JCPS shifts to non-traditional instruction Wednesday and Thursday as hazardous neighborhood roads cancel after-school activities

Two-day move to remote learning follows district road assessment amid lingering winter conditions

Jefferson County Public Schools will use Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, and Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, moving classes to remote learning for students and staff. The district said the decision followed an evaluation of road conditions across Jefferson County that found most main roads in good shape, while many side streets and neighborhood roads remained hazardous amid low temperatures.

Along with shifting to remote learning, JCPS canceled all after-school athletic and extracurricular activities for both days. Families participating in the YMCA Child Enrichment Program were told they would be notified if any program changes are required.

What an NTI day means for families

NTI days are counted as standard instructional days under Kentucky’s non-traditional instruction framework and do not add days to the school calendar. Students are expected to follow the learning plan and schedule established by their individual schools, typically through district-issued devices and school learning platforms.

• Students should use their school’s NTI protocols for attendance, assignments, and teacher communication.

• After-school activities, including athletics and extracurricular programs, are canceled Wednesday and Thursday.

• Families with incoming kindergarten students or children new to JCPS may need to complete online registration steps to access district systems.

Why road conditions drove the decision

District officials pointed to uneven travel conditions across the county as a key factor, emphasizing that while primary routes may be passable, bus stops and student walking routes often depend on neighborhood streets that can remain slick or partially obstructed after winter weather. Low temperatures can also prolong refreezing, increasing the risk for students waiting outdoors or walking to stops, particularly in shaded areas and on untreated surfaces.

JCPS said lingering hazards on neighborhood roads and continued low temperatures led to the decision to move instruction online for two days.

What happens next

JCPS families can expect school-specific guidance on assignments, schedules, and student supports for each NTI day. Updates affecting district programs are typically communicated through school messages and district channels. With in-person after-school programming canceled, families who rely on extracurriculars for supervision are encouraged to confirm any childcare or enrichment program adjustments directly with their providers.