Monday also marks the final day of the second marking period for secondary schools. An early dismissal for all schools remains scheduled for Tuesday
After a winter storm walloped the region Sunday, North Penn School District took a different approach than many of its neighbors on Monday, announcing an asynchronous virtual learning day instead of a traditional snow day.
In a notice posted to its website, the district said all schools would operate virtually on Monday, due to the aftermath of inclement weather, which blanketed upwards of 10 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain across North Penn. Student assignments were to be posted in Canvas by 10 a.m., with opportunities for students to meet virtually with teachers throughout the day.
All staff were scheduled to work remotely, transportation was canceled, extended school care was closed, and all afternoon and evening activities were called off.
The decision stood in contrast to surrounding districts, including Souderton Area School District, Methacton School District, and Central Bucks School District, which all opted for traditional snow days.
The reason for North Penn’s decision comes down to the calendar.
In an email sent to families Friday, district officials reminded parents that the last day of school is currently scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026. Any full snow day cancellations would push the end of the school year into the following week, meaning classes would end on a Monday instead.
“Asynchronous learning means students will have the entire day to complete assignments,” the district wrote. “So, if they’re building a snowman at 11 a.m., that’s perfectly fine!”
Monday also marks the final day of the second marking period for secondary schools, adding another layer of calendar pressure. An early dismissal for all schools remains scheduled for Tuesday as part of the regular academic calendar.
While district officials framed the virtual day as a way to preserve the summer schedule, the announcement sparked a flood of reactions on social media.
Some parents criticized the move, arguing students deserved a traditional snow day and pointing out that neighboring districts canceled classes outright. Others defended the decision, saying asynchronous days typically involve minimal work and allow students to enjoy the snow while avoiding a later end to the school year.
One commenter wrote that virtual days usually amount to “a couple homework assignments” that can be completed at any time, while another said they would “much rather get to the beach sooner than waste an extra June day sending my kids to school.”
Several parents noted that many teachers already treat virtual snow days informally, sometimes encouraging students to play outside or document the snowfall.
Read more comments on the announcement here.
Souderton’s closure drew attention for a different reason. The district does not build snow days into its calendar, and the district may make up the day next month.
North Penn officials said they would continue monitoring weather and road conditions and would share an update regarding Tuesday’s schedule as soon as a decision is made.
