NJ Parents Oppose Virtual Learning on Snow Days

Voices like Mike Brant stress the importance of hands-on education over online options during weather closures.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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As snow days pile up in New Jersey, some parents are opposing the idea of virtual learning, arguing that kids should be able to enjoy snow days like in the past rather than being forced into online classes. Hosts like Mike Brant have been vocal about this, recalling the struggles of virtual learning during the pandemic and emphasizing the value of in-person, hands-on education for students.

Why it matters

The debate over virtual learning on snow days highlights the ongoing tensions between the desire to minimize disruptions to education and the recognition that snow days provide important opportunities for kids to play and experience the outdoors. It also reflects broader concerns about the long-term impacts of pandemic-era virtual learning.

The details

Mike Brant, a weekend host and content contributor for New Jersey 101.5, has been outspoken in his opposition to virtual learning on snow days. He argues that rather than forcing teachers and families into virtual classrooms, kids should be allowed to enjoy the snow days like previous generations, even if that means extending the school year into the summer or reducing spring break. Brant believes that virtual learning during the pandemic resulted in students missing out on a complete education, and he is concerned that continuing to rely on online options for weather-related closures will only further slow down the recovery process.

  • The Blizzard of 2026 hit New Jersey on February 22-23, leading to significant snowfall across the state.
  • The debate over virtual learning on snow days has been ongoing for several years, with the issue becoming more prominent as snow days continue to pile up.

The players

Mike Brant

A weekend host and content contributor for New Jersey 101.5 who has been vocal in his opposition to virtual learning on snow days, arguing that kids should be allowed to enjoy the snow days like previous generations.

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What they’re saying

“All this talk about virtual learning reminds me of what it was like with my kids during the pandemic. It was absolutely horrible and they most certainly did miss out on having a complete education during that time.”

— Mike Brant, Weekend host and content contributor (New Jersey 101.5)

The takeaway

The debate over virtual learning on snow days in New Jersey reflects the ongoing tensions between the desire to minimize disruptions to education and the recognition that snow days provide important opportunities for kids to play and experience the outdoors. As the state continues to grapple with the long-term impacts of pandemic-era virtual learning, this issue is likely to remain a point of contention for parents and educators.