Philly public schools to go virtual Friday

Following a hectic return from winter break, all Philadelphia public schools will go virtual Friday — but not due to COVID-19.

School District of Philadelphia officials said Thursday morning that the decision was based on projected inclement weather. The city is expected to get 3 to 6 inches of snow Thursday night into Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Students will not have a snow day; instead, they will be expected to log on for a full day of remote classes, district representatives said. Officials added that teachers will inform students of their schedule.

Archdiocese of Philadelphia high school and Catholic parochial elementary school buildings will also be closed Friday.

Rising coronavirus case numbers had already forced 94 public schools to shift to virtual instruction this week as a result of staffing shortages.

Decisions on which schools will remain remote next week are expected to be announced Friday and Sunday afternoon, district officials said.

Leaders from the Philadelphia teachers’ union as well as the union representing principals and other administrators have called on the school system to temporarily pause in-person learning to develop a comprehensive plan in light of the Omicron variant.