Mahwah Schools Closed Thursday Amid Nor'easter

MAHWAH, NJ — Mahwah Public Schools students will have the opportunity to read a good book, curl up by the proverbial fire and bake cookies Thursday, just as interim Superintendent Leonard Fitts believes they should.

After making headlines across the country for their snow day friendly policy amid the coronavirus pandemic, the district announced Thursday night that classes would be canceled Thursday.

"Based on the weather forecast for our area, all Mahwah Township Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, December 17, 2020, for in-person and remote instruction," read a notification on the district's website.

The National Weather Service labeled the "major" system a "nor'easter" since it's expected to produce strong, sustained damaging winds and precipitation over a 24-hour period on Wednesday.

The storm was projected to dump up to a foot of snow in the northern part of the state, making roadways dangerous, and potentially knocking out power for multiple communities.

A cancellation should come as no surprise to anyone in the district, as a Tuesday letter said there was a "likelihood" that a snow day would be used Thursday.

No decision has been made for Friday classes, but it's possible the district will shift to remote learning.

"Depending on the amount of snow that accumulates Thursday, the resulting road conditions for the morning commute on Friday, and the inability to offer a delayed opening with our current compressed schedules, there may also be a need to engage in a fully remote learning day for Friday," the district wrote.

READ MORE: How The Nor'easter Is Already Impacting Mahwah