UPDATE: As central North Carolina thaws from a weekend ice storm, the Wake County Public School System has just announced that all schools will shift to remote learning on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. This is the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that Wake County will conduct remote learning, a crucial decision made to ensure student safety due to potential black ice on the roads.
Parents across Wake County are left wondering when their children will return to in-person classes. The district’s message emphasizes a commitment to safety, stating, “Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families.”
In this unprecedented shift, the second semester will begin without the traditional structures associated with remote learning. Students will not participate in live Zoom or Google Meet sessions; instead, they will engage in asynchronous learning—completing assignments via paper packets or the Canvas platform. Teachers will monitor attendance based on assignment completion, though grading will be at their discretion. Teachers will remain available during regular school hours to provide assistance and feedback.
The remote learning decision allows Wake County to avoid using make-up days, a concern that frustrated many families last school year when the district canceled classes instead of implementing remote learning. During bad weather in December, schools were closed for multiple days, leading to rescheduled classes and Saturday school for year-round students.
The specific logistics of this remote learning day have raised questions, particularly regarding students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Parents are anxious about how their children, especially those requiring additional support, will receive necessary services during this remote period.
Susan Book, a concerned parent of a child with autism, expressed her worries: “He’s scared. He’s just nervous… There are signs, even though he’s trying to be calm, that he’s not as calm as he wants to be.” She highlighted the lack of clarity from the district regarding how remote learning will be structured, especially given her son’s need for routine and interaction with new teachers.
In contrast, nearby districts like Durham Public Schools have established remote learning protocols for inclement weather, utilizing both paper assignments and online resources. The Orange County Schools allow five days for assignment completion, enhancing learning through detailed instructions and teacher availability. Johnston County Schools also provide online assignments, but with a focus on review rather than grading.
As Wake County navigates through this developing situation, parents are grappling with the benefits and drawbacks of snow days versus remote learning. The district’s ability to shift to remote days hinges on prior weather forecasts, reflecting a proactive response to safety concerns.
This latest decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions as they adapt to unpredictable weather while ensuring the safety and educational needs of all students are met.
Families in Wake County and beyond are urged to stay updated on this developing story, as the district’s plans for remote learning continue to evolve.
For more updates, follow local news sources and the Wake County Public School System’s official communications.