Schools In Baltimore Reopen After Massive Snowstorm

BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ) -- Monday was the first day back to school for many children after last week's blizzard kept many school districts closed the entire week. Those days off have left many district leaders looking at how they may have to revise the remainder of the schools' calendars.

Marcus Washington has more on how the snow days have impacted the calendar.

State law requires schools to be open a certain amount of days and hours within a school year---and once you've used up all backup weather days in your calendar, you're forced to find a way to make those days up.

It was back to school for many students after an extended break brought on by the historic blizzard of 2016. With many districts out for five days, they're now out of those reserved snow days.

"Wow! The teachers and the schools are going to have to get really creative so that the kids can get those school days in," said one parent.

Here's a breakdown of used and remaining inclement weather days of each school district:

In Baltimore City, five days were alloted for the school year. All five were used, as of Friday, January 29.

The same goes for Howard County schools, as they have used all six of their inclement weather days.

Other districts gave more room for bad weahter. In Anne Arundel County, they have alloted five days and have only used three.

Carroll County has five days and have used four so far.

Baltimore County schools had seven alloted inclement weather days and have used six.

Harford County has fared the best with 11 inclement weather days built into the calendar; they've only used five.

State law requires school to open at least 180 days within a school year, so when inclement weather interrupts the planned school year calendar and the district has already used all alloted weather days, they're left to find a solution.

"We can request a waiver from the state and see if they will grant us a waiver. Last year, I think we waived two days," said John White, Howard County schools.

Districts can get creative with making up missed days because of weather. They can add additional time to a school day or even use developmental days where students were scheduled to have the day off.

State law says that if students are in school for at least three hours, it can count as a full day of school.