It almost seemed academic Tuesday as the forecast of a treacherous winter storm Wednesday led to the cancellation of in-person school throughout Northwest Indiana.
Unfortunately for the children, it might not mean a Groundhog Day of sledding and snow forts.
Schools became adept at virtual classes when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools, and most districts called Wednesday an e-learning day for students who will report virtually.
The Hanover Central School Corp. in Cedar Lake was ahead of the game with an e-learning day already part of its regular calendar. “Very fortunate for us,” said Superintendent Mary Tracy-MacAulay.
Portage Township Schools also had an e-learning day schedule Wednesday.
“It looks like we’re going to get hammered,” said Gary Community School Corp. manager Paige McNulty during a radio appearance. She said teachers will teach the day’s regular lesson from home at the scheduled time, just like the actual in-person day.
The School City of Hammond closed schools for Wednesday along with the cancellation of after-school activities.
IHSAA girls’ basketball sectional play was scheduled to begin Wednesday night.
“We will decide Thursday if students can safely travel to sectional games scheduled for Thursday evening,” a Hammond news release said.
Hammond students will have an e-learning day with teachers posting assignments by 9 a.m.
The Merrillville Community School Corp. will hold virtual learning days Wednesday and Thursday.
Students were told to check their Google Classroom for meeting links from teachers. Students are expected to meet with teachers throughout both days.
All sports games and practices are canceled on Wednesday. The athletic department will advise students regarding activities for Thursday.
The Merrillville Head Start Preschool will also move to virtual learning. Adventure Club and all club meetings are canceled Wednesday and Thursday.
Purdue University Northwest, with campuses in Hammond and Westville, announced it will hold virtual classes Wednesday. Students were told to check Brightspace for information from their instructors.
The university also canceled all on-site services, events and activities on Wednesday. For updates, see pnw.edu/alerts.
School officials factor in road conditions when they cancel in-person classes. On Tuesday, The Indiana Department of Transportation said it was preparing for a major winter storm impacting all regions of the state over the next two or three days.
It urged motorists to stay off the roads.
The National Weather Service expects significant snowfall and the potential for ice accumulation across the state.
INDOT will have nearly 1,000 trucks treating and plowing highways across the state beginning overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Trucks will remain out in full force for the duration of the winter storm and afterword to continue cleanup efforts, officials said.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
