Once upon a time in Kansas, the schools were faced with a difficult decision. A snow day loomed on the horizon, and the big question was whether to shut down or press on. It was a momentous decision that weighed heavy on the minds of everyone, from the teachers to the students and their families.
Justin Coup, the superintendent of USD 393 Solomon, understood the gravity of calling off school. “We take the decision to cancel school very seriously because it affects all families,” he said. And he wasn’t alone in feeling the pressure. Fabian Armendariz from USD 259 Wichita explained, “This is a collective decision, we have a small group that convenes and makes the call, so it’s not solely up to one person.”
As the weather forecast painted a vivid picture of a major winter storm on the horizon, the school districts were forced to take all factors into account. They considered the temperature, road conditions, and building safety. In addition, they had to factor in any planned activities for the day. However, above all else, the safety of the students took precedence.
In rural areas like Solomon, there were added concerns. “Being a rural school district, we have teenagers who have to travel 15 miles or more, so putting a teenager behind the wheel, early in the morning, with deer running around and icy or snowy conditions – we take that into consideration,” Coup explained. It wasn’t just about the school grounds, but also the journey to get there.
But it wasn’t just about the roads – the role of the city was also significant. Armendariz pointed out, “For us, the city of Wichita traditionally has done a great job of clearing the streets for us, making it easier for our buses and families to get to school.” It was a collective effort to ensure everyone’s safety, and a relief to know that the city was supportive.
And even if classes were in session, there was still an important piece of advice from the district leaders: dress for the weather. “Dress appropriately, dress for the worst. It’s amazing how many people we see in shorts, even at this time of year,” Coup urged. After all, it’s better to be warm and cozy than shivering in the cold.
For parents eagerly awaiting the decision on whether the school day was cancelled, the Wichita school district promised to make the call before 5:30 in the morning. Everyone held their breath and kept their fingers crossed for that sweet sound of a snow day announcement. And if it did happen, they would have the entire day to enjoy the snow and the comforts of home.
In the end, it was a difficult decision, but the schools were doing everything they could to keep the students safe and sound. Whether it was a snow day or just a regular school day, the well-being of everyone came first. Let’s hope for the best and be ready to embrace whatever decision comes our way!
