Memphis Schools Announce Thursday Closures: Check the Latest Updates
Due to inclement weather, several Memphis-area school districts have announced closures for February 5. As of the afternoon of February 4, the following institutions have reported cancellations in order to ensure student safety.
Memphis Area School Closures for February 5
- Arlington Community Schools
- Bartlett City Schools
- Collierville Schools
- Germantown Municipal School District
- Lakeland Schools
- Memphis-Shelby County Schools
- Millington Municipal Schools
DeSoto County Schools, on the other hand, has not called off classes for February 5. They plan to hold school on President’s Day to compensate for previous weather-related cancellations.
Impact of Inclement Weather on Academic Calendars
These closures are significant as many districts, including Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS), are nearing their ninth snow day of the academic year. Each district incorporates a built-in buffer of days for unforeseen school cancellations, but when these days run out, they face tough decisions.
The two main options available to school districts are:
- Extending the school year
- Requesting a waiver from the Tennessee Department of Education
In Tennessee, schools must maintain a minimum of 180 instructional days, with each day consisting of at least 6.5 hours of classroom time. This is often achieved with a typical seven-hour school day. Should a school district exhaust its snow days, it may petition for a waiver under certain conditions, particularly in the event of natural disasters or significant disruptions.
Additional Considerations
The Tennessee Department of Education has specific guidelines regarding waivers. Only events causing substantial damage or disruption are eligible for consideration. These strict regulations ensure that educational standards are maintained despite weather challenges.
As the weather situation evolves, further updates will follow regarding any changes to school schedules in the Memphis area. Stay informed with the latest updates from Filmogaz.com.
