Since the start of the year, there have been few weeks when schools in our region have not been interrupted by winter weather.
Across the New River Valley, schools are closed, due to all of this winter weather.
For many students, they look forward to snow days, but eventually, it becomes too many missed days for everyone.
“Our students thrive on structure and routine and to have a day in, a day out, or two days in, a day out, and then another day in and three days out, it’s hard on everybody,” said Rob Graham, Pulaski County Public Schools superintendent.
In the New River Valley, every single school system was closed due to weather.
Pulaski County Superintendent Rob Graham lots goes into making the decision to close.
“All together we have had close to 11 [school days] now,” Graham said. “My philosophy has always been that you can always make up a school day, you can’t make up an accident, and so we really err on the side of caution.”
He said with how rural the county is, they have to consider everyone.
“Last night we were ready to go two hours delay and looking forward to having our students back, but a squall came in around three to four in the morning and then snow predicted again from six this morning to 11,” Graham said.
During the days they are closed, folks with the school are still making sure they are taking care of the kids. At the middle school, they hold a food station full of food so families can come to pick up three meals for each student they have.
“Last week we done 75, we handed out 75 meals with the same breakfast, lunch, supper, and snack, and we just have to make sure our students are taken care of here in Pulaski County,” said Ashley Hubbard and Elaine East of Pulaski County School nutrition.
They said they are just trying to help in any way they can for the students and families.
Graham said while this has been difficult for everyone, they are just hoping they can get back to a regular routine.
