14 Ways an LMS Comes in

Handy on Snow Days

A Crowdsourced Anthology of Strategies from Real Education Professionals
A Word From the Editors

As educators, we wear various hats and have many responsibilities. One thing we are not responsible for is
the weather. We can’t control whether or not we get snow days, but we can be prepared. By having access
to their learning management system (LMS), students and teachers always have access to assignments,
information, resources, and—most importantly—each other.

This eBook was created to provide effective strategies for educators to use their LMS during times when a
missed class session is out of your control. It’s a compilation of responses from the Schoology community—
diverse education professionals from around the country—sharing their best strategies to keep the learning
going even when students are snowed in.

Surely, one of these 14 strategies will come in handy as you continue to plan for the Winter season.
Clear Communication

It is easier for the faculty to more clearly communicate with the

students about assignments and schedule changes. When we had an
early dismissal two weeks ago, I posted an update to the class I was Deanna Stephan
going to miss that afternoon. All of the students came in prepared
Secondary English
the next day! Educator
Garnet Valley High
You must establish a routine with Schoology usage in order to have School, PA
an expectation that students check it and use it during snow days.
Also, there’s something to be said about honoring the traditional
snow day routine and slightly adjusting your plans to make up for
missing time. Use Schoology to clearly communicate your plans!
Let It Snow, and Let’s Connect

We are located in the North East, thus snow days are indeed a common
occurrence. In the old days, such events were an interruption to our
daily habits, but this has changed since the introduction to Schoology. Jherlyn Lopez
I usually train my students to be aware that these events will still take
Middle School History
place, and that they may and should continue with the classwork,
Teacher/District Trainer
since all our content and activities are present in our course. My sixth
White Plains Public
grade students do very well with these instructions and many, if not
Schools, NY
most, will get their assigned work completed. Given that assignments
are already embedded to our schedule, and homework has been
posted 1-2 weeks in advanced (both in calendar, as a guide, and
posted for students to complete), we do not have an environment of
“unexpected interruptions”. Thus, my snow days are still days were my
students connect, share some insights, and continue their work from home. In a sense, snow days provide
all of us the opportunity to continue our activities uninterrupted, from the comfort of home.

Communicate and create a friendly ambiance. I have posted -either in “updates” or in a new “discussion”-
a picture of me enjoying time in the snow (with my family or dogs). I usually encourage students to share
a picture, or a thought about how they are enjoying the day. A lot of my students do not have or follow
social media, so this is an exciting process, which allows them to get a feel for it in a safe, and appropriate
environment. This is also a good way to get them to see the class environment, as a friendly, and safe place.
Preparing for Penguins

Snow days are now an opportunity for enrichment and review.

Instead of lost instructional days, they have become opportunities
for differentiation and student engagement. Sean Coffron
The best way to help other educators get started with this is to set Instructional Technology
Training Specialist
up a clear set of guidelines so that the structure is already in place
Manassas City Public
when parents and students benefit from a snow day. Additionally, it Schools, VA
is a great idea to have already embedded activities so that if a snow
day occurs, the lesson is easily transitioned into a distance learning
opportunity that employs critical thinking and creates an extra
learning space.
History Beyond The Classroom

We now call snow days digital learning days where all teachers and
students can use the day to create a meaningful learning experience
that is unaffected by weather. Chris Madson
Think of fun and engaging ways you can get students to be excited Social Science Teacher
and Digital Literacy and
about learning and communicating with you even on a snow/ Instructional Coach
weather day. I usually try to make a fun and engaging lesson that McHenry High School, IL
requires them to use something around the house or outside
(snow) to showcase their learning and connect it to the topic we are
currently learning about.
Planning Ahead

Our state has approved 5 days/year that can be used as “cyber

snow days” allowing districts to apply to implement a plan to use
available technology (like Schoology) to connect with learners Lauri Brady
and provide instruction on snow days. Last year we tried it for just
Technology Integrator
1 day and needed to work out the kinks, but Schoology allows us
Central York School
to create/collect assignments for students, provide “office hours,” District, PA
participate in discussions and connect our classes outside of school.
Looking forward to doing more this year!

Plan ahead: Make sure your students and families know what you
are providing and expecting of them so you have the participation
needed for your cyber snow day to be a success.
Yes, You’re Still Learning Today!
Any interruption (snow day or otherwise), doesn’t have to be a lost
day. Much like blended learning or flipped classroom settings, I can
upload videos and assignments for students to work through with
at their own place. Students can access what they need and skip Alissa Warren
though what they don’t Teacher
Denver Public Schools,
Utilize your completion requirements! Students often lack the Hill Campus of Arts &
urgency to complete an assignment when you’re not physically Sciences, CO
present. Setting completion requirements on reading, discussions,
and quizzes allows students to visibly see that their participation is
still required and the gamified aspect makes it a bit more fun! Plus,
it’s easier for you to monitor the progress each student is making
(and then message them about it!).
Snow Day Doesn’t Mean We Can’t
Have Fun

Before Schoology, snow days were lost days. Upon the students’
return, teachers and students were stressed with making up the lost Brandon Ledford
learning time. With Schoology, my students don’t miss a minute Teacher
of instruction. Best of all, the content and assignments can be Ithica Elementary School,
completed around their schedules. Students can spend some time GA
outside enjoying their break before accessing materials through
their devices.

Include some engaging, fun activities along with the academic work
students complete on snow days. I include a fun quiz about building
a snowman or making snow treats along with the students language
arts assignments.
Get In The Habit!

