Hanover Schools lays out plan for more possible snow days

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- As yet another winter storm approaches Central Virginia, Hanover County Public Schools is arming itself with a plan on how it will cope with even more snow days.

Like many Central Virginia school divisions, Hanover Schools was impacted by recent winter storms that have moved through the area, prompting many unplanned closures. A third in just a few weeks will bring heavy snowfall starting on Wednesday, Feb. 19 -- meaning schools may be out yet again.

During a scheduled Hanover School Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 17, board members were presented with the school district's updated Remote Learning Plan.

As of the time of reporting, students have had eight inclement weather days so far this 2024-25 school year. This new plan outlines how Hanover Schools will respond in the event of a maximum of five additional snow days.

The plan is as follows:

• Day 9 (next missed day): Remote learning day
• Day 10: No adjustments to school calendar
• Day 11: Remote learning day
• Day 12: No adjustments to school calendar
• Day 13: Remote learning day

According to school officials, remote schoolwork will look different depending on a student's grade level. For elementary schoolers, work will be activity-based across five lessons and it will be graded for participation and for attendance.

It will not require any technology, as elementary schoolers do not typically bring their school computers home. School officials said parents will receive information on this work through multiple means, including ParentSquare.

Proposal would extend recess at Hanover elementary schools

For middle and high schoolers, work will be completed via a student's Chromebook using Schoology. Teachers will do their best to keep up with the current curriculum. Additionally, teachers should be available via Google Meet to provide students with any help they might need.

School officials noted that some students may not have reliable access to the Internet at home. To help kids still succeed despite those limitations, students are being instructed to download their work ahead of time while at school so they will be able to reliably access it at home.

The school division is also encouraging teachers to be flexible with due dates.

"Recognizing the fluidity of the situation, flexibility will be key," school officials said in the provided Remote Learning Plan presentation. "We would urge our families, staff and community to practice the same patience, grace, and kindness that helped us successfully navigate recent school years. Simply put, if remote learning days end up being necessary, we would need your adaptability to help ensure that our students receive instruction and support."