Many parents defied the TDSB and gave kids a real snow day Monday

For kids, it was a back-to-school miracle, a massive snow storm blanketing Toronto and much of the GTA - and that meant, the first snow day of the year.

By Michael Talbot

Posted January 17, 2022 3:07 pm.

Last Updated January 17, 2022 4:17 pm.

Today’s homework assignment?

Build a snowman.

Citing the need for a mental health break, many parents closed the laptop on the TDSB’s plan for a virtual learning snow day, instead, giving their kids a taste of the joys and freedoms of a real snow day.

Rather than blank eyes staring at a computer, one dad said what kids really need right now is some unfettered fun and freedom.

“I can’t believe that the TDSB … would be so joyless as to tell the kids they can’t go out and have a snow day,” he told CityNews. “It’s rarely so snowy that they actually have to close the school and the kids have had such a hard year, we are always going on about mental health — let them go out and play in the snow!”

“If I was the (TDSB) superintendent I would say here is your homework: Go knock on two neighbour’s doors, invite them out to go sledding, go build a snowman, go shovel your sidewalk. Have fun!”

He wasn’t alone. Many took to Twitter to denounce the TDSB’s decision, saying it was bad for students, and teachers.

“What sourpuss robbed Toronto’s children from the glory of a snow day? What snarky curmudgeon looked at the blizzard and decided kids should stare at screens instead of frolicking?” asked Patricia Chartier.

“So sad,” tweeted Cindy. “Give the kids and teachers a snow day. So much stress lately and you add to it when you could have been kind.”

While some parents vented, others gladly shared their defiance, saying they simply took matters into their own hands and gave their kids a well-needed break.

Here are some of the angry responses and fun ways families spent the day:

“Here’s your homework, go knock on two neighbors doors, invite them to go out sledding, build a snowman and have fun!” Many families are ditching virtual school today, opting to let the kids enjoy a true snow day. Here’s one parents perspective @CityNewsTO pic.twitter.com/umwxt6je3D

— Adrian Ghobrial (@CityAdrian) January 17, 2022

It’s supposed to be a snow day #mentalhealth

— Linda Porter-Mercer (@imoutahere2014) January 17, 2022

Snow Day Assignments :
1) Go outside!
2) Have fun!
3) Build a snow creature!
No packing snow?! No problem! Love the creativity of this student who made a lizard using a paintbrush and his hands! Bravo!@AllenbyPS_TDSB @tdsb #snowday #creativity #snowart #snowsculptures pic.twitter.com/22vFzziKbf

— Alexandra Sorin (@mlleasorin) January 17, 2022

Snow day at our house for gr 5 and gr 8 kids, despite @tdsb plan to be online. They’ve been online for 2 weeks already, and how often do we get this much snow to play in? Mental health break for everyone!

— Megan (@jmegan) January 17, 2022

@tdsb! What sourpuss robbed Toronto’s children from the glory of a snow day? What snarky curmudgeon looked at the blizzard and decided kids should stare at screens instead of frolicking? What dog in the manger thought THIS was good for children’s mental health? #ONStorm

— Patricia Chartier (@patriciaorpat) January 17, 2022

Terrible decision last night at 7:00pm?? Snow days are so rare in this city and kids/teachers mental health ….. seemed like a no brainer to have a real snow day.

— Tammy Doane (@TammyDoane3) January 17, 2022

I’ve seen how much learning gets done online. A snow day is a better use of my kids time.

— E.B. Fartman (@Johnerstonrex) January 17, 2022

This is the worst. Ever. There’s being progressive and then there’s idiocy. If I worked at the TDSB in ANY capacity, I’d quit. Kids have spent way too many hours learning online already but “let’s pile on more of it on a snow day!” https://t.co/2zjJcPZ90H

— Jay McQueen (@JayMacRealtor) January 17, 2022

Despite all this talk about student mental health @tdsb missed this snow day opportunity to get kids outside, exercise and decompress. Now my two kids are reluctantly online and not really paying attention

— Roger Pierce (@RogerPierce) January 17, 2022

You’ve also recognized how to Annoy an ENTIRE city.. Even the Mayor of Tdot made a comment about just giving everyone a Snow Day.

Not a single soul was happy w/ your decision. Students, Families, Teachers alike feel disrespected with the lack of compassion and support.

— TruthSpeaker (@Speaking_Truth3) January 17, 2022

My power went out for the third time this morning. I guess this is expected on a snow day right?! This snow day could have been a good opportunity to support well-being for staff/students during a pandemic rather than creating a stressful day for educators. #StickToOriginalPlan

— Shanti (@shanti416) January 17, 2022

My kids had @eggo for breakfast, extra syrup. Currently playing video games in PJs, soon to be followed by snow romp outside and likely many other delicious treats. If @tdsb won’t give us a snow day, we will just take one. pic.twitter.com/4Y3Spotf3t

— Franklin Fan Club President (@maki_p) January 17, 2022

We call it a “#SnowDay,” but these last two years I think have helped us all realize that they are actually #MentalHealth days. Given the pressure to reduce lost schooling time, I understand why @tdsb decided not to cancel classes this morning. But at my house it’s a snow day. pic.twitter.com/EZhmUPbbeU

— Philip Kiff (@pkiff) January 17, 2022

So sad – give the kids and teachers a snow day. So much stress lately and you add to it when you could have been kind.

— Cindy (@GentleBunnies) January 17, 2022

We, like many parents, had already discussed the new #TDSB policy Re: closing schools entirely on snow days w/ our son. This attempt at a last-minute pivot online is disrespectful to all involved. What’s good for kids’ mental health? Consistent messaging. And a snow day! #onted

— Denise Benson (@djDeniseBenson) January 17, 2022