In light of the snow

Lucia Molina
Reporter

View photos of the snow

You’re wrapped in a Snuggie, hot chocolate in hand, standing at your doorstep as you look out into a powdered winter wonderland. You’re wearing the biggest smile in the world—it’s a snow day.

Principal Tony Pavia predicts that there will be a few snow days this year, and hopes to enjoy the quiet at school. “I love snow days. I get to come into a peaceful and quiet school, do work, and answer the calls of those questioning whether it’s a snow day. And the view outside my window is fantastic,” he said.

Calling a snow day may seem like an easy decision to make of by looking outside your window, but there is much more that needs to be considered before you receive that phone call declaring the day off. “Safety and health are kept in mind,” Mr. Pavia said. “The roads need to be safe and the buses need to be able to make their trips. The sidewalks, bus stops, parking lots, and walkway need to all be safe as well. Snow days are called with the best information available at the time.”

The school administration itself does not have a say in whether to call a snow day as, the superintendent makes the phone call. “The superintendant of our school speaks with the superintendents from neighboring towns, such as Wilton and Norwalk, in order to determine whether or not to call a snow day,” English teacher Howard Benedict said.

However, some people may disagree with the decision made. Cafeteria supervisor Mark Rearrick finds that some of the snow days called in the past were not necessary and school could have taken place. “I look out my window, and I don’t see any snow,” he said. “I understand why they make their decisions: for safety. If a kid were to get hurt there would be lawsuits galore,” he said.

“When  a snow day is called, people often talk about whether or not it should have been called. When a snow day is not called, people say one should have been called. It is always a 50/50 situation,” Mr. Pavia said.

Students find that snow days called with little snow on the ground are odd, but still take advantage of them. “It’s funny because sometimes snow days are called and there’s only about two inches of snow outside,” junior Ryan Timberlake said. “But it’s okay because I just sleep in until ten and go sledding with friends.”

Mr. Pavia also noted that make-up days, as a result of snow, affect the dates of vacations and other important events. “I really do enjoy a good snow day, but it may push back graduation day, which affects the seniors. Breaks are cut shorter, which is problematic for parents who have already made plans,” he said.

Also, students miss tests and schoolwork when a snow day is called.  “Teachers should teach over the Internet. This could help reduce make-up days if students take advantage of it,” Mr. Benedict said. “We have good sites like Moodle that could help.”

With no tests or homework to complete, students take the time as a miniature break from school. “I sleep, bake, play in the snow and sleep some more,” junior Elizabeth Fichner said. “I enjoy having some time off and relaxing.”

Some prefer to stay inside and watch the snow from their windows. “I love snow, especially how it lines the road outside my house,” sophomore Kelsey Hsu said. “The lines of snow just look so peaceful.”

For teachers with young children, staying inside isn’t always an option. “There’s so much shoveling to be done, but I build snowmen and snow forts afterwards with my kids. Last year, we built an eight-foot-tall snowman,” English teacher Robert Darken said.

Some teachers go above and beyond to take full advantage of the snow. “I spend my snow days cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and building six- foot ice forts. I then sleep out the ice storm in my ice fort,” Mr. Benedict said.

Snow days are anticipated by the majority of the school, and when one is called, it does bring a smile to many faces. “Snow days are like a gift,” Mr. Pavia said. “As a child, there is nothing better than a snow day.”

Photos by Olivia McLean