Traditional snow days to return in Arcadia schools next year

Snow days — with no virtual learning required — are coming back to the Arcadia School District for the 2023-24 school year.

The Arcadia school board last Monday unanimously approved moving back to a traditional setup where school buildings will be closed on days when inclement weather makes it unsafe to travel to school, and there will be no virtual learning component on those days.

The first day that school is canceled will not need to be made up, but following cancellations/snow days would add school days past the current scheduled last day on June 1, 2024.

Superintendent Lance Bagstad said the change is about ensuring they are giving students the best education possible, adding that the move is in line with discussions within the Trempealeau Valley Co-op schools.

“We feel that instruction face to face is going to give our kids a much better opportunity for the learning,” Bagstad said. “We want to keep growing. ... and we’re not sure that the virtual learning is the option that is best for our students at this point. We tried it.”

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is “really, really scrutinizing” decisions related to learning and virtual programs given after the fallout of the COVID pandemic, Bagstad told the board, adding that internet issues and device problems are evident with virtual learning days for some students.

The calendar as constructed has 20 hours of weather flexibility built in, including the eight hours for the first cancelation. That gives the district 12 hours to use throughout the year for late starts or early releases as needed.

Bagstad wants families to be prepared for extra days next year in case they are required.

“I think it’s important for people to understand, don’t plan vacations starting June 2. Be prepared that there could be days added on.”