Here's an email we received this morning. Want to add your two cents worth?
Good morning guys,
I listen to you as I drive to work at 6:45am and then when I get there everyday. Except today when we have yet another snow day. I have lived in several cities in Canada Edmonton Winnipeg and the GTA and never have I experienced school closures like they have here! Bus cancelations yes but outright school closure? It is pretyy hard to keep your job if you need to take off one day per week because the kids can't go to school.
Yesterday I actually overheard a teacher exclaiming " Isn't it great I think it will be ANOTHER SNOW DAY Tommorow. "
Yikes
I realise that my childrens safety comes first but thre have been several so called snow days that were a joke, and the fiasco early closing on Jan 14 was really poorly done. The roads were really bad in the morning but were fine by the time school was actually closed later that day.
I wish you would bring this topic up as open discussion. What are we to do? I work retail and if I pay for child care for my kids on snow days I am actually paying to go to work! My boss can deal with this once in a while but not every week
Thanks
Love the show
What do you think about what this woman has to say? Leave a comment
92 comments:
I think there certainly is a fine line, and hard decisions to be made. It is definitely not a job that I would want. With that being said I can say that I was very surprised this morning when I woke up that there was no school today. I thought if anything, maybe a half day of school. Being a substitute teacher, we HATE snow days because unfortunately when schools are closed, we can't work, and when we don't work, WE DON'T GET PAID. My biggest fear (I have seen it in the past) is that there will be so much back lash from parents today, that the board will then make irrational decisions to send kids to school when really it is unsafe, and schools should be closed. It's there attempt at making up for a decision that many thought was the wrong one.
Sincerely,
FRUSTRATED SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Good Morning,
I know school closures can be frustrating for many parents. I take care of children in my home and it is not my favorite thing to hear that school is cancelled again.
On the other hand, I would rather have my children and the children I take care of at home than put them at risk if the roads get bad. Sometimes the school board makes the wrong decision but who doesn't make wrong decisions. If they didn't cance school and something happened, who would everyone blame. Exactly, the school board so they can't win either way. I am glad they put the children first, not the parents. I would rather any day to keep my children home over them getting in an accident on the way to or from school.
I was a bit surprised this morning when I woke up to find that there was no school and the weather had yet to start but I guess they feel with the amount of weather on the way and the risks of freezing rain and such it was a good idea to exercise plenty of caution. I am glad that now when the buses are not running, the schools are not open. When buses weren't running and the schools remained open a couple of years ago, my daughter still stayed home. If it's not safe for her to be in a big bus then it's not safe for her at all. For me it is all about safety. When the roads are slippery, even if the child walks to school there is plenty of danger. Many people "pay to work" each and every day including myself. I am a working mom as well and have never considered the school my child attends to be my personal baby sitter. I make the arrangements I have to make when the school board makes a safety call.
I too have lived in various parts of Canada but you have to appreciate the changes in precipitation in Nova Scotia. When the temperatures fluctuate and you have combinations of snow, rain and freezing rain, it creates much more dangerous conditions than if you were to get just snow. You also have to keep in mind the geography of NS and the number of children who have to be transported long distances on rural roads. It's a difficult decision but the safety of the children is of the utmost importance. I too have the childcare issue but each year I save at least 5 vacation days for school cancellations. If I do go to work, I pay for childcare but I don't have an issue with paying it. I would suggest that perhaps you could find another parent in a similar situation and work it out between the two of you that you take turns minding the children for each other on days that school is cancelled.
There certainly is "outrage" from parents when the schoolboard unnecessarily calls a snow day. But answer this simple question: how much outrage do you think there would be if the schoolboard didn’t call a snow day and a bus was in an accident due to the weather? What if children were injured... or worse? It comes down to what value we place on our kids safety, and potentially their lives. Is it inconvenient? Absolutely. Especially for those households where both parents work, or a single working parent. And I agree the last day they tried sending the children home early was an absolute mess, with no apparent benefit other than massive confusion and inconvenience. However, I also agree with the comment from the substitute teacher – “it’s not a job I would want”. It’s a no-win thankless job. Has anyone ever called in to the radio the next day to say “good call HRSB”?
Something to think about...
(and this is coming from a frustrated parent)
Good morning. This is another issue that I get very frustrated about, the safety of the kids are the #1 issue. I am so tired of hearing about the whining of parents about having to find child care or having to take vacation or no pay when schools are closed. Well I feel that if you are USING the schools as a child care place well that is your first mistake. The schools are NOT there to look after your kids while you are at work. What did you do before they were school age. If you do not have a back up plan for school closures maybe you should make arrangemnt for when they are closed. Sorry but this is really a pain in my backside that people use the schools for child care. They are there to TEACHER your kids not babysit.
