As Nemo’s fierce winds blanketed Port Washington with heavy layers of snow, sleet, and ice, the world seemed to have stopped.
On Feb. 8, businesses shut down early, roads were barely visible, and most schools sent their students and teachers home to escape danger.
Despite having had sent a Connect ED message to all district families the day before warning of a highly likely early dismissal, the Port school district chose to remain open until the usual closing time, and keep students and staff in the building amidst the storm.
Students, who had hoped to be let out of school early, were forced to remain on campus, only to find that their classes were not even meeting.
While school was technically in session, many classes were cancelled because teachers had gone home early, either to ensure that they made their trips safely, or because their children’s schools had let out early.
Additionally, the storm was so violent that the security team was not able to guard the campus, and had to, instead, take shelter in the lobby.
Students and teachers found it difficult to get home safely and quickly, as the roads quickly became icy, and visibility was low.
The Schreiber Times believes that, although it may have seemed easier to keep the building open and not interrupt the usual schedule, the school district should have opted for an early dismissal on Feb. 8.
Doing so would have prevented hazardous situations and inconveniences. Although everyone is eager to make up lost time from Superstorm Sandy this fall, keeping students and teachers in school during a blizzard is not the answer.
The Schreiber Times understands that it may have been difficult for the district to foresee the severity of the storm, but urges the schools to err on the side of caution for the remainder of the winter season.