Winter weather triggers AMI day as SJSD aims to maintain instructional momentum  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph School District decided to declare an Alternative Methods of Instruction, or AMI day, on Monday, Dec. 1 due to inclement weather.  

The district pre-planned six AMI days into this year’s calendar and Assistant Superintendent of Academics and Educational Services, Stacia Studer, said it’s important to use those before shifting to traditional snow days.  

“We want to carry the momentum of learning that happens in the classroom. We don't want that pause in learning,” Studer said.  

Once all six AMI days are used, the district will begin calling snow days, which come with scheduled make-up days. 

Studer said families are given instructional packets at the end of the first quarter so they’re prepared if extreme weather calls for an AMI day.  

“We also provide an electronic link that has all the materials for our six AMI days scheduled for this year and if a student struggles to finish the assigned work from home, they can bring it in the classroom and a teacher will provide support,” Studer added.  

Students have up to five days to complete AMI assignments. Studer noted, many students were already turning in their packets on Tuesday morning.  

Teachers also host a one-hour live office hour on AMI days so students can ask questions or get help with assignments.  

“AMI days provide us with that instructional momentum that, you know, comes with emergencies such as a power outage or a weather-related issue,” Studer said.  

She added that students who lose their printed packets can request a new copy at any time, and teachers are happy to provide replacements. 

SJSD now sits with five AMI days left for the school year.