VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach is adding days outside of the classroom next year in case of weather cancellations.
The city’s school district announced Thursday two virtual learning days are being added to the 2018-19 school year to expand students’ learning experience and bank time in case of a weather event.
Officials say the virtual learning will be on days when students are not scheduled to go to school — Oct. 8 and Nov. 6. Students will be provided assignments in advance of the days.
The assignments will be designed to be completed on that day — or over a 10-day period, for flexibility.
Dr. Aaron Spence, the district’s superintendent, said in a statement:
“To begin, from the state level, students are required to utilize more non-traditional learning environments in their school careers and this is one way we can help model for them ways to experience learning in and out of the classroom. Secondly, this gives our division an increased flexibility to address any scheduling needs that may arise due to inclement weather. I want to thank our Teaching and Learning department for their leadership in creating an inventive and engaging way to meet our students’ and division’s needs.”
Virginia Beach, as well as several districts across the region, were forced to cancel school for multiple days in the wake of a winter storm. The full 2018-19 calendar for Virginia Beach can be viewed online.