Thank you a frustrated Mother..
Good Morning,
I think that it is a tough decision for board staff to make the decision to cancel school. But, the decision is based on the greater good of all students and staff involved. Yes, it does create a logistic/finanical nightmare. However, that pales in comparision to the logistic/financial nightmare of a child being injuried or dying. The backlash towards the schoolboard would be unmeasurable. I can hear it now...they should have done this or they should have done that.
Many parents believe that schools are a free baby sitting service, rather than a learning institution.
It sickens me that their selfishness of feeling inconvenienced takes priority over their children's safety.
Most snow days already, have had traffic back ups because of several weather related accidents. I'd rather pay child care for the day, then send my kids out into a dangerous drive!
It's a no win situation...if school is on and is cancelled mid day that is organized chaos at best. If a bus goes off the road parents argue that it wasn't safe to be out but they made the choice to send their kids. If the buses are not running but schools are open, some schools end up with a handful of students in each classroom and can't cover their planned curriculum as the majority of students are absent and schould not be penalized.
I realize it's a pain but I think safety should be the main concern, no matter what call is made in the morning someone will complain.
I did not believe you when you said that school was canceled this morning. But, the school board cancels school for the students safety and there have been times that I have walked to school in a storm. Also I have to walk through a large amount of traffic with gets worse in the bad weather ,and makes it harder for students to cross the street. It's hard enough to cross victoria road without being run down. Today they could have had a half day, but if we get as much snow as they are saying then the school board is right. When the snow comes and young children are at school, parents will be even angrier that they have to find a way to get their kids from school...
I agree, I was shocked to hear that school was closed today before the storm had even started but I am also glad that the School Board thinks of the safety of our children over the convenience for parents when their "free babysitters" are cancelled. If school had not been closed and a bus was in an accident trying to get our children home today - or any day that there is bad weather for that matter - we would all be outraged that the School Board had not closed schools and put our children in danger. I think the School Board has a very tough job in making the decisons to cancel or not - a job in which I do not wish were my own - and no matter what decision they make they are NEVER going to make everyone happy - I just hope they continue to put our childrens safety FIRST!!
I too was surprised that there was no school this morning. As a teacher I am guilty of saying that I hope there is no school but having said that I and many others usually end it with, so I can catch up. We may not have to report to work but many of us do not take the day off. I am able to plan, mark, and make parent contact on these days. I know that the schoolboard is looking out for the safety of the childern when they close schools. We have seen what happens when they close schools in the middle of a winter storm and students have to get home somehow in the worst of the weather. Yes, sometimes school is cancelled and the weather does not come that we were expecting, weather forecasting is not an exact science, but better safe than sorry. I have travelled into school when the weather was bad and school should have been cancelled but was not. I left my home early as to try to arrive to work on time. However, due to the weather I did not. This creates a problem as we now have childern that are being supervised by other staff but are not being taught as that staff member is also looking after thier 25 or so childern. As a teacher I have rearrange my lessons to accomadate these snow days so that the required curriculum can be covered. It is not an easy choice that the schoolboard makes but I hope they continue doing what is right for the safety of everyone.
I think when the Board makes a decision they are thinking of not just the children but the staff as well. They are not wanting to put anyone in harms way, I think the main concern is safety. I don't hear one person say "gee the kids missed a day of learning", usually I hear "I couldn't make it to work". As a parent you should have other alternatives, I mean really school is not your personal babysitting service, and thats what it is to some just a glorified baby sitter. In a world where parents work to make a living, and may not see their children as much as they would like too, take these days as fun days for you and your child. As a working parent, I look forward to these days to spend with my child.
Kelly
Halifax
I agree that there are too many snow days, but given the unpredictable weather in Nova Scotia, it seems reasonable.
When I was in grade school in New Brunswick, we had 3 options for storm days:
1. We went to school when a storm was predicted, and the buses took us home in the afternoon after the snow started.
2. When the roads were bad in the morning, school was delayed an hour or 2, and then everyone went to school.
3. Buses weren't running, but the schools were open (FYI - teachers aren't babysitters).
Of course, this lead to 1 or 2 minor bus accidents over the years, and we are left with the decisions that are made today.
The discussion on school closures would be completely different if the school board didn't close school and a child was killed.
I agree there have been times when school should have been closed and wasn't or was closed and it shouldn't. But when all is said and done it's children's lives that are at stake. A lost school day is nothing compared to a lost life. School could be extented but a child can't be brought back from death.
