ECPPS Mobilizes to Support Students and Families Ahead of Major Winter Storm

January 31, 2026: Elizabeth City, NC — As a significant winter storm is forecast to bring up to nine inches of snow to Elizabeth City and surrounding areas, Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPPS) moved swiftly to ensure students and families are supported in the event of extended school closures.

With weather models showing growing confidence in prolonged impacts from a Nor’easter, district and school leaders prioritized getting healthy meals to students and ensuring access to learning so that all students and families would be prepared for the storm. The district’s coordinated response reflects a commitment to serving the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally, especially during challenging circumstances.

Feeding Every Student, Without Delay

In less than 12 hours’ notice, ECPPS School Nutrition Director Tammy Rinehart coordinated the delivery of a full truckload of food from district vendors. This rapid response allowed all 4,800 ECPPS students to receive four boxed meals each to take home, provided at no cost to families.

On Friday morning, School Nutrition staff from across the district reported early and immediately began assembling meals. In just six hours, the team boxed approximately 20,000 meals, ensuring students had access to food should school be canceled for multiple days.

“We had to do this. When Dr. Parker informed us about the possibility of school being cancelled for multiple days, our team immediately began thinking about how we could support our families. We came together and made it happen. That’s what our team does and I am so proud of them,” said Tammy Rinehart, School Nutrition Director.

Ensuring Learning Continues

In parallel with meal distribution, the district’s Technology Department, along with school leaders and teachers, worked quickly to expand access to learning tools. Students in grades 3–8 were sent home with Chromebooks, while high school students already had assigned devices. This ensured that remote learning could continue if weather conditions forced extended closures. Students in all grades were also sent home with printed learning materials and books from classroom libraries. Last year, the district purchased full sets of classroom libraries for all classrooms to encourage literacy across grade levels and subjects. Books from these libraries were sent home with students in advance of the approaching storm.

Educators across ECPPS also prepared for continuity of instruction by assembling printed learning materials, distributing additional books from classroom libraries, and posting online lessons. These efforts ensure students remain engaged academically regardless of weather-related disruptions.

Planning Ahead with Families

Earlier in the day on Friday, Superintendent Keith Parker notified families of the decision to close schools on Monday, February 2, providing advance notice so families and staff could plan accordingly. The closure was based on National Weather Service guidance, including a Winter Storm Warning, Cold Weather Advisory, and the potential for blizzard-like conditions due to strong winds.

Monday will be a snow day for students and an optional teacher workday for staff.

A Reflection of Public Schools at Their Best

Speaking about the district's response efforts, Dr. Parker emphasized that this work exemplifies the essential role that public schools play in communities across North Carolina, going far beyond classroom instruction.

“I am incredibly proud of our leaders and educators for the way they stepped up this week to support our families during this weather event,” said Keith Parker, Superintendent. “Our teams worked around the clock to ensure students went home with the resources they needed to stay safe, nourished, and engaged in learning. This moment reflects the true purpose of public schools. Our educators don’t just teach; they show up for families when it matters most. For this and many other reasons, I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary people who make ECPPS a pillar of hope and support for our community.”

As families prepare for the approaching storm, ECPPS encourages everyone to stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the rare joy of a snowy day, knowing that the district has taken every step to support students and families along the way.