A lot of school systems in the DC area closed because of the snow that fell last night. You know what that means: Lots of angry tweets from people confronting the undeniable inconvenience of their kids staying home–or just shaking their heads in disbelief.
I hesitate to share this, because Kim Jong Un might see it, but it’s too important not to share. This is what closes school in the capital city of what was once the most powerful nation on the planet. @dcpublicschools pic.twitter.com/3WNEKOrLCc
— J.T. E (@jtedc) January 4, 2018
Here’s the thing, though: These decisions actually make a lot of sense. None of the school systems in this area exist in a vacuum. They draw teachers from all over (there are a lot of neighborhoods in this region that have great schools and aren’t exactly affordable), and snow is cleared unevenly in this region.
If DC government is open & @OSOPM kept the federal government open with a 2 hour delay, why did @dcpublicschools call a snow day, @MayorBowser @CharlesAllen? https://t.co/6Eh4IOAHEy There's barely an inch of snow on the ground on Capitol Hill. None inbound. It's just cold.
— Alex Howard (@digiphile) January 4, 2018
So if your kid’s teacher lives in Loudoun, there’s every chance he’s going to have a tough time getting into work today. High schools also have to consider the number of inexperienced kids who drive to school.
It took me longer to put on my hat, boots and gloves than it did to sweep the snow from my walk. On the bright side I just swept the neighbors' walks too. This is a bit ridiculous. Two hour delay would have been more than enough.
— Howard (@HowardRP) January 4, 2018
Do you remember the 2011 snow that turned into a nightmare commute? I guarantee you, your school system does. No one wants a lawsuit.
Really? This is what you close schools for? Two hour delay would have been fine. Can we get a Chancellor who understands snow?? @marycheh
— Elizabeth Mettler (@thewib) January 4, 2018
The City of Alexandria, for instance, budgets to remove 15 inches of snow per year. If this region got as much snow as [INSERT NAME OF COLD PLACE YOU USED TO LIVE], systems would probably handle things differently.
Embarrassing for @dcpublicschools to close @DCPSChancellor pic.twitter.com/HPHuueWDRW
— Dupont Circle (@DupontCircleDC) January 4, 2018
I’m not downplaying the hardships of finding out you have to miss work or work from home today. It’s frustrating and damned inconvenient. But you might as well make the best of it (and if venting on social media helps, by all means go for it). Alternately, here are some ideas for things to do with your kids on a snow day.
And in International Falls, Minnesota, where it is currently -32, schools are open. And there will be numerous pond hockey games after school this afternoon……..
— Jim Beattie (@jbeattie57) January 4, 2018
A couple more ideas: Today’s a perfect time to figure out what to do with that Instant Pot you got for Christmas. Or call an early happy hour with some of your friends. Here’s a recipe for a delicious snow cocktail. Beer o’clock comes early today!
Due to a cold dusting? I'm sure you'll get plenty of parents' complaints, but with roughly 190k students, & their parents, staying home, I (roughly) estimate at least a $20,000,000 hit to local econ…..because of a dusting.
— Justin Vélez-Hagan (@JVelezHagan) January 4, 2018
In an area filled with Type As, it’s good for our collective soul to be reminded there are events beyond our control. Try to take inspiration from this Alexandria principal. Snow days can be magical.
Students – Enjoy your snow day today Thursday, 1/4. Awesome message written in the snow by one of our early-bird principals! pic.twitter.com/ZMIclx1yqk
— Alexandria Schools (@ACPSk12) January 4, 2018
Andrew Beaujon joined Washingtonian in late 2014. He was previously with the Poynter Institute, TBD.com, and Washington City Paper. He lives in Del Ray.
