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Kaya Cortado

Leondro Cortado and his sister, Kaya, Class of 2017, build a fort every time it snows because the neighborhood has a traditional snowball fight. Although they did not have the annual snowball fight this year, they built a solid igloo. Picture taken on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022.

First snow of the year brought Hampton Roads an average of 5.5 inches, and VBCPS was prepared. Thursday afternoon, the school system announced that schools would be held asynchronously on Fri., Jan 21, and all after-school programs were cancelled due to potential, inclement weather.

“Tomorrow, Friday Jan. 21, will be an asynchronous learning day. Schools and office buildings will be closed, but staff will be working remotely,” said VBCPS.

According to abc News, approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 centimeters) of snow fell for the Hampton Roads and North Carolina areas.

“I’m not really hanging with many people mainly because the snow prohibits me from visiting people; you can’t drive when there is snow in the way. I usually stay home and watch my dogs play in the snow,” said junior Finnegan Copen. “It brings joy to my dogs and nothing makes me happier than seeing my animals when they are happy.”

While students and staff enjoyed the snow, they also expressed concern about the new asynchronous learning days mandated by the schools during snow days.

“I really wish that we went to school Friday; my A days are really important so that really sucked, and when I’m home, I’m not super productive although I got all my work done that needed to be turned in. I despise virtual days; it’s not easy to learn new concepts online,” said Finnegan.

Working from home does have its benefits.

“Missing school and having the virtual days was nice because I got to stay in my pajamas while working,” said Emma Alberico.

For many, the fresh snow brought some new year cheer.

“My favorite part of the snow day was our early morning walk where we got photos of fresh fallen snow. It brought me such a calm peace. There was a tie between my favorite family moment: snow tubing and building a snow fam,” said English teacher Ashley Adams, who encourages students to send their favorite snow pictures to their Instagram @oceanlakesyb.

VBCPS announced an additional closure for Monday, Jan. 24, due to lingering, icy road conditions, declaring it another asynchronous learning day, and students were not disappointed.

“I adore making snow angels, I actually made one yesterday when I was shoveling my driveway. I also can chill in the snow for a little while. Like Elsa said, ‘the snow never bothered me anyway,’” said Finnegan.