COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah — Thousands of students in the Canyons School District went to class on President’s Day to make up for a snow day on February 3.
In Mrs. Parkinson’s third grade class at Canyon View Elementary, the students focused on English while most of the state had President’s Day off.
On Monday, a quarter of elementary students were not in class, approximately 112 total.
Two weeks ago, more than 18 inches of snow fell on parts of the district, including in Cottonwood Heights.
For only the second time in district history schools closed.
“It was extremely snowy. It was slick and icy and impassable for those that were going through the Cottonwood Canyons,” Canyon View Elementary Principal Kierstin Draper said.
Spokesperson Kirsten Stewart admitted district administration asked the state for permission to not hold a makeup day, but they were overruled.
By law, Utah public schools must hold class at least 180 days a year. President’s Day was pre-determined for any make-up days by the district approximately two years ago, said Stewart.
“We know that a federal holiday isn’t the most convenient for all families but attendance today is really quite good,” Stewart said.
District-wide about 70 percent of elementary school students made it to class on President’s Day.
“We are doing great today,” said Draper.
Other districts have decided to makeup the snow day a the end of the year.
