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If you’re on the East Coast, you got some snow this weekend. Here in Washington, D.C., they’re calling it the Blizzard of 2009. In Northern Virginia, where I live, we officially received more than 16 inches of snow.
Yes, other parts of the country are used to this kind of snowfall — we’re not. Even those of us who hail from colder places (like me) have lived in this area so long that we’ve forgotten what it’s like to deal with so much snow.
Around here, even the threat of snow can close schools. No matter where you live, the decision to close school because of weather is controversial. Some parents are mad if you close; some are mad if you don’t.
My sons’ school district closed not only for today but also for the rest of the week — which means we won’t have school until after winter break. I’m glad my district decided to do this, even if it means my supplies for my kindergartener’s holiday party will sit unused until next year.
From my window (I’m working from home — federal government closed today, so that means our offices are closed, too) I can see the school bus stop, covered in a foot of snow. No way could kids stand at that bus stop, even if the roads were clear. Mine is not — it’s only seen a snow plow once since the storm.
Conditions at on my street are pretty typical around my county. Many people don’t own snow blowers, which are pretty much required for getting rid of so much snow from the sidewalks.
When the district made the announcement, I applauded it. I saw from my listservs and Facebook friends that other parents disagreed. One mom complained that the district had gone for the “nuclear option” by closing the district for the three days before winter break.
In a district of our size, that’s to be expected. I hope that parents keep in mind that district officials consider all factors in their decisions — sidewalks, parking lots, and road conditions — to close schools.
Also, today would have been a half day and Wednesday was an early dismissal day. I suspect not a lot of instruction will be missed in the next three days.
Anyone out there had to make an unpopular school closing decision? Let us know and we’ll publish your comments.
Kathleen Vail, Managing Editor
