Loudoun County Public Schools has had to close five times this year due to snow.
Carol Smith shuttled seven children into Regal Cinema in Sterling two weeks ago to see the sold out show, "Bridge to Terabithia."
"This is the first time we’ve been out in three days," she said.
Smith, who is a substitute teacher for Loudoun County Public Schools, said the snow days cost her money and cost her friends a headache.
"I have five children at home," she said. "I’ve been taking care of my kids and my friends' kids who work during the day."
Smith said while confined to her home was relaxing at first, it soon became difficult to come up with things for her children, and her children’s friends to do.
"We went sledding, watched movies, there’s only so much you can do," she said.
WAYDE BYARD, spokesperson for Loudoun County Public Schools, said that, when snow begins to fall, the school system follows a procedure. Administration takes part in conference calls with other school systems, local governments and the federal government to see what they are doing, before it decides whether or not to close schools. Administrators drive on roads after midnight and check with local law enforcement about road conditions.
"The primary concern is safety," Byard said. "Students and staff have to be on the road very, very early. Main roads might be clear, but side streets might be dangerous."
THE PUBLIC SCHOOL system is responsible for children while they're on school property, but when schools dismiss early, it is the parents responsibility to pick them up at school or off the bus.
"Our responsibility is from door to door," Byard said. "Parents and guardians have the responsibility after that."
Rhonda Ready, a speech pathologist at Mill Run Elementary School in Ashburn, said she has enjoyed the time off from work because it has allowed her to spend time with her daughter and husband.
"I’m lucky," Ready said. "I have the days off with my daughter. Other moms aren’t as lucky."
Byard said the Department of Parks and Recreation and the local YMCA have programs in place for children to go if schools close early.