The one thing I disagree with is cancelling bus runs but not school. If it's not safe for the buses to be on the roads, why is it safe for my child to walk to school? If buses can't be on the roads, school should be cancelled.
i think our cidreans safty should be first priority,not how much m oney it will cost for child care,In my oppion the school board ALWYS makes the best decisions for our childrean
I'm still waiting for my FIRST snow day - am at work right now. Everyone can complaint about something!
Lulu
I, unlike many other parents, was not surprised when they cancelled school today. I was praying for it last night. I'd rather have my child home where I know he is safe, not out travelling the roads in a storm.
It's true that the weather changes on a dime here, but we do have bad storms and they expect this one to be a doozy! And it's not like they're missing anything-no one is getting taught today.
You get angry when they cancel, you get angry when they don't, you get angry when they cancel at lunch. It's all for safety, deal with it!
Just want to share something that was recently brought to my attention:
For all of you people whining about the fact that you have to now be responsible for your child for the day...did you know that the province of Nova Scotia did not always have 195 school days in the school year. Most of you will remember getting out of school around the middle of June for the summer break. It is not like that anymore because the province ADDED 5 days to the teaching year to cover for storm days.
Very rarely are all storm days used. Being a MOM first, teacher second, I am concerned that people are placing more value on the problems it causes them when they wake up unprepared for what the forecast has been telling them the night before. We are always telling our kids..."you should have thought of that!"
Good morning,
Parents in HRM should be glad that school has been cancelled today. I live in Lunenburg County and they didn't cancel school today even though they knew the storm was coming. It started snowing here before most kids even got in the bus. I kept my kids home today because the little bit they would learn in school is not worth risking their lives to get home. Perhaps the administration at South Shore Regional School Board should take notes from the Halifax School Board!
Hi,
I think it's best to be safe rather than sorry. I realize there is a fine line between keeping schools open and closing them but the safety of our children should be of utmost importance. Most people do not know the havoc that is created when schools are kept open only to be cancelled a few hours later. I also feel that every parent of a school-aged child should have a back-up plan in place to deal with school closures.
Finally, lets not forget the teachers, epa's, custodians, cafeteria staff, etc. who work in these schools. Some of which drive an hour or more. Their safety is important too!!
Hello! Another snow day and everyone is complaining again. For the love of God, people, think of the safety of the children!! If the roads are bad the children should not be on the buses!! Your children should be your most prized commodity and you wish to put them in danger!!If you have children you should always have a plan in order for childcare should the schools be cancelled. Yes, even the parents that use the excel program need a place for their children to go on snow days. So, Parents get it together and have a backup available for child care. I've been doing childcare out of my home for about 22 years now and I have my own regular group of children I see daily as well as some excel students I see on the snow days. What do you do with your children in the summer? March Break? Inservice days? The schools are not babysitters!!! If the roads are bad keep our children off them!!
All I can say is, good call HRSB. My children are home with me safe and sound which is exactly where I want them to be when the weather is bad. I've read all the comments and agree....parents need to plan ahead....there was plenty of warning for today, and look outside!! The snow is certainly coming down. Why would you WANT your kids on the roads when they're calling for snow and freezing rain???
Well I wanted to bring up three points from a students point of view-
1) If there was classes today I would be walking home at break.
2) If they only cancelled buses all of the walking student like me would have went and we would be cleaning the classroom or work on things that we would just repeat tomorrow anyway
3) If they only buses were cancelled 80% of the school won't come, considering the fact that most of the schools run by bused students.
All I can say is good job HRSB. My children are home with me safe and sound which is exactly where I want them when the weather is bad. Why would you WANT your kids on the roads when they're calling for snow and freezing rain??? Look out of your window right now. Still think it was a bad call?? Like those before me have said....plan ahead. It's not like there wasn't enough warning about what today's weather would bring. Go hug your kids instead of complaining about missing time at work.
I don't have a problem with the school cancellations for the safety of our children. BUT I don't think it's appropriate for teachers to express their excitement to students about possible upcoming school closures. I've heard that from my kids on MANY occasions over the years.
And, come on, who is going to believe "poor" teachers they HATE snow days! They don't have any problem abandoning their responsibilities in the middle of the school year for a few months of exotic travel .. we see that happening all the time!
Hard decisions or not, I don't think that schools should be cancelled before the snow even starts. This is setting a poor example and can easily lead to weak character. When they grow up, do you think their employers will say "I know the roads are fine now, but the trusty meteorologist is saying there'll be snow sometime, so don't come in today; you'll still get paid". At least they should have to make an effort and go in for the morning. Didn't you? Who needs more pampered kids out there?
If there are no buses (because of too much snow/ice already down), there shouldn't be school for any of the students.
