When snowstorms turn streets and sidewalks into ice but schools are still open, Bronx River is looking for ways to give staff and students an option to work remotely.

Following several major snowstorms this year, school administrators are considering a new weather protocol that could turn severe weather days into remote learning days when travel becomes unsafe.

When NYC DOE calls a snow day, the protocol is for school to continue remotely rather than in person. But that doesn’t help travelers on in-person days when the weather conditions remain a serious concern.

The proposal comes after the school’s recent use of Remote Fridays and growing discussions about how schools should respond during dangerous weather conditions.

The idea would allow students to stay home and attend classes online when traveling conditions are unsafe, while still continuing instruction. The School Leadership Team approved the idea in concept earlier this year but agreed that more planning is needed to make it happen.

Zoe Reyes, a junior on the team, says the SLT team consists of parents and students alike that talk over problems in the school. In an earlier meeting after the huge snowstorm, they all agreed that it should have been a remote day.

“I was upset though because if we have the tools to go remote then we should be able to, and it would have been much less dangerous that way,” she said. She added that the smart decision would be to implement these new protocols immediately.

Senior Ann-Kiara Bouderou said the storm created challenges beyond simply getting to school.

“It was the worst experience,” she said, explaining that she fell multiple times walking through the snow and that her Ugg boots were damaged. On one day, she was unable to attend school because snow blocked the exit from her home and it took time for the area to be cleared.

“There have been situations where the weather was extremely poor and there was discussion about whether New York City schools should pivot to a remote day,” Principal Gregory Fucheck said.

Mr. Fucheck pointed to several recent storms that reignited the conversation. During a January snowstorm, K–8 students across the city shifted to remote learning while high school students were already off due to a professional development day. Then, during February break, another storm brought nearly a foot and a half of snow to New York City, causing schools to close for the day.

“There was talk that it was going to be remote, but New York City got a waiver from New York State due to the hazardous conditions,” Mr. Fucheck said. “So it became a regular snow day.”

The following day, schools reopened, but attendance at Bronx River was significantly lower than usual.

“We had 50 percent attendance that day,” Mr. Fucheck said. “Half of the Bronx River students stayed home. There was snow all over the streets and it was hard to get places.”

Monica Harris, the school’s payroll and purchasing secretary, said travel conditions remained difficult even after the snowfall ended.

“Traveling was crazy,” Ms. Harris said. She noted that Tremont Avenue had not been fully plowed or shoveled, making it difficult for many people to get to work. Limited parking and icy sidewalks added to the challenges. “Traveling the day after the storm was more difficult than the actual day of the storm,” she said.

Since Bronx River has already implemented remote learning days over the past two years, administrators believe the school may be better prepared than others to transition online during severe weather.

Computer science teacher Joseph Diodato said the storm disrupted his normal routine. Because he lives nearby, he often uses Lime scooters to get to school, but many were buried under snow after the storm.

“It threw off my morning routine,” Mr. Diodato said. He added that getting both himself and his children to school took longer than usual.

Mr.Diodato said many students and staff members were frustrated by the conditions.

“A lot of students and teachers felt frustrated coming to school because it was unsafe, especially since the city had had a remote day policy for a while and we didn’t get to use it,” he said.

According to principal Greg Fucheck, about 300 out of the school’s 420 students are currently approved for remote learning if necessary. Students who participate must submit signed permission slips from parents or guardians.

Still, the plan presents challenges. Even if most students stay home, the school must continue providing in-person instruction for students who choose not to participate remotely.

“There is no opportunity for us to say that Bronx River is 100 percent remote,” Mr. Fucheck said. “We would still need teachers in the building for students who come to school.”

Assistant Principal Tene Kelly said school leaders are continuing to think carefully about how a possible remote snow-day system would work while making sure students can still access learning safely and fairly.

Mr. Fucheck also expressed frustration that some schools across the city still report being unprepared for remote instruction years after the COVID-19 pandemic first forced schools online.

“At Bronx River, we make sure every student has access to a device,” he said. “If a student needs one, counselors help them get it. That’s why it’s surprising to hear some schools still say they are not ready.”

While no final decisions have been made, administrators say conversations are continuing as they prepare for future winters and changing weather conditions.

For now, traditional snow days are still possible, but as schools continue adapting to remote learning, future storms may send students to their computers instead of giving them a day off.