From record snowfall in February to a record warmest winter day in March, it’s been a winter season to remember in the Pacific Northwest. We are certainly enjoying the warm, sunny weather and welcome the first day of spring tomorrow on March 20th.  

In regard to the five lost school days in February, the Mercer Island School District (MISD) has announced an outline for how it will make up for the instructional time. One day has already been made up on March 11th, and students will also go to school on scheduled weather make-up days on May 24th and June 21st.  

Other Eastside school districts have also announced their weather make-up days, according to this recent Mercer Island Reporter article, and will be applying for waivers for the remaining snow days through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.  However, even with the waivers, districts are still required to fulfill an average 1,027 instructional hours, mandated by state law.

School districts that missed more days of school or that did not have built-in weather make-up days, such as the Northshore School District, have adjusted school start times and extended early-release days to full days of school, to avoid extending school into July. 

MISD stated that it will let families know when the state responds to its waiver request. High School graduation will not be affected by the above changes and will occur on June 11th, as scheduled, according to the announcement.