The Pembroke School District has decided that “Blizzard Bags,” or at-home assignments used in place of a snow day, will not be used at the high school level this year.  

However,  the elementary and middle schools in SAU 53 will continue to use them.  

In order for Blizzard Bag assignments to count as a required school day that does not have to be  made up in June, 80 percent of students need to complete the assignment.

According to headmaster Dr. Morris,  PA’s decision to not use Blizzard Bags was decided between the Educators’ Association of Pembroke (EAP) and the Pembroke School Board. The decision on Blizzard Bags is effective for the next three years.  

“Student participation rates were considerably lower at the high school level when compared to younger grades,” Dr. Morris said. 

PA students’ failure to reach 80 percent completion of  Blizzard Bag assignments in the past weighed down the overall completion percentage throughout the district, Dr. Morris added. 

When PA used Blizzard Bags, the teachers ended up doing more work planning lessons that were never  completed.