Should FCPS Have Canceled School on Thursday?

Students who attend Fairfax County public schools rejoiced late Wednesday night when Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) officials announced their decision to cancel school for a third straight day, on Thursday.

Tuesday's winter storm brought plenty of snow and ice to the region and many areas of the county were still clearing roads and sidewalks on Wednesday. On Wednesday, temperatures plunged way below freezing and are forecast to stay there until Saturday.

Although weather forecasts predicted mostly cold temperatures with possible snow showers for Thursday, it appears FCPS officials determined much of the county's roads and student walking routes were still unsafe for travel.

Not everyone was excited about the cancellation. Some parents and FCPS faculty and staff took to Twitter and Facebook, questioning the decision to cancel school.

"It's ridiculous," said one parent on Facebook. Another called the decision "short-sighted" and suggested the county should have delayed school rather than cancel it altogether (Arlington County and City of Alexandria school officials held school Thursday with a two-hour delay; Loudoun County canceled school for the rest of the week). Even the Capital Weather Gang thought FCPS should "toughen up" and send students back to school.

Since Thursday marked the school district's sixth snow day, Monday, Feb. 17 (previously a scheduled holiday for President's Day) and Monday, April 7 (a student holiday/teacher work day), are now makeup days.

As of Thursday afternoon, following Loudoun County's decision, Stafford County Public Schools decided to cancel school on Friday, Jan. 24 and make the day a teacher workday, but there's no word yet on what FCPS will do.

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What do you think about all these canceled days? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!