local reports that Danvers Public Schools has yet to adopt such a program. Superintendent Lisa Dana said the school system is looking to see how the blizzard bag plan works out in other communities. Right now, Danvers has used its five allotted snow days that are built into the school calendar, and the last day of school is scheduled for June 27. School districts are under pressure to finish by the end of June, as contracts with teachers prohibit the school year from ending after June 30.

Dana said next year it will reorganize its calendar so two professional development days are scheduled before Labor Day and the start of the school year, giving the district more flexibility with its inclement weather scheduling.

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).