Every winter, many students anticipate the early automated phone calls announcing that school has been cancelled. For many students, snow days mean sleeping until noon, enjoying a Netflix marathon or hanging out with their friends. Other students use the day to catch up on their assignments, bake cookies or have fun in the snow.

At several other schools, days off from school do not mean relaxing at all. Instead they mean using an online program called eSchool, where teachers post assignments for their students to complete. Because the students complete the work assigned, the day still counts as a full day of school.

There are pros and cons to the concept of eSchool. First of all, not many students like the idea of homework, and the idea of more “homework” over a spontaneous day off school is not appealing to the majority of the student body. Secondly, not every student has computer privileges, and the weather could easily effect internet connection for those that do have computers.

Junior Ali Nesbitt said, “I don’t think it is a good idea because there are certain things that teachers would be unable to teach while we are at home. Also, it may require us to have books with us that could be in our locker over the snow day.”

But on the other hand, eSchool works well because there is not a risk of losing the planned days off school. For example, last year, Bel Air High School lost designated Spring Break days due to the snow. This effected many students and teachers who already made plans to go on vacation. Another thing students don’t take advantage of is the fact that if they focus and stay on task, they will more than likely finish all of their homework in a shorter amount of time than they would usually be in school. Doing the work from home would be more enjoyable as well because students are able to: (1) dress comfortably, (2) sit/lay down wherever you want, (3) do it in any order you choose, (4) watch TV or listen to music and (5) eat and take breaks as much as you please.

Senior Matt Robertson said, “I like the idea. It would be nice to work and study in the comfort of my own home. Especially since I could choose what work I need to focus on. Plus losing Spring Break days is awful.”

Teachers tend to think more positively about the situation, seeing as their students would still be learning more material and ready to get back into action the next time they have school.

Ms. Sokolis said, “I think it’s a great idea because you wouldn’t have to make up the day and you wouldn’t fall behind in your work.”

However, some of them are still concerned about the risks at hand.

Mrs. Orth said, “I could see the benefits of using an eSchool approach at Bel Air.  After all, no one likes to make up snow days!  However, I think that I would need to know more about it.  For example, what if students do not have the necessary materials (textbooks, notebooks, etc.) at home to complete the assignments given? Students would have to get into the habit of taking home all of their books and materials for the next day if there is snow in the forecast. Another question might be, what if students don’t have access to the Internet at all and cannot receive the assignments from home?  My final question would have to do with classes that might not be as conducive to independent or book work from home.  I would imagine that assigning a class worth of at-home work for more lab-oriented or “hands on” classes such as art, tech, science labs, foods, etc. would be a challenge.”

There are many benefits and down sides of eSchool. Essentially, not everyone will be happy regardless of if BAHS uses it or not. What is your opinion? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.