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WNY schools turn to make-up snow days

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(WKBW) — It's hard to believe the "Blizzard of 2019" was just a few days ago with the spring-like weather outside. But with all of that snow, came several days of school closings practically across the board. Although it's only the first week of February, many districts have used most, if not all of their snow days.

In Niagara Falls, the district allots two snow days for the entire year. It's already used three.

"What we do is after the first two days, we indicate on our school calendar the first give back day or the first payback day for a snow day, and that happens to be Tuesday, February 19th," Superintendent of Niagara Falls Schools, Mark Laurrie, said.

If another snow day is needed this winter, students will have school on March 15th. After that, May 24th would be the next scheduled day off the district would take away.

"And then if we had to push beyond those two days, we would start chipping away at Easter recess."

The district's plan of action is published for parents in July. Laurrie said parents concerned about planned vacations or activities on those snow payback days can contact the district.

"We know it's Western New York, so we know there's a good chance we use the two snow days, plus days, so I'd hope that people would think ahead and knowing what the give back plan is, and be prepared if that's the case."

Buffalo Schools are facing a similar predicament. Four snow days were built in to the calendar this year and all four have no been used. If the district uses another snow day, they would turn to taking away days during Spring recess.

In the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District, three snow days have been used this school year. Administrations said the calendar allows for five emergency days. If one or two days are needed past the five allotted, elementary school students would go to class June 24 and/or June 25. If eight or more are needed, all students would attend class in the following order: May 24, April 19, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22.

For the 2018-2019 school year in the Williamsville District, eight days were built in to the calendar to use for situations, like snow days. So far, Williamsville has used three snow days. If more are needed, students will attend school during these days in the following order: April 26, 25, 24, 23, February 22, 21, 20, 19. The last time Williamsville schools had to use any make-up days was in 2006-2007, according to a school administrator.

In the Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District, six days are built-in to the calendar. If needed, students will attend the following days in this order: February 22, 21, 20, 19, April 26, 25, 24, 23, 22.

Schools in New York State are required to be in session for 180 days.