2/11/19
I am hearing the kids talk about snow and ice in the forecast. For the first time in my career, the students aren't celebrating. I've never had kids dread possible snow days.
To clear social media rumors up: There is no such thing as an automatic waiver for attendance. Two weeks ago, Governor Whitmer declared a State of Emergency but those days have not been automatically waived. We have to apply for a state waiver in order to use three additional snow days and have them not count against us. If the waiver is approved it allows 3 additional days to be forgiven for a total of 9 days. We currently stand at 8 days. That isn't good looking at half of February and March. Those months typically bring their share of ice days. Many people have suggested canceling MidWinter Break but we know a lot of families are planning to be away. The State of Michigan requires schools to have at least 70% attendance in order to qualify for a day of school. With many students being away, we'd be running into the potential of not being able to count the day and have to make it up anyway. I have not heard about the potential of moving other scheduled vacation days to in-school days. The only way around making up days in the summer is if our legislature enacts legislation that forgives snow days beyond the 3-day waiver. I know many of the Grand Rapids schools are requesting that. We are in much better shape than some area districts who have had to use as many as 17 snow days compared to our 8.
Midwinter break is this Friday and Monday. We will still have basketball here Friday night.
Scott Sherman
It's A Great Day To Be A Packer!
Support Information
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