Opinion
Snow days then, longer year now
Audrey Hasse
May 21, 2008 - 12:05:35 PM

The hopeful days of waking up and turning the TV to a local news station to check if Lindbergh R-7 rolls across the bottom of the screen are far over. Mid-fourth quarter grades are out, and the blissful ring of the last bell of the school year is anxiously awaited by stressed-out students. As much as they long for the glorious days of summer, snow day confusion has left students wondering when those days will actually begin.

Three days were planned into this year’s schedule for either weather complications or emergencies. One of these days was used for Emergency Preparedness Day Sept. 21 to train faculty. As bothersome as it is to not have the safety net of a third planned day, it is understandable and necessary that teachers should be trained for such occasions. The remaining two days were used for snow days that were unexpected after years of having none.

For the record, the final day before ‘freedom’ is May 30 for freshmen through juniors. Students are obligated to endure two more days of school than were originally planned.

Seniors don’t share the same frustration as freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Seniors leave high school behind May 19, one week earlier than the rest of the school, which is followed by graduation May 22.

Seniors are also not required to make up snow days, which adds to the frustration of younger students. While some feel it is unfair, most students are just hoping to receive the same courtesy when they become a senior.

Every Lindbergh student has fond memories of the Spirit Festival, and perhaps getting off school the day before. So far, attending school on May 16th is still a possibility. Teachers and administrators claim it is up to students to maintain good attendance in order to get off on that day.

After being replaced by early release days, late start days have become a faint and pleasant memory. On May 23, the late start day will return for one day and school will begin at 9:35 am. This late start can perhaps brighten the faces of disappointed students.

As ‘painful’ as it may be to continue school for two extra days, one can always rely on the memories of delightful snow days.