No, I'm not old, I'm in my 20s..and no, I didn't walk up hill both ways, that's what my parents said.
There have only been 3 snow days so far this year plus a day that they were sent home early - not "Too many" in my opinion. Those complainers out there obviously chose the wrong profession since if you were a teacher, you would have the day off with your children.
Hi
I drive a school bus and although they are big, they are also light.They do not stop as well as cars which when people feel the need to cut you off because they don't want to stay behind a school bus, makes for really tricky driving.I truly believe that the ones that complain the most are the people that do not have a back up plan for their children and i am sorry to say but do not consider their safety.So the amount of times these buses have been on the road in appalling conditions more than makes up for the time that the school board has made calls to close and the weather has turned out ok.
It is interesting to hear the comments of listeners and the different perspectives on school closures. I think everyone needs to be aware of the implications of an early closure. Some have commented on the poor handling of early dismissals but don't realize the difficulty this poses to schools and teachers. The ultimate legal responsibility for ensuring children make it home safely falls to the schools and school board. In the event of an early closure due to impending weather or any other unfortunate circumstance every parent or emergency contact for each student in the school has to be called and spoken to personally in order for the children to be sent home. The buses do not leave the school before every class receives confirmation of these calls, therefore the dismissal is delayed by at least an hour, many times longer, after the initial decision is made. It is a very chaotic position for the school to be in and in many cases puts the children in jeopardy if a storm blows in more quickly than expected. I would much rather the students are safe at home than trapped somewhere between home and school. I remember spending 2 nights in my school gym with 250 of my peers due to a storm that was unexpectedly severe. I don't wish that fate on any of todays students.
Another issue is that the "school board" consists of schools from Fall River to Timberlea to Dartmouth and all the way out to Eastern Shore and Sheet Harbour. Condidtions may look fine in the city but on the outskirts it can be much worse.
I also live in Lunenburg County and schools were not cancelled this morning. I received the call about 20 minutes ago that the schools are now being cancelled at 11:00 a.m. I now have the worry that the children will all make it home safely. It sounds like the person who emailed lives in the city. Guess what, in rural Nova Scotia the kids who walk to school don't have sidewalks to walk on - they have to walk on the sides of roads which can be slippery - the same roads which the buses have to also travel on. I like many other would much rather have the children home safe and sound. For the person who says it teaches "poor character", grow up. Are you at work today in the weather as you type on this blog? - if so, then you have poor "work ethic."
Living in the maritimes is different from many other big cities in Canada because we have so many rural communities and unpaved roads (within one school board). When I lived in Toronto, the more rural school boards definitely cancelled school on snow days. We also don't have comparable public transportation systems.
Cancelling buses instead of school does not work. Very few students attend and all that results is free babysitting (which is not what schools are meant for!).
On poor weather days we are better off with fewer teachers, students and parents on the road rushing to get to school on time in poor conditions.
Cancelling school part way through the day is a nightmare. Many children are left sitting at school distraught waiting for their parents while staff make phone calls trying to track parents down. Parents are also then left to make last minute plans while busy at work.
We would be outraged if the headlines in the news said "school bus carrying children crashed in poor weather conditions" and this would be a whole other discussion board.
We need to support the person who has all our children's safety on their shoulders...I'm sure it is a stress not many of us would want to bear. They make the best decision they can with Nova Scotia's unpredictable weather!
This is the maritimes...snow days are inevitable. Watch the forecast and plan ahead or move to a big city where there are no snow days!
I think that I would want someone to err on the side of caution then have my children injured or heaven forbid worse. We are Nova Scotians, and such, will complain about anything, but this is not something that should be questioned. The decisions made by school boards to cancel are not taken lightly, in fact HRSB cancels far less than Chignecto, but tend to have less severe weather. The board has cancelled classesd in schools that boarder that board and left others open; which shows that they try to have as many schools open as possible. That being said, there are other concerns HRSB have that rural boards do not, if the roads are dangerous, the walking is compoundedly worse, children have to walk on uncleared sidewalks and cross dangerous streets and could be struck. I recall hearing of a bus off in Kingswood and one in the Chignecto board going off the roads....these were close calls and I think perhaps these boards realized that they have dodged a bullet in theses situations; and have realized it is accetable to take some heat from others for closures instead of having to tell a parent that their child is in the hospital, or worse. Kudos to whoever makes the decision...I am glad my childrens well being is more important...Keep this in mind until at least the end of March (according to Sam). to all parents, please be grateful that our children are safe.
