Students return to school after snow causes long winter break

ST. LOUIS - Hundreds of school districts returned to the classroom Wednesday after an unexpected extended winter break due to ice and snow. Now, districts are preparing for another round of snow headed our way.

At Rockwood School District, one of the largest districts in the area, the superintendent says it was an early morning for employees.

“We actually had crews up as early as 3 a.m. this morning to head to schools to address the realities that they were going to see on the parking lots and sidewalks…it was a nonstop effort,” Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain said.

Around 19,000 students are in the Rockwood School District across 34 campuses.

“We’re all working to the best of our abilities to land on decisions that make sense. What I can’t tell you is that every single sidewalk or parking spot is going to be absolutely pristine. What I can tell you is that our crews have been working literally since Sunday to address what we know is coming,” Cain added.

Over in the Parkway School District, school officials say in-person learning went as expected Thursday. There were minor delays with drop-offs; parking lots were still a bit of a challenge, but no major issues.

School officials are now preparing for more snow Friday.

“(We’re) most definitely having conversations with our weather partners, making sure we have as accurate a set of variables in front of us as we possibly can, and then ultimately landing on the decision,” Cain said.

Some schools have already announced their plan to cancel school or use alternative methods of learning. To check the list, click here.