LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With the chance of severe winter weather, the Commonwealth's largest school district may be getting an early test of its goal of no more snow days.

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is getting students and parents ready for the return of Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) if the snow hangs around until Tuesday.

What You Need To Know

  • Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) fifth-grader Rhett Goodan said he likes the idea of Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days so he doesn't have to go to school during the summer

  • The district plans to use NTI days when necessary

  • According to the district, it sent its students home Friday with materials, devices and chargers just in case of NTI days this week

  • JCPS added it has not determined whether NTI will be necessary this week 

The Blue Lick Elementary School Library is fifth-grader Rhett Goodan’s favorite library, but if JCPS decides to use NTI, he may be at the South Central Library completing his assignments.

"I get to finish the work in five minutes and then just go play video games," Goodan said. "So it's pretty great." 

Goodan, 12, said he would rather have an NTI day than a snow day so his summer vacation doesn't get too interrupted. 

“The summer is [when] we're supposed to have a break," Goodan said. "I like school, but I don't like getting up in the morning and doing work." 

Not all students feel the same way, however. A 2022 Pew Research survey found 65% of teens said they preferred school be completely in-person after the COVID-19 pandemic, but Goodan’s mother said she thinks this version of NTI won’t be like what it was years ago.

"I think they're just using it so that we don't get pushed further into the summer," said Cheryl Gribbins, Goodan's mother. "For me and my kids and a lot of people I've spoken to, that's a better option than potentially having school in June." 

According to JCPS, it sent home its students Friday with materials, devices and chargers just in case of possible NTI days. Goodan said he received a packet with reading and questions, which is less work than he normally receives. 

His mother said she has had a good experience getting help from teachers during NTI days.

"I think it's pretty easy for them to kind of navigate the instructions," Gribbins said. "And if not, I think most teachers have made themselves really accessible on these days." 

JCPS also reminded families it is no longer using delays or early dismissals. 

"It's shorter days of work and more free time," Goodan said. 

In a letter sent home to parents Friday, the district said it has not determined if NTI will be needed this week. Families will be notified of in-person cancelations on school messenger, local news outlets and JCPS social media, according to the district.  

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