BVA’s Dowell: School can wait — enjoy the snow

By Christine Haines

chaines@yourmvi.com

Students in the Belle Vernon Area School District, already learning in full remote mode, are being encouraged to take time to just be kids today and enjoy the snow.

District Superintendent Dr. Michele Dowell posted a letter to parents on the district website Tuesday evening that said even though today is the district’s asynchronous learning day, all educational activities should end at 11 a.m.

Dowell said she saw a letter from a superintendent in Jefferson County, W.Va., regarding the first snow day of the year and viewing it as a time of renewed wonder and a reminder of how fleeting childhood can be.

“His letter has me thinking about all of the stress that our families have been under for the past nine months and how we have not taken the time to appreciate all the wonderful things that we have in our lives,” Dowell wrote. “There has been such a focus on all the horrific and negative aspects of the coronavirus. (L)et go of the stress and worry of school and make some special memories with your families. Go outside and make snow angels or go sledding. Stay inside and make cookies or cards. Play games or make a fort in your living room. If you are a high school student, participate in the Virtual Holiday Extravaganza. Build a new memory and possibly a new tradition in your family.”

Dowell said teachers will provide extra time for today’s assignments to be completed, so no one should feel stressed about not finishing school work before going out to play. The regular school routine will resume Thursday.

Within an hour of posting the letter to the district’s Facebook page, it had been shared 665 times by people inside the district and out of state by people who felt it was a wonderful gesture. 

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