PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With frigid conditions in the forecast until February, the Philadelphia School District is weighing whether students should return to the classroom this week or stay remote.
Much of the snow and ice that fell over the weekend that wasn’t cleared has frozen solid on streets and sidewalks, and it isn’t melting anytime soon. Philadelphia schools were closed on Monday, using up the one extra day built into the school calendar. Students had virtual learning on Tuesday.
Thursday and Friday are already scheduled as half days for report card conferences.
Superintendent Tony Watlington said when it comes to deciding whether to return to in-person learning, safety is his priority.
“We’re working closely with emergency management and the City of Philadelphia,” he said. “It’s not looking promising, but we’ll take it day by day and see what we get.”
Students learn more effectively in person, Watlington noted, but there’s more to consider.
“Teaching and learning come second. We’ve got to make sure people are safe physically as well as socially, emotionally,” he said. “When it’s safe to do so, we’ll get back to brick-and-mortar learning.”