Snow days mean longer school year for many

Students at some schools in the metropolitan area will need to make up time missed from school because of winter weather.

Five snow days in a school year isn’t that unusual. But five days — or more — before the end of January already has some districts making calendar changes.

Nebraska requires elementary schools to be in session for a minimum of 1,032 hours. Middle and high schools must offer 1,080 hours. Districts are allowed to exceed that and to build in time for inclement weather.

Iowa requires 180 school days per year for all public schools. To qualify as a full day, school must be in session for 5.5 hours or for 27.5 hours in a five-day period. That allows schools to dismiss classes early, as many did Wednesday, and still count it as a full day of school.

How much time will students need to make up? It varies by district.

Compiled by Michaela Saunders and Joe Dejka

Source: School districts

BELLEVUE

Snow days built in: About 10.

Will they need to make up time? Not yet.

Last day of school: May 20.

BENNINGTON

Snow days built in: Three, although the district has a few more days before it would reach the state minimum for instruction time.

Will they need to make up time? Not yet.

Last day of school: May 26

COUNCIL BLUFFS

Snow days built in: None.

Will they need to make up time? Yes. The school year will be extended. And a teacher training day in April could become a school day.

Last day of school: Moved from May 19 to May 25 or later.

COUNCIL BLUFFS LEWIS CENTRAL

Snow days built in: None.

Will they need to make up time? Yes. One day will be made up in February, and the second trimester has been adjusted. The rest will be added to the end of the school year.

Last day of school: Moved from May 26 to June 3 or later.

DOUGLAS COUNTY WEST

Snow days built in: Four

Will they need to make up time: Yes. Schools may be closed through end of week. Students might make up time during scheduled breaks, or the school year might be extended.

Last day of school: May 21, if the school year isn’t extended.

ELKHORN

Snow days built in: About five.

Will they need to make up time? Not yet. If more days are needed, spring break could be cut short.

Last day of school: May 27.

GRETNA

Snow days built in: More than five days’ worth.

Will they need to make up time? Not yet. If more days are needed, the district could extend the school year from May 26, a Wednesday, to May 28, a Friday.

OMAHA

Snow days built in: For elementary students, 5.5; middle school, 13; high school, eight.

Will they need to make up time? Not yet. If more snow days are needed, students could attend the whole day on scheduled early release days, or spring break could be cut short.

Last day of school: May 21.

MILLARD

Snow days built in: Four.

Will they need to make up time? Yes. Break days could be turned into school days, or the school year could be extended.

Last day of school: June 2 or later.

PAPILLION-LA VISTA

Snow days built in: About seven.

Will they need to make up time? Not yet.

Last day of school: May 28.

RALSTON

Snow days built in: Two.

Will they need to make up time? Yes. Spring break could be shortened or the school year extended.

Last day of school: May 20 or later.

SOUTH SARPY

Snow days built in: About five.

Will they need to make up time? Not yet.

Last day of school: May 21.

WESTSIDE

Snow days built in: About 14.

Will they need to make up time? Not yet.

Last day of school: May 28.

« Metro/Region

Share