When it snows, students hope for a day off

Every time snow hits the ground, students hope for a snow day.

Snow days are a perfect break for all students, and a full week of school becomes uncommon during the winter months.

As children, we were always hoping for snow days. We would put spoons under our pillows and flush ice cubes down the toilet in hopes that we would wake up to a phone call saying no school.

As teens in high school, we are still hoping for the call.

But what goes into calling off school?

Dangerous road conditions are the most frequent reason school is cancelled, but the temperature can also play a key role.

Superintendent Patti Yorks takes a lot of time when considering the possibility of a snow day.

The first priority for Yorks is the safety of the students.

“Although main roads may be safe, secondary roads are just as important. Including subdivisions and dirt roads,” Yorks said.

Secondary roads are often not plowed until later in the day.

Snow covers KHS.
IMAGE / Karmen Bishoff
Snow covers KHS.

Students waiting at slippery bus stops is also a major concern for Yorks.

Kearsley’s administration has a close relationship with the Genesee County Road Commission. The GCRC is responsible for keeping the public updated about road conditions.

There are many dangerous weather conditions that all drivers should be educated about, and the GCRC provides descriptions of all of them on their website.

Knowing when these conditions are present makes decision-making easier for Yorks.

Of course, not many students are concerned about the reason why school is cancelled. They often look forward to the phone call, then they go back to bed.

But many students do not even listen for the phone to ring.

Checking social media, such as Twitter, is an easy way to see if school is cancelled. Many teens tweet and post about how happy they are that school is cancelled.

Senior Tyler Frasher opts not to check social media once he gets the phone call.

“I go right back to bed,” Frasher said.

With the cancellation of school, it is usually unsafe for students to be on the roads.

Some teens will still go out on the roads, to get something to eat, or hang out with friends.

Junior Mitchell Conely is willing to drive on the roads on a snow day under certain conditions.

“I will go out and drive on snow days, but it depends when, or if the roads were plowed later in the day,” Conely said.

Students should avoid driving on snow days unless they absolutely need to get somewhere, and students should keep in mind that back roads and subdivisions can make for a dangerous ride.

Of course, a benefit to having a snow day is that students who are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of schoolwork they have get a day off that provides the perfect opportunity to relax and catch up on other tasks.

Perfect snow day activities include sleeping, catching up on a TV series, finishing homework, reading, spending time outside, cleaning or organizing a room, cleaning out a closet or old clothes, or just enjoying time inside.

Senior Miranda Lumetta always has her go-to activity.

“My favorite thing to do on snow days is to watch ‘Grey’s Anatomy,'” Lumetta said.

Whether you choose to spend your snow day in bed or outside, they are a perfect break for all students.