I am so pleased to see that most people are supporting the board's decision to cancel school today. My children are teenagers now so I don't have the childcare issue any longer, but I certainly did for several years, and always had a plan, however I do still have the safety issue. They are no longer bus students because now that they aren't in elementary any longer it's okay for them to walk over 3km to school. If the roads are not safe for buses then they certainly aren't safe for walking students either. When school is cancelled at lunchtime it's chaos. Not only do you then have all school buses on the roads, you have hundreds of parents trying to get to schools to pick up their walkers, and you have hundreds of students, grades primary to 12, trying to walk on these unsafe roads and uncleared sidewalks and pathways. I would always much rather school be cancelled as a precaution and have no storm at all, then not cancel it and have a storm and put children's lives at risk. School is not a babysitting service and people really need to stop looking at it that way. What do these people do when their children are sick? Are these the same people who send their kids to school with the flu and infect the other students and teachers? As a parent my childrens' safety will always come first and if I have to give up a day of work, so be it. We'll have peanut butter sandwiches for supper and I won't have Tim Horton's coffee for a week, but I'll have safe kids.
Wow...some people have a hate on for teachers! "Support" like that from the public is why so many are leaving the profession. If you think it's such a great job (all this time off)...why didn't you become a teacher!?
I think children's safety is the number one priority. And that is how the school board makes their decision. No the roads were not an issue this morning when students were going to school. However, based on the predicted forcast, the conditions will not be the same when the children are coming home. With snow, blowing snow and freezing rain predicted for this afternoon, I would not want my kids outide in that weather trying to get home safely. I am glad the school board called off school and my kids are home safe. The school board can never win. No matter what decision they make, parents are never happy. If you close they are complaining, if they stay open they are complaining. Parents need to have procedures in place when these situations arise. Afterall we live in the Maritimes...snow storms are inevitable.
I myself have spent a few winters in Alberta and the weather in the Maritimes is a whole different thing. We can blink and the weather will change from good to bad. Both my children attend the two french schools and I would much rather have them home safe and sound than to have them travelling unnecessarily on a school bus with bad road conditions.
Obviously today the roads are bad, and every weather authority has been saying we will be getting mass amounts of snow. So yes, today, good job cancelling school.
However, at least 3/4 of the school cancellations in this province are completely bogus. If I can drive an hour to get to University, my younger siblings can certainly hop on their bus to the school five minutes away.
Good Morning,
I understand that snow days would be very frustrating to most parents. Finding alternate care, or staying home from work once a week isen't easy!
Not only do we need to consider our precious children's safety but also the safety of those teachers and other staff that have to make the drive in as well. I teach at a private school in HRM and drive a hour each way. I don't get paid for snow days but would much rather be in the safety of my own home rather than on the roads when weather is nasty. This year alone I have gone into the ditch twice trying to make the treacherous drive up Hammonds Plains road through snow that has started while I was teaching. Let's keep everyone safe! Keep up the good work HRSB.
Im answering this at 11:06 am from New Glasgow NS, looking at some of the comments here, i agree on both sides really, this one caught my eye...
"how much outrage do you think there would be if the schoolboard didn’t call a snow day and a bus was in an accident due to the weather?"
Not so long ago, (about a week or so) school was cancelled all over the provice after a snow , freezing rain storm...all over , except for Chignecto Regional School Board, including Truro, New Glasgow areas..now that said, there was a bus accident, no one was hurt thankfully, BUT, school should have been cancelled due to the ICE on the roads and sidewalks. That said, where is the line drawn....if school is cancelled in the province , except one area, maybe that area, that decides that it is ok, should have a little closer look at what's going on with the weather.
Also I can sympathize with parents who have to take a day off from work due to school closures, one has to wonder just how many times is going to be too much for an employer, especially when there is no child care available on such short notice. Face it folks, we live in the Maritimes, with a VERY diverse weather pattern always heading our way. But I always remember times when I was a kid, how school was cancelled for those who got bussed and not cancelled for those of us who had to walk to school. Long story short, we as people will always have either something bad or good to say about school closures, in the end its up to the members of the school board to decide what's best.
Sincerely,
Single Dad in New Glasgow
Good Morning,
I too understand the frustration that a snow day has for many parent(s) or guardian(s). However, I was not at all surprised when I heard that all schools were closed this morning. Having read many comments it is clear that the Halifax Regional School Board is stuck between a rock and a hard place in the eyes of the public. If they open schools and send YOUR children home at lunch their will be backlash. If they open schools and there is an accident with YOUR child on board a bus they will receive backlash. If they cancel school like today, out of concern for YOUR children, they will also receive backlash. Why is it that we continue to place the Halifax Regional School Board in a no win situation when it comes to the safety of YOUR children? As an educator, I too am paying for childcare today while I am at home with my children. However, when it comes to their safety it is a small price to pay knowing that they are safe and out of harms way. Since when have educators in the Halifax Regional School Board become babysitters rather than teachers? We have to stop blaming the Halifax Regional School Board for their decision to close schools due to inclement weather and accept responsibility for OUR children. Education is supposed to be a shared responsibility between the home and the school. What are children learning at home today when they discover that their parent(s) and / or guardian(s) want them on a bus (or walking) and in school, rather than safe and sound in their own homes during a storm? As a parent and educator, I will spend quality time with my children safe at home. I hope that you too will find the time do the same.
