Spring break began Monday (Mar. 24) for many area students, but not all.
Students in Springdale and Bentonville made up a snow day on Monday, and school officials said they were happy by how many students showed up, ready to hit the books. The school districts are also scheduled to hold classes Tuesday.
"I was pleasantly surprised by the attitude of both students and staff," said Supt. Michael Poore with the Bentonville School District.
"I've seen the teachers and students here today, and I have not sensed that they feel bad about being here on spring break," said Susan Buchanan, principal at Helen Tyson Middle School in Springdale.
Buchanan said the middle school offered an incentive for students to attend class on Monday.
"There was a drawing with some Sonic cards and cash awards," she said. "That gave the students some excitement about having their name drawn out if they were in attendance."
Buchanan said attendance was high, as only 90 students missed school.
In Bentonville, Poore said attendance was higher on Monday than in past makeup days.
"I am seeing teachers and kids working very hard in the classroom," he said. "I feel like we got a really good academic day in, considering we had more than 80 percent of our kids in school."
Students who missed class in Springdale and Bentonville on Monday, due to prior spring break plans, will have their absences counted as excused. School officials said those students will have to make up the work.
Students in Lincoln, Pea Ridge, Siloam Springs and West Fork also made up snow days on Monday.