Snow in April may not be such a bad thing if it means a snow day. Snow days are a minor miracle for Park County schools. However, every once in a while miracles do happen.

On April 12, the Park County School District #1 took a day off for the inclement weather. However, unlike last year, the district was not granted a waiver for the snow day. This means the district has to add a day to the end of the year for attendance purposes.

“First, I want to be very clear that this is not an “extra” day of school,” Park County School District #1 Superintendent Mr. Jay Curtis said. “Any time we cancel school for a day as we did this year due to inclement weather unless there is a reason for a waiver by the state we must make up that day.”

It is required by state law that each school is to be at school for 175 days of the year. The students will now finish the year on May 27 rather than May 26. Teachers will also be required to come back on May 30 for meetings and to finalize grades.

“I wasn’t surprised about the last day of school being moved,” English teacher Mrs. JoEllen Varian said. “I knew once the storm day was called that we would have to make that day up for attendance purposes.”

Despite the purpose of the snow day and momentary celebrations, many students are not enthusiastic about extending the school year. 

“We should not have to make [the snow day] up,” freshman Kaci Kysar said. “Because we didn’t choose to have the weather that way, but I understand why we have to.” 

The last day is expected to run just like in past years, finishing finals, cleaning out lockers, checking out, etc.

“My plans for the last day of school depend entirely on my students.” Mrs. Varrien said.  “The English 9 final is a speech/presentation on their research projects If my students are finished with their coursework, then they have earned attendance credit.  If they haven’t finished, we will be working together to get them their.”  

Although some may be upset about it, students are still expected to attend the last day of school unless other arrangements have been made.

“In previous years, when we have had to change the final day, we have typically seen a majority of students attend,” Mr. Curtis said.  “I see no reason to believe this year may be different. If parents choose to excuse their child from school, that would be a family choice, but in most cases, we see high levels of attendance.”