Rice Lake board approves virtual day to make up middle/high school snow and cold days

The Rice Lake Area School District board voted Feb. 9 to use a planned in‑service day as a virtual makeup day for middle and high school students to replace lost instructional time from recent snow and cold closures. District staff proposed converting the Friday after the end of term 3 (March 27) into a virtual "quarter wrap‑up" day and the board approved the motion without recorded opposition.

District staff, led in discussion by Mr. Pahoke, said the virtual day would combine teacher‑directed assignments and a short course reflection for each class. "Students would be expected to log in to their Google Classroom," Mr. Pahoke said, and teachers would post templates and assignments in advance. For families without reliable internet, staff said they would distribute hard‑copy reflections that students could return the following Monday.

The proposal was framed as a way to avoid extending the school year if the district accrues additional closure days. Administrators noted the district already has an optional May 8 hold day and that further makeup needs would require adding days at the end of the year. Staff told the board they would create a Google form and other tracking tools so they can measure student compliance and report results back to the board after implementation.

Board members asked about equity and access. A board member asked, "Are we sure that all kids have access to be able to get on to Google Classroom?" Staff replied that, because the day is scheduled in advance, accommodations can be made and materials distributed ahead of time.

The motion to adopt the virtual day was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.