The first full snow day for the 2010-2011 school year occurred on Dec. 17.

Students need to be in school for 180 days of the year. They have six extra days tacked on to the end of the school calendar, just in case they need them to cover snow days.

Deciding to make it a snow day is no easy task. Road conditions, wind chill factors, weather forecasts all contribute to the decision. The school board superintendent, The highway patrol, The state police and the school transportation team consult and then make the announcement, according to Gail Woods, spokesperson for the Jefferson County School Board.

Shepherdstown residents spent their day in a variety of ways.

Annie Brown’s family has a snow day tradition to “meet up with lots of friends at the bowl, a large field in front of the Ram stadium and play in the snow.”

The entire Greer family cleaned their house with music blaring. The Reichel ladies finished their gift wrapping, in their PJs.

Principal Suzanne Offutt of Shepherdstown Elementary made her way to the school and prepared some packages. The students had collected donations for a local children’s charity and also for an overseas Marine unit. The packages needed to be shipped out to make it by Christmas.

Consult the school board website for snow day information at boe.jeff.k12.wv.us.