A single snowflake lands on the windshield, stirring memories of childhood excitement over the season's first snow — whirling around in the mind as if a snow globe has been shaken. The “swish” sound of the windshield wiper snaps the moment back to reality — thoughts plagued with images of shoveling, cleaning off the car, and virtual school days with children at home.  

The first snow arrived in Rhode Island less than a week before Christmas on Dec. 20, 2024. Kids around the state frolicked and played in the magical substance known as snow, throwing snowballs, making snow angels, sledding down hills, and rolling snow into giant balls to create their first snowmen of the season.

“It was the best day ever!” bellowed Ayden, 5, and Tina, 7, in unison when asked about the first snow of the season. Ella Doormen of Barrington chimed in proudly, proclaiming, “They are my grandchildren.” She went on to say, “I’m 72, and my heart is full watching them get all excited,” when asked about her feelings on the first snow.  

In North Kingstown, new residents of RI, Eleanor, 6, and Emmett, 2, also embraced the winter wonderland. For the siblings, it was a monumental moment — their first snowfall ever. “The first time seeing snow fall from the sky was so cool!” Eleanor said. “And building the snowman was harder than I thought it would be,” she added.

Snow day school policy  

With the wonder of snow in the air, there are concerns over whether or not kids should be able to enjoy a snow day or spend time in a virtual classroom learning whenever a snowstorm hits the region.

According to Victor Morente, chief of external affairs at the RI Department of Education, “Districts must submit virtual learning plans for review and approval, but generally, the decision is made at the local level.” This means that if a school closes due to a snowstorm, classes can still take place in a virtual classroom. 

Brook Trujillo, mom of Eleanor and Emmett, said, “As a working parent, I understand the strain the spontaneity of a snow day can cause, and think virtual learning would be difficult to manage on top of managing the day.”

One teacher from Warwick declared, “Snow days should never be virtual days,” citing that kids tend to learn best through play. She argued that snow days should let children engage in physical activities and movement, something that’s more beneficial than online learning. Another teacher, Marissa Florio from Johnston agreed saying, “I think it should be a snow day off for the kids. Virtual learning is so difficult sometimes for students and parents.” 

“We just moved here, so we’ve never seen snow before,” said Trujillo. “I don’t know much about the push for virtual learning on snow days, but I’m excited for the kids to experience them. It’s important for them to have a day off to enjoy the beauty of the season,” she said, adding that she hopes she can join in on the winter fun, too.  

A ‘true’ snow day for kids and adults  

With the backlash against virtual days for kids, another issue comes to the forefront. Should adults get a snow day? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems. In a post-pandemic world, many jobs have adopted remote work, meaning that a snow day for adults might not be a “true” snow day — instead of sledding or building snowmen with the kids, the day could be spent behind a computer screen, answering emails or attending Zoom meetings.  

A snow day offers a rare opportunity to pause, breathe, and experience the beauty of nature without the constant pressure of deadlines. Alisha Hicks of Bristol, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Snow days are so rare and creating those special memories is so important.”

For kids, snow days used to be an exciting break from school but now they must worry about virtual learning. Adults, even if working remotely, must worry about getting the kids to attend to their virtual learning and any tasks expected from their job, in addition to the dreaded task of shoveling and cleaning off the car — no one gets a “true” snow day anymore.   

Imagine waking up to a winter wonderland and not feeling obligated to do anything. No rush to shovel or clean off the car — no need to get dressed! Instead, adults and kids could share in the magic of the day. Perhaps instead of simply watching their children build snowmen, adults would begin reliving those childhood memories by joining in on the fun with them.

Schools have the option to decide whether a snow day will be a virtual learning day or a “true” snow day. Both parents and kids seem to favor the idea of a real snow day — one free from screens and schedules. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider the post-pandemic “remote” snow day and give kids and adults the chance to share in the joy and magic of the season.