By ROSS TERRELL, WABE

Weather has shut down schools in metro Atlanta more than once already this academic year.

First, Tropical Storm Irma. And now, winter weather.

Extending the school day by a few minutes each day or shortening planned breaks are just two ways districts try to overcome lost time.

Suzanne Wooley, with Paulding County Schools, said students have already missed five days this school year.

“We still have six weeks of winter to get through,” Wooley said. “It’s a concern up here, and I know it’s a concern with some parents. We’re working on the best options that are available to serve our students’ needs.”

Wooley said Paulding County is considering canceling early release and teacher work days later in the semester.

She said, if necessary, they could also shorten planned breaks to make up the missed time.

And then there are digital days.

Sloan Roach is with Gwinnett County Schools.

“We do feel like having those students and teachers in the same classroom is the best option,” she said. “However, when there are safety concerns and we used up our make-up days, it’s nice to have this digital learning day option.”

Digital learning days are when students do online assignments at home.

State law requires schools to be open 180 days a year but allows them to cancel up to four of those days because of weather or other emergencies.

Atlanta Public Schools is currently conducting a survey about which options parents prefer for makeup days. APS is considering making up the days during a previously scheduled winter break or adding time to each school day. To learn more about the survey, click here.

This story was provided by WABE.