FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WOAY) – Winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21, but winter weather is already making an impact. Snow and ice have caused school delays and closures across many southern West Virginia counties, creating challenges for educators and families alike.
Fayette County Schools Superintendent David Warvel says these interruptions make it hard to maintain consistency in the classroom.
“You need routines, and that helps with responsibility and discipline,” Warvel explained. “But it is very tough to do the teaching and the learning when you’re getting these interruptions.”
When winter storms roll in, school officials start working long before sunrise to decide whether to delay or cancel classes. Transportation Director Chad Meador says the process begins the night before.
“We have briefings typically the night before on an impending storm,” Meador said. “We look at what’s coming down the pike weather-wise, and we make an informed decision.”
Road conditions can vary greatly across the county, which makes the decision even more complicated. Warvel says they try to give families as much notice as possible, knowing that in many cases parents will need to seek childcare.
“We are trying to make the decision the night before, if we can,” Warvel said. “Childcare is huge.”
Even with remote learning options, snow days disrupt the rhythm of the school year. Still, Warvel admits they can be a welcome break for students.
“We were kids once too. It is nice to have a snow day. Who doesn’t want a snow day? That’s fun.”