I'm sorry but I would rather have to pay for child care on these days, then have my children get hurt or even worse on the way to/from school on these days. Yes...it wasn't snowing when we woke up, but would you like your children travelling home on buses in weather like it is now because school gets cancelled at lunch? I don't know about you, but my kids are more important to me than that.
I have four children and I'd rather they be home safe. I have two bus students because they are French students and I have two who walk as they are in an English school not to far from home. My point is the children who take the bus could be in an accident and the kids who walk could be at danger of the elements, cars, etc. I'd rather be safe than sorry and if you plan ahead as I do and have an aleternate plan in place to handle cancellations you don't have to worry about missing work. Thank you HRSB for keeping my kids safe.
So let's see how the education system works:
1. Don't give homework to students or limit the amount of homework...to prevent students from LEARNING.
2. Snow days...to prevent students from LEARNING.
3. Pass All Students... to prevent students from LEARNING.
4. Shorten the number of hours of education per day...to prevent students from LEARNING.
Wow! And we wonder why students lack basic skills or are behind national standards of education.
Good Morning,
I think the real problem with snow day cancellations is that people are using schools as daycare/babysitters and get in a huff if they now need to look after their own children. If school isn't cancelled and something were to happen to their child, these people would be so quick to sue. The school board will never win in this situation, they're damned if they do, and damned if they don't.
Sincerely a concerned parent
On the last school closure I had the opportunity to talk to two school employees that had a horrible time contacting parents. They told me that they spent most of the day on the phone and in the end quite a few students were left at the school on the time that school would have normally ended! Many parents were unreachable, unable to leave work,or left in a very awkward position in their workplace. Snow days are inevitable and necessary for children's safety, but they should be used on days like today when we are sure that the weather is going to go bad. Shelly
I work and live in a rural community where 95% of the students are bussed in...weather conditions like these make it hazardous to be on the road. In the past school boards have sent kids to school then cancelled shortly after 11...this leads to chaos because beleive it or not some parents havent made alternate arrangements for emergency school closures! Kids are sent home and teachers and administrators are scrambling trying to ensure that all children have a parent/guardian or another home to go to!
much easier and safer just to be cautious...stop whining...what would you rather have a snow day or a bus going off the road?
I think given todays predicted forcast that it was smart for school to be cancelled before it started. It's not very nice out. That being said, I agree that teachers do have it pretty good, though I'm sure they would all argue...snow days off...2 weeks off at Christmas....March Break off...summers off, not to mention the number of 'personal development' days they get every single month. Of course they don't hate snow days, and these snow days should be spent doing their job even if it's not in the school. Maybe I should have been a teacher too....
As parents, in the winter months, it is a smart idea to have a backup plan because you never know when there is going to be a storm day and most times there are storm days here in Nova Scotia. I think that the HRSB is doing the right thing because our kids safety is important.If the HRSB did not cancel school in such conditions and a situation came up where someone got hurt or a bus went off the road, then certain parents would put the blame on the HRSB for not closing the school. So, I'm all for the HRSB for allowing the school closures in such conditions. I am a parent, as well.
I have had children in the school system for 15 years and still do. I grew up in a city in New Brunswick and we had a snow day every week bus or no bus, and that city still regularly has to cancel under these circumstances. If you listen to the radio, every distract around us closes often when Halifax does not. HRM is a large area and although it may seem ok in the city or another area that may not be the case everywhere. I never liked it when they did only cancel buses cause in my mind one bus dropping off 60 to 80 kids is a lot safer than those kids being dropped off by their parents in many cars; traffic congestion in this situation is a nightmare for the schools. And besides, they never do any work because so many are missing.
Bottom line moms and dads, it is up to us parents to have backup babysitting when this happens. It is not the schools responsibility. Over the years, I get so fed up hearing parents complain about having to miss a day or get a babysitter. You chose to have kids and this is one of the many things that fall under "parental responsibilities" not school responsibilities.
