New Jersey Assembly Bill AR92

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Urges DOE to require that school districts maintain tradition of snow days.

Impact

The proposed resolution seeks to preserve the nostalgic concept of snow days for students while simultaneously addressing the logistical challenges parents faced during the pandemic. Allowing for snow days is seen as essential for the well-being of students, as it provides them with a much-needed break from routine and opportunity for outdoor play. The resolution calls for schools to recognize this importance and lift the burden of remote learning that was necessitated by the pandemic, thus reaffirming the value of in-person education wherever possible.

Summary

Assembly Resolution AR92 urges the New Jersey Department of Education to require school districts to maintain the traditional practice of snow days, rather than substituting them with remote learning during inclement weather. The resolution highlights the shift to remote instruction that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many school districts opted to forego snow days and mandated that students attend online classes when schools were closed due to snow. This change has prompted concerns regarding the loss of a cultural tradition associated with snowy weather that many generations have enjoyed.

Contention

While proponents support AR92 for its emphasis on preserving traditions, critics might point out that remote learning offers flexibility and continuity in education, which could be beneficial in situations like severe weather. The resolution, therefore, opens a dialogue on balancing traditional practices with modern educational methods fostered by the pandemic. It raises essential questions about how education systems can accommodate both the historical significance of snow days and the evolving nature of learning in changing circumstances.