Monday is the 25th anniversary of a holiday honoring slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. But kids in two North Georgia counties will be heading back to the classroom.

Civil rights groups are criticizing the school districts plans to hold classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Georgia NAACP President Edward Dubose says the holiday should be an opportunity for everyone to reflect on what King's dream meant.

Fannin and Gilmer County schools have been closed all this week following a snowstorm that dumped up to eight inches. Fannin Superintendent Mark Henson says so far this winter their students have missed nine days.

“I know our teachers are concerned about the CRCT and the lost days between now and then. If we put days on the end of the year to make up we cannot capture those as far as instruction on the CRCT.”

Henson says teachers will decide if and how to mark King’s birthday. Last winter Fannin County had to take away MLK Day, Presidents day and part of spring break.

Tags: CRCT, Civil Rights, Georgia weather, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Fannin County, Gilmer County