I always had a babysitter who took them before and after school, snow days and in-service days. I have coworkers who save their vacation days for these situations. Whatever works but it is YOUR responsibility and not the schools. My kids safety always comes first and to not have them on the road whether walking or busing especially with the way people drive these days, I say cancel school!!! Always better safe than sorry.
We live in a Province that is condusive to snow. Unfortunately, some children are bused, and a decision has to be made with retrospect to their safety of course. My beef isnt so much with children having a snow day, if that is what the School Boards decide, my beef is the fact Teachers get the day off. I have friends AND family who are Teachers, and they all cry they have no time for class prep, and not enough hours in the day to do what is expected of them. The rest of us MUST go to work regardless of the weather. We don't have the luxury of a "snow day" that not only students get, but the Teachers who benefit as well. I've been out and about on snow days off for schools, and bump in to Teachers who aren't home doing class prep, but enjoying "their day off" skiing, shopping or doing whatever. No boo hoos here for anyone. Oh, and one more comment. When schools are closed because of buses, schools should still be open for those who CAN walk to school. If a parent makes a decision not to allow their child to walk, or doesn't want to drive them on their way to work, that is their decision. But, we all know there are children who WOULD benefit from the small class size on such a day and get the extra attention in extra help some so desperately need.
I agree that schools should be close to the children but as an Hrsb employee I am wondering why certain people do not have to report to work, teachers mainly, I have to go to work as do 95 percent of other people in hrm
We live in a Province that is conducive to snow. Unfortunately, some children are bused, and a decision has to be made with retrospect to their safety of course. My beef isn’t so much with children having a snow day, if that is what the School Boards decide, my beef is the fact Teachers get the day off. I have friends AND family who are Teachers, and they all cry they have no time for class prep, and not enough hours in the day to do what is expected of them. The rest of us MUST go to work regardless of the weather. We don't have the luxury of a "snow day" that not only students get, but the Teachers who benefit as well. I've been out and about on snow days and bump into Teachers who aren't home doing class prep, but enjoying "their day off" skiing, shopping or doing whatever. I know they all don’t do this, but everyone I know does. No boo hoos here for anyone. Those suggesting others employed in schools have long distances to drive, so what? I know people who drive from Truro every single day to Halifax, and they are NOT employed in the Education field and they are risking driving too. Oh, and one more comment. When schools are closed because of buses, schools should still be open (as are all other businesses) for those who CAN walk to school. If a parent makes a decision not to allow their child to walk, or doesn't want to drive them on their way to work, that is their decision. But, we all know there are children who WOULD benefit from the small class size on such a day and get the extra attention in extra help some so desperately need. So keep the schools open so the Teachers can do all those things they complain they can’t do because there aren’t enough hours in the day to and let them join the workforce who has to work regardless of the weather. Maybe the rest of us who aren’t Teachers should ask HRM to declare a “snow day” for everyone in the city and shut down every business so no one has to risk being on the road either. Geesh!!!
I am a mom of 2. Grew up in NS. I knew a storm was coming today. I knew either 1. Kids go and get out early or 2. School is canceled today.
It is no surprise to me school was canceled.
As a parent I use my own descretion, I don't care what anyone thinks. My children's safety is #1.
As for working parents, why do you not have back up for inservice days or snow days? My mom and dad always had a back up plan for snow days and inservice days.
I'm truly shocked by some of the comments that have been made so far in response to this mother's email. I completely understand where she is coming from. It's very difficult to have a "back up plan". My youngest is now in high school so I don't have to worry about making alternate arrangements, but many parents don't have the flexibility that many of you seem to enjoy. Please stop being so judgemental. This mother is simply voicing her frustration, not implying that her job is more valuable than her child!! I'm in my late 40s and grew up here myself, and we never had snow days that I remember. When my children were younger, the buses would be cancelled but school would be open. Usually my husband would stay home and we'd keep the kids home. As one other person said, if it's not safe for buses it's not safe to walk!! Closing school is a tough call, but today appears to be the right one. On days like this I'd rather be working from home myself...luckily sometimes I have that flexibility, but it wasn't always so.
This topic certainly is a wild one but I too believe and agree with the majority - be safe rather than sorry. A few days is not going to make that much difference in the curriculum.
Maybe the teachers can actually teach up until the last day before March break instead of stopping 3 days before March break and having the students watch movies and argue with their parents that they don't want to go because they aren't going to learn anything new!
Keep the students home whenever it is going to be bad. As for those parents who work - find a high school student or find a neighbour who is an at home mom where you can send your kids on such days.
Every street has a couple of "Babysitters" on them who work from their homes.
Plan ahead.
It's nice to see that most people are supporting keeping our kids safe. As a single mom, I agree a snow day can cause some inconvenience, however, spending extra time with my child is always welcomed.
