It was definitely a trick,
especially so early in the school year.
After all, there is a reason we call them “snow days.” But given the intensity of Hurricane
Sandy and the potential for widespread damage and power outages, closing school
was the appropriate choice this time around.
It turns out the real
problem was not the first day of the storm but the aftermath and cleanup, at
least in Needham. NSTAR work crews
arrived too late to clean limbs and lines in time for a safe path to school, so
we closed the district for a second day.
I am not a fan of “snow
days” or as we now (now being the last 48 hours) refer to them: inclement
weather days. Our time with
students is already too short and a day missed throws the learning off and
certainly upsets the family routine.
On top of that, readjusting lessons and rescheduling teacher meetings,
field trips, and assignments is a challenge.
My philosophy has been
that we will always have school unless deteriorating weather conditions
indicate that schools should close due to unsafe conditions.
A few inches of snow,
ice, or slush should not be reason to close school! Folks just have to get up a little earlier on a morning
weather is predicted to be poor and prepare for icy windshields, slippery walks,
and long commutes. Put on the
galoshes, warm up the car, and get going!
School is waiting!
Of course, if the
snowstorm—or hurricane—is or is predicted to be nasty, I take a cautious
approach. I don’t want any child
to be put in harm’s way, and I take that responsibility seriously. That’s why early in the morning of an
inclement weather day I consult with public safety officials, review weather
maps and information, and then drive around the streets of Needham to see what
road and sidewalk conditions are.
I try to balance all of that information and arrive at a decision that
is a safe one for students and staff.
Like all decisions I
make, however, not everyone agrees.
And there have been times I was too cautious and canceled school when,
perhaps, we could have just had a delayed opening. And each time there is a cancellation there are at least
half a dozen parents who call or email to tell me I a) made the wrong decision
and what was I thinking?; or b) I should have made the decision the day before
and what was I thinking?; or, c) please wait until the morning to make a
decision and what was I thinking?; or d) please don’t wake me up at 5:30 a. m. to tell
me there is no school and, by the way, what was I thinking?. (On the last point, instructions for opting out of the
weather-related cancellation phone/email notifications can be found on the
district’s website: http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ Look on the left under Hot Topics and
open the PDF: No School/Two Hour Delay Information.)
Bottom line? Students should be in school and
weather should never interfere with the learning.
Unless it does.
