Cranford Superintendent Explains Snow Day Policy

CRANFORD, NJ — The Cranford schools will be using traditional Snow Days if the storm is extremely "impactful," Superintendent Scott Rubin said Tuesday, but he stopped short of making an announcement about the coming storm.

"The district, along with its safety partners, continue to monitor the impending winter storm," he said in an email Tuesday afternoon. "Given our new educational paradigm, I wanted to share the District’s approach in determining how a 'snow day' or a 'remote learning day' will be determined.

"In general, the more impactful the storm, the greater the chance the District will call for a 'snow day.' Conversely, the less impactful the storm, the greater the chance the District will call for a 'fully remote learning day.'

"As of now, it appears this current storm will be arriving Wednesday afternoon (after school ends) and will continue into Thursday. Currently, we are expecting significant impacts, including heavy snow, high accumulation, strong winds, and power outages.

"Although it is still too early to make a decision, as there can be shifts in the storm’s trajectory, if the storm continues as it is, we would likely have a snow day on Thursday, Dec. 16. We will make a final decision by late afternoon on Wednesday. Be well, stay safe, and thank you for your partnership!"

Heavy snow is expected Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. The forecast as of Tuesday for the Garden State was for more than a foot of snow.

Two superintendents in New Jersey said Monday that they feel that kids deserve the magic of a traditional Snow Day off after a tough year:

• Mahwah's superintendent said the days are for "memory making" and not remote learning.
• In Cinnaminson, the superintendent said, "Far too many chances for them to play and 'just be a kid' have been taken from them over the last nine months. It will be nice to see them enjoy one of the true gifts of childhood."

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