Posted by: Nadia Crow
With freezing temperatures and more snow on the way, many kids will be hoping for the first snow day of the year. School officials factor in two main elements, for the buses and parents dropping off their kids, they'll take at look at road conditions. And for walkers, they'll take into consideration extreme temperatures and snow drifts.
A slushy, icy mess. A wintry mix. Phrases that make most adults cringe, but sounds like a sweet melody to some school students.
"We make snowmen. We throw snowballs at each other," said student Aali'yah Spencer.
Middle school student Aali'yah Spencer loves the idea of a snow day. But it takes a lot before that'll happen in Northern Indiana.
"It's always a judgment call," said Elkhart Community Schools Support Services Executive Director Doug Hasler.
Both Hasler and South Bend School Corporation Superintendent James Kapsa look at various elements of the day's weather forecast.
"We're looking to determine whether or not roads are passable. Whether or not temperatures are so cold it's not safe for kids to be out walking to school," said Hasler.
"We're always checking to see if the heat is on. Look at the ice and you worry about lines falling and no electricity," said Kapsa.
Indiana schools must be in session for 180 days. South Bend students will have to make up a snow day at the end of the year. But in Elkhart, snow days are built into the schedule. Hasler and Kapsa say they'll check out the road conditions and temperatures for themselves before making a decision that can change a family's entire schedule.
"Our clientele, it puts them at a disadvantage trying to find daycare. What happens to those kids when they're at home?" asked Kapsa.
Ideally, Kapsa and Hasler say they'd like to make a decision by 6 AM. Either way, Spencer will make time to play outside.
"I like to make snow angels and stuff with snow," said Spencer.
Kapsa and Hasler are asking you to help out their students by clearing off your sidewalk.
Use i-TRACK Interactive Radar to see where the snow is falling, and take a peek at what's heading your way. And when you're on the go, FOX 28 mobile sends the weather information you need right to your cell phone. Sign up today for school closing alerts, severe weather warnings, and daily forecasts!
