Notes: New bill could kill snow days in Virginia for good

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

🌥 Today’s weather: Overcast throughout the day. High of 45 and low of 34.
⛅ Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High of 45 and low of 34. Sunrise at 7:28 am and sunset at 5:06 pm.

🚨 You need to know

A new bill could mean the end of snow days for Virginia public schools.

Currently, during severe weather conditions, schools have the option to switch to remote learning. House Bill 1666, pre-filed yesterday by Del. Danny Marshall (R-Danville) would change that to a requirement rather than an option: school divisions must declare unscheduled remote learning days to provide instruction and student services.

The school divisions are also not allowed to claim more than 10 unscheduled remote learning days per year without an extension granted by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

While snow days are forever popular among students and teachers, the change is likely spurred on by concerns about learning loss in Virginia students over the last few years. Before disheartened teachers and students start shaking their fists at the state legislature, it’s worth noting that Alexandria City Public Schools had already started moving in that direction.

📈 Monday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Jan 9, 2023.

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3. Poll: Should Alexandria implement more ‘no turn on red’ restrictions? (399 views)
4. ‘The most blighted property in the West End’ gets redevelopment recommendation from Planning Commission (318 views)

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• Crash Causes Downed Traffic Signal On Route 1 In Alexandria
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🐦 Tweets of note

The traffic signal at the intersection of Richmond Hwy and E Reed Ave was knocked down and is currently not working. Crews are on site making the necessary repairs and directing traffic. Please use caution while traveling through this area. Stay tuned for more updates. pic.twitter.com/qu7zYv7eVR

— Alexandria Transportation & Environmental Services (@AlexandriaVATES) January 9, 2023

For half of a century, dedicated volunteers in the Alexandria community have been organizing an annual observance of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This year marks the 50th observance and we would like you to join us this Sunday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/LdHF9f7lSC

— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) January 9, 2023

It's #happytails for Malt, one of our longest-term residents, who found his family in late December. They share that he is already flourishing with them, gaining confidence every day and even hanging out with his new feline siblings. Congratulations to Malt and his new family! pic.twitter.com/oEWjuTsiku

— AWLA Alexandria (@AlexAnimals) January 8, 2023

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