JEFFERSON COUNTY, W.Va — A local superintendent of schools has embraced her inner child and channeled her motherly instincts into a now viral letter announcing the closure of schools for the day.
"For just a moment, we can all let go of the worry of making up for the many things we missed by making sure this is one thing our kids won’t lose this year," the announcement reads.
As 2020 mercifully creeps towards a close, a West Virginia school district told its students and families that school is canceled for the day and they should do one thing: go enjoy the snow.
Jefferson County Schools in West Virginia was closed Wednesday for the first snow day of the year, despite the opportunity for virtual learning that the coronavirus pandemic has enabled.
County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bondy Shay Gibson announced the closure in a poetic way in a letter that has gone viral on Facebook. She says the snow day will have an additional meaning this year.
"For generations, families have greeted the first snow day of the year with joy. It is a time of renewed wonder at all the beautiful things that each season holds," Gibson said in the letter.
Gibson said she wants families to enjoy a day of sledding, hot chocolate and of course, cozy fires -- stating that students will return to the "serious and urgent business of growing up on Thursday."
Hours later, speaking with WUSA9 anchor Adam Longo, Dr. Gibson said her message to students and parents was meant to offer a well-deserved reprieve from the life-altering adjustments experienced through the pandemic.
"You've done a lot," Dr Gibson said. "You've done enough for now. Lay down that burden and be with your families."
Some who read the letter on social media had very emotional reactions to it.
"Love this so much!" one user writes on Twitter.
"When I think back on this year, I want to remember this beautiful letter announcing a snow day for Jefferson County Schools in West Virginia," another user wrote.