GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Dozens of Georgia school districts closed or continued virtual learning on Thursday and parents had thoughts over Gwinnett County’s decision.
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While icy roads kept students across the metro area learning virtually, the ice at TPH Academy in Duluth offered a different kind of lesson.
The academy, where elite student-athletes typically practice and learn, opened its doors to young hockey players across the metro eager to get out of the house and onto the rink after three consecutive school weather closures.
“We know they’ve been sitting there for a few days now, so to be able to open it up to them to come out is awesome,” TPH Academy Director Brad Schell said.
Thursday’s open practice allowed students not enrolled in the academy to get to still practice drills and scrimmage with fellow youth hockey players.
“It was fun,” said Jack Griffies, a seventh-grader in Coweta County. “Get off the couch and get out and skate.”
Gwinnett County Schools were among 28 districts that closed or switched to virtual learning on Thursday due to icy conditions for a third consecutive day.
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In a statement, Gwinnett Schools explained their decision to go virtual, additionally citing concerns about staff living in areas still impacted by snow and ice, which could create staffing challenges.
“Nobody wants to be stranded,” said Barrow County parent Daniel Firment.
He agreed with the closures but was glad his son had an active alternative.
“We gotta get a moment to get the kids outside and be active rather than just cooped up in the house,” Firment said.
For Schell, a Gwinnett parent himself, it was an easy decision to open the academy to young players eager to move.
Still, Schell hopes normalcy will return soon.
“I think everybody’s ready to get back in school,” he said.
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