I use it for my more advanced students that require daily instruction

to succeed (such as my AP Psychology students). I have review links,
quizzes, and practice assignments loaded on there for students to Michael Cabral
stay busy, or regular classroom instructional materials uploaded to
Teacher
help student get caught up on those snow days.
Cincinnati Public Schools,
OH
If you get students in a habit of checking Schoology while school is
in session, students will most likely do it on their snow days as well!
Just make sure if you know winter weather is approaching, that you
remind students the day before that they should check Schoology
for work during the potential snow day!
Give Them Choice!

In years past, days were added on to the end of the year to make
up for snow days. Through Schoology, we are now able to offer
professional development opportunities throughout the school Jennifer Ashby
year. Teachers can choose to participate in a variety of courses and
Instructional Technology
bank snow hours to equal the required amount of time that needs to Coach
be made up. This option has proven to be a staff favorite as it allows Colonial School District, DE
for choice in what professional development they would like and
when they want to complete it.

When thinking about professional development, having a pd catalog

is really helpful. We put 2 out each year - Fall and Winter/Spring
- detailing all the professional development that is being offered
throughout the District. It breaks it down by content, date, location,
and method of delivery. Then, when a snow day hits, people are able
to choose an online option that best suits their needs. All Schoology
courses that are offered are intentionally designed to showcase
mastery. Therefore, an artifact(s) must be submitted as evidence of
learning. If needed, corrections can be made and resubmitted. Snow
hours (as we call them) are only awarded for successful completion.
Be Mindful

I am able to communicate with students about how our upcoming

lessons may change. I can alter due dates, offer support for
assignments, and provide enrichment activities -- all without Denise Shovlin
skipping a beat.
English Teacher

Don’t expect too much, and NEVER set a next-day deadline for any Downingtown West HS, PA

work or activities assigned on a snow day. Some students make

extra money plowing or shoveling, or they need to assist their
families. Some kids lose power and can’t access Schoology without
it. Be open and mindful.
E-Learning Days: Never MakeUp
Snow Days Again!

At one of our 4 high schools, they have implemented “E-Learning

Days”. With a waiver through the state, the principal is able to call Melissa Riggs
an E-day when the rest of the district is scheduled for a 2 hour delay. Education Technology
Teachers are required to post an E-day assignment for each class Specialist-Instruction
they teach by 8 am and should be available to answer questions District 49, CO
through email or Schoology Messages. Students must complete the
assignment within 72 hours-this accommodates those who may not
have internet access at home.

Just like we have drills for fire etc, have a practice lesson/discussion
set up several times before winter weather approaches. That way
you can address any problems before they arrive.
Stay Connected in the Snow!

First, we are able to complete simple communications, such as

letting students know that a test/quiz has been rescheduled, etc.
Additionally, we are given five snow days that do not require end of Cristina Toflinski
the year make-up by the state of Ohio and our district contract. After
English Teacher/School PR
that, we are able to use three “Blizzard Bag” days in which students
Northwood High School,
can make up additional work, outside of school, without having OH
to make up those three days at the end of the school year. With
Schoology, we have been able to make those Blizzard Bags digital.
This allows us to make those assignments ahead of time, make them
more in-line with what we are currently doing in class at the time,
as well as the ability to publish those Blizzard Bags at the beginning
of a snow day, allowing students to complete that work during the
snow day.

Begin with a district wide expectation that students are to log into
Schoology on a snow day. If this is an expectation put into place
by all administration and teachers, it is easier to implement with
students and parents.
School-ogy’s In Session!

Last year our district had a cyber snow day. Intermediate, middle,
and high school learners went to “School-ogy” that day. That was
the only day we had like that. Hopeful that this becomes part of Amy Musone
what we do when it snows.
Educator

I think communication is key. And creating materials that require Central York School

kids to be active participants in the learning. District, PA

Short and Sweet Snow Days

In Southeast Texas, we don’t tend to have snow days, but ice will
close down schools along with the whole city. Having an LMS gives
students the opportunity to stay on track without getting behind Leslie Nash
on pacing guides. Plenty of students don’t have internet in my
Teacher/Soc. Studies Dept.
district, but most do have phones. The Schoology app has helped
Chair
students to do small assignments easily. Teachers don’t have to
Alief Learning Center, TX
get behind on grading or planning either. I like how easy it is to
answer questions for students or parents in Schoology. That ability
helps immensely when learning isn’t face2face. I can assign work,
students can do the work, and the pacing guides are not behind
from the storm or ice.

Don’t use completion folders in this circumstance unless the teacher is positive each student has
internet and computer access at home. Keep snow day assignments short and sweet, make them easily
accessible by phone if possible. Date the assignments in the title so a different assignment is immediately
recognizable. It’s okay to have students answer review questions, or other easily accessible assignment
during the snow day. Students may not have access to an entire completion folder depending on the
weather or electrical conditions. Preserve that work for a stable school environment. Keep snow day work
short, accessible, compact, and easy to find and complete.
Conclusion

Using your LMS regularly sets your students up for success, especially in situations—like snow days—when
they will have to depend on it. Ultimately, by leveraging the LMS, lines of communication stay open and
learning opportunities are less likely missed.

If you have other strategies and tips for staying connected to students during unexpected weather situations,
be sure to share with your networks, as we’ve done here. The key to staying productive on snow days is
proper preparation and continued communication.

Learn more about how Schoology can help with communication

and teaching on snow days

LEARN MORE