Schools
Mahwah Schools Students, Staff Celebrate First Snow Day
Schools in the district have taken to social media to share some scenes from students and staff as they enjoy the snow day on Thursday.
MAHWAH, NJ — The leadership in Mahwah's public school district positioned themselves as snow day friendly earlier this year when they announced virtual learning wouldn't buck tradition when it came to a day off post-snowfall.
Well, on Wednesday night, the district stayed true to their word, not only canceling school for Thursday, but celebrating the decision.
"First snow day of the school year is tomorrow. Everyone unplug and have a wonderful day off. You deserve it," said Director of Curriculum and Instruction Michael DeTuro, on Twitter.
Find out what's happening in Mahwahfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
@mahwahschools first snow day of the school year is tomorrow. Everyone unplug and have a wonderful day off. You deserve it! #MahwahConnects @njdotcom @NJEA @NJASANews @NJPSA pic.twitter.com/gRZKXpZZpN
— Michael DeTuro, Ed.D. (@DrDeTuro) December 17, 2020
DeTuro wasn't the only person to voice excitement about the day away, as a majority of the district took to Twitter to announce the news and share photos both Wednesday evening, and on Thursday.
Tweets from the district are below:
Find out what's happening in Mahwahfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
It is official. Tomorrow, Thursday December 17th is a Snow Day!!! Enjoy your day Lenape staff and students and send us your photos! @LMMahwah #MahwahConnects pic.twitter.com/Z4GBUBKMFE
— Lenape Meadows School (@LMMahwah) December 17, 2020
Thunderbirds: Enjoy the snow day Thursday. Sleep in late and then go outside and enjoy the snow! #MahwahConnects pic.twitter.com/9LHE11KGCs
— Mahwah High School (@MahwahHS) December 17, 2020
Put the books and computer away tomorrow! Enjoy the snow day, Mahwah! #MahwahConnects pic.twitter.com/V2rBnFrSRI
— Mahwah Public Schools (@mahwahschools) December 17, 2020
Enjoy your 1st Snow Day, Ramapo Ridge! Students, teachers, staff - you have more than earned it! #MahwahConnects #snowday pic.twitter.com/wF5n1VUuC6
— Ramapo Ridge MS (@RamapoRidgeMS) December 17, 2020
Love seeing our Lenape Ss making memories and enjoying their snow day! @LMMahwah #MahwahConnects pic.twitter.com/Hzkxp6lUoJ
— Lenape Meadows School (@LMMahwah) December 17, 2020
Mr. Cory and his children enjoying some snow day fun!! #MahwahConnects @_TheMSF_ @mahwahschools pic.twitter.com/q1eSBn1pjD
— Ramapo Ridge MS (@RamapoRidgeMS) December 17, 2020
In an October letter, Interim Superintendent Leonard Fitts shared his thoughts on the importance of snow days with the district.
"Snow days are chances for on-site learners and virtual learners to just be kids by playing in the snow, baking cookies, reading books, and watching a good movie," said Fitts. "These are times for memory-making, and we believe these types of opportunities should remain intact."
According to a recent survey from the EdWeek Research Center, Mahwah is in the minority of districts who've chosen this approach for 2020.
The survey found that 39 percent of districts will now use snow days as remote learning days, while an additional 31 percent haven't made the decision to get rid of snow days yet, but are considering it.
Of the districts polled, only 20 percent, like Mahwah, made the official decision to keep snow days.
READ MORE: In Mahwah, Snow Days Are For 'Memory-Making,' Not Remote Learning
Wednesday's storm did bring snow, but accumulation didn't reach the top end of the lofty projections.
Here are the latest snowfall totals from around the county:
- Franklin Lakes — 6.6 in.
- Westwood — 6.5 in.
- New Milford — 5.7 in.
- Glen Rock — 5.5. in.
- Ridgewood — 5.1 in.
- East Rutherford — 3.3 in.
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