Principal Meg Dunneback sent out a mass call January 20 indicating the school would be closed the following day due to sub-zero temperatures. Instead of in-person learning, the school shifted to remote instruction.
Teachers provided assignments and resources through Canvas, the school’s online platform. Teachers were available for virtual office hours to support students throughout the day.
The decision to switch to e-learning was made to prioritize student safety while ensuring that lessons continue without interruption. Administrators say Marist is committed to providing a flexible learning environment during severe weather conditions
“If the temperature is going to be below 0°F for the duration of the day coupled with wind chills that are in excess of 20°F, or -20°F, we decide to start the process to figure out what we want to do,” said Pirkle.
Marist also contacted other neighboring schools to see what they were leaning towards doing for their school day. Chicago Public Schools also closed their doors.
Most students welcomed the decision to have the asynchronous day working online versus having to come into the school.
“I was extremely happy about the decision because I got all my work done by nine in the morning and the rest of the day I got to rest,” said sophomore Kerrigan White-Holmes.