By Sydney Simpson – News Editor

Following a monstrous snowstorm that took place late Sunday night into Monday morning, Milford Public Schools has announced two snow days for the week of February 1, 2021. 

Monday, February 1, and Tuesday, February 2, were both classified as “snow days” by the city, but each day was different in terms of what was expected from students and teachers. Monday, the day of the storm, was what people are referring to as a “traditional snow day”, one where neither in person nor online attendance was necessary, while on Tuesday students were to follow the online learning schedule. 

“We had one day to enjoy and then having the online learning day gave us a full day of class, instead of a delay or an added day in June,” Jonathan Law English teacher Mrs. Lucia said. “This plan also gave custodians time to clean up the parking lots and entrances, instead of having them scramble to get the building ready for classes directly after the storm.”

There are mixed opinions from the student body as to which type of snow day they prefer better, and each side has strong reasoning. 

“I think I am just as productive as a normal online day during online snow days, maybe even more because it’s not like I can go anywhere so I just do all my work right away,” Jonathan Law senior Colin Buchner said. 

Many people share this mindset, of wanting something to do on a lazy day to feel more productive. Some, however, struggle with the concept of learning online and find it hard to keep themselves from being distracted. 

“I prefer traditional snow days because then we get the day off instead of still having to learn online,” Jonathan Law junior Luke Henricksen said. “I can’t focus online.”

Then there is the appealing concept of having the day off. Whether students play board games, watch movies, or read a good book, a snow day is always regarded as a day where there are no responsibilities and students can do whatever they want. 

“I use traditional snow days as an opportunity to sleep in and to spend time with my family that I don’t get to when I have school,” Jonathan Law freshman Caden Simpson said. 

Snow days were a fun, family filled part of everybody’s childhood, going out in the snow with your parents to build snowmen, make snow angels, and have snowball fights. As we get older, however, the fun snow activities with mom and dad turn into helping them shovel snow and clear it off the car. 

“During snow days, I usually help my dad shovel snow and go sledding,” Jonathan Law sophomore Demiana Boutros said. 

Everyone’s needs are different, whether they feel more productive online versus in school, they would rather spend time with family and have a break than get out of school earlier in the summer, or they just really enjoy playing in the snow.

This is what makes it impossible to make a decision about what to do with future snow days that will satisfy everyone. The general consensus is that not a lot of people truly mind either option. 

“I think this was effective because they let us enjoy the snow and the nostalgic feeling of a traditional snow day, while gradually transitioning us back into regular school without missing too much work,” said Simpson.

Most people also agree that in the future, it is likely that Milford will utilize more online snow days. 

“Now that we are used to the technology and know how to run an online school day they are most likely going to use it,” said Boutros.