Snow days extend school year for districts

Snow and icy roads have extended the school year for students in Mason County.

Snow prompted the Shelton School District to close its eight schools Feb. 23, and then delay school openings by two hours Feb. 24. Schools were again closed Feb. 27, followed by a two-hour delay Feb. 28.

That means the district's school year has been extended to June 13, said Katie Diamond, the district's communications specialist. The updated calendar is at sheltonschools.org.

In the Mary M. Knight School District, the final day of the school year has been changed from June 16 to June 20, said Superintendent Matt Mallery. He pointed out that June 19 is a state holiday in recognition of Juneteenth.

Inclement weather closed the district's schools Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2022, and Feb. 23 and Feb. 27. It also created school delays Dec. 2, Dec. 5 and Feb. 28. The district has three snow days in this school year's calendar and made up two of the missed days Feb. 17 and 21; the third makeup day is scheduled May 8, Mallery said.

Icy roads prompted the Pioneer School District to close schools Feb. 23. The district had two-hour delays on Nov. 30, and Dec. 1. "Other than that, we have had full days of school," said Superintendent Jeff Davis.

The inclement weather has prompted the Hood Canal School District to add a snow day for students May 26. The last day of the school year is now June 21.

The school year ends June 13 in the Southside School District, June 11 in the Grapeview School District, and June 16 in the North Mason School District if the office of public instruction grants a waiver — if not, it will be June 20.