Lack of Snow Days dismays students, teachers alike

News
By Robbie Bacheller
Husky Herald Reporter

  A day off school may not seem like a big deal, but to many students, it is.

  The combination of sleeping in, relaxing, and not being at school in the middle of the week make snow days one of the best things that happen during a cold winter.

  But this year, to the dismay of most students and staff, Port Huron Schools has yet to have had a snow day.

  Some parts of Michigan, including metro Detroit, are experiencing record highs in temperatures this winter. The opposite can be said for snowfall.

  Port Huron Schools students have been spoiled with these “vacation days” in recent times. Last year, Port Huron Schools were closed six times due to inclement weather. Current state law requires a 180-day school year with up to six allowable snow days.

  Usually, if a school district exceeds the six-day limit, then the amount of days missed will be made up with additional days added to the end of the year.

  Yet a sense of strong optimism remains.

  “The heavy snow just hasn't come yet, but we have to get some sooner or later,” said Colten Burch (‘17).

  Students aren't the only ones who enjoy snow days, however. “Teachers might like snow days more than students,” said Mr. Whymer, science teacher at Port Huron Northern.

  Conversely, not all students enjoy these snow days. “I’m honestly not a big fan. Our education is too important to miss out on because of some snow,” said Nick Dewey (‘16).

  The most common reason for “snow days” is having excessive amounts of snow on the roads. But temperatures and windchills well-below freezing, icy and/or hazardous road conditions, and power outages at the school will all result in a school closing.

  Mr. James Cain, who is in his second year as superintendent with the district, determines whether schools will be open or not. Through an email interview, Port Huron Schools Director of Community Relations and Marketing Keely Baribeau said, “The Superintendent makes the final decision regarding District schedule changes and ‘snow days.’”

   “The Superintendent often considers whether other local districts are cancelling, what the current and predicted conditions are as reported by a designated district employee who "test drives" the roads and of course, safety. Safety is the most important and ultimate factor in any decision to alter the school day schedule,” said Baribeau.

  Schools are more likely to be closed if surrounding area districts are off as well. Rural districts such as Yale and Cros-Lex close more often due to rural farm roads. These roads are more susceptible to drifts because of open fields.

  It seems this year that following the superstitions of flushing some ice cubes down the toilet or sleeping with a spoon under the pillow may be the best ways to get a snow day.