Students at Windsor High School are experiencing a new approach to learning during inclement weather thanks to the district’s implementation of Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days. The change comes in response to updated state legislation requiring schools to schedule 169 student attendance days, a shift from the previous system based on instructional hours.

Assistant superintendent Michael Rickermann explained the district’s strategy, stating, “There is some legislation that is requiring schools to attend 169 student days. Previously it was calculated on hours. By using our first few snow days as AMI days, we are able to count those into the 169 required student days.”

Junior Tommy Broderick shared some thoughts about his first couple AMI days.

“I really liked that most teachers gave assignments that were quick and easy to do,” Broderick said. “It was helpful that I could ask teachers questions while they were online and I’m glad we won’t have to make up as many snow days.”

AMI days allow students to complete assignments and participate in lessons remotely when schools are closed due to weather or other emergencies. Windsor High School has built six AMI days into its calendar to address this new requirement. 

However, Rickermann said, “If we miss more than six days, then we will have to add those days onto the end of the school year.”

Weather has already used four of those six days so far this year since the scheduled first week back from Christmas break was snowed out. Students were faced with something very new those few days after the holidays. 

The district is already looking ahead to evaluate the effectiveness of AMI days. 

Rickermann said, “We will evaluate at the end of the year with our principals and teachers and get feedback on any suggested changes to AMI days in future years.”