Snow has become an uncommon occurrence in Virginia, and although it may be a thrilling break, it can cause concerns for teachers and school divisions. According to Current Results, Charlottesville has an average of 17.0 inches every year and Richmond averages 8.8 inches. This may not sound as important for our community since Virginia is known to have fluctuating weather conditions and it can vary for every county. Yet, our county began the new year with a snow storm which delayed the start of the new school semester. 

The semester started at least three days later,  pushing teachers behind and leading them to speed up the learning process. When asked, teachers expressed their concerns about what this would mean.

“Well, I was happy that we had an initial extension to our break, but I knew in the long term it would affect how we start off the rest of the semester,” said physical education teacher Derek Hall. “ I had to start the semester faster than what I intended to.”

Although this delay did accelerate the learning pace, some teachers enjoyed this extension to be able to prepare for their classes. As known, a new semester means new classes and new rosters.  The first three days can be essential for students as well as teachers to adapt to the new schedule.

“Grateful to have a few extra days to prepare for the new semester because at the high school level ( for our high school starting a new semester is) starting a new school year with new students and possibly different classes to teach, which was my case,” said math teacher Christine Evans.

This delay was not only a pressure on teachers, but students as well. Not all students learn at the same pace, and this can be rough when the teachers are being forced to accelerate their lessons. 

“It was difficult to get immediately started on work once we got into school,” said junior Serenity Simms. “But we were also put more behind than others because our teacher hasn’t been here.” 

Even with so many setbacks to start the school year, the teachers and students still strive and move forward with lessons and work. 

“There’s nothing Louisa can’t overcome,” said Hall. “Three days is not the end of the world.”