FYI in regards to the teachers getting time off with pay during march break, holidays, summers etc comment...teachers are not paid for these days. I repeat not paid for these days. This is a common misperception out there. Teachers are paid for the days within the school calendar that are spent either teaching your child or in professional development. Our salaries are then prorated over the full year, allowing us to have a regular paycheck. Did you get paid for Labour Day? Teachers didn't. Victoria Day? Christmas and Boxing Day? Did you get a paid vacation? Hmmm...I'm guessing yes. Teachers.....no.
I would like to extract a mis-guided quote from one of the many anonymous respondents.
"In the event of an early closure due to impending weather or any other unfortunate circumstance every parent or emergency contact for each student in the school has to be called and spoken to personally in order for the children to be sent home."
This is actually INACCURATE! Parents should refer to the policy on mid- day school closures, particularly items 5.2 AND, more importantly, 5.4!!! All schools need do is follow the instructions given by the parent on the form senthome in the fall, along with a notie indicating schools are closed. DO NOT COUNT ON A PHONE CALL!!!
:) Concerned Educator
wow... could to see the issue was storm days not teachers.. Today was terrible and yes HRSB has been making very good decisions concerning canceling school. As for those few that have such a hate on towards teachers, i bet Kathy in HRM was kept in at lunch for not doing her homework.
You know what?? If the roads are still bad in the morning, I hope HRSB cancels school AGAIN!!!!
Here's some advice to the complainers....make some phone calls NOW to make arrangements just in case.
I am the parent who open up this kettle of fish this morning and I certainly have read all the comments posted here. It is a hot topic.
Let me say that I too am happy that school was canceled today the weather has been truly terrible and I did leave work at 10am to pick up my kids from a neighbour who was kind enough to help me out very early this morning.
My original question was "what are we do?" was answered only by one Lady who called into the radio this morning and suggested that I contact a teenager in the area and pre-arrange care with them as they too will have a snow day,. I had not thought of this and think it is a great idea, thank you.
To everyone else I say well...
I'll leave it up to to figure it out
In defence of "Kathy in HRM" ... it seems to me that Kathy did more homework than some "unfairly" offended teachers leaving their comments here (for one thing, it's a capital "I", not a small case ... and the very first comment from a frustrated substitute teacher - it's THEIR attempt, not THERE attempt) :)
As a school bus driver in rural HRM I was pleased to see that schools were closed yesterday BEFORE the weather started. Early dismissal after the storm starts is a nightmare. School staff have to make sure each and every student has a parent/guardian at home to meet their children. By the time early dismissals are declared the road conditions have usually deteriorated. We as bus drivers must negotiate bad highways to get these children home, which often means 3+ hours driving a 15 ton vehicle in deplorable conditions which grow increasingly worse. I have left schools, during storms, travelling roads that haven't even seen a snow plow, and didn't see one the entire 4 hours I drove.
I was also pleased to learn this morning that schools on the Eastern Shore and in the Musquodoboit Valley were closed. Many of the roads we travel in these areas are low on DOT's priority list, some aren't properly serviced for DAYS after a storm. Safety HAS to be our main concern. We are confident, competent, professional drivers and safety always takes precedence over EVERYTHING else, however, we are not the only ones on the road. To quote an old DOT ad, "This ain't no feather duster I'm driving" no, it's not a piece of snow removal equipment, it's a 30-40 foot, 15-ton vehicle carrying our most precious possessions...let's put THEIR SAFETY FIRST.
We live in Nova Scotia where weather can wreak havoc, plan ahead!
Yesterday I was in full support of HRM deciding to close schools and keeping our children safe, BUT today...I'm shocked that schools are opened. The roads are a mess and worse than yesterday and they decided to open schools...????? Although my children are bussed to school, they still need to walk or in this case slide to the bus stop. The sidewalks are in worse conditions than the roads and walking on the road is not an option for a 5 yr old.
Fustrated mom in Dartmouth
I understand the frustration of some parents when it comes to school closures, but it really has to be a judgement call. I went to school in Ontario and although buses were often cancelled during storm days, the schools almost always remained open. I never understood that logic...if it is unsafe for buses to be on the roads how is it any safer for cars to be transporting kids to the schools? Yesterday was a good call and I don't think many could argue with than. I'd much rather keep my children home for the day, than to have the school call an early dismissal and then we'd all have to deal with the mass confusion that causes.
Just a comment towards the Frustrated Substitute Teacher, she/he was completely right about the SB making a bad decision next. The kids should not be going to school today!! It is extremely icy to walk and the cars have no control on ice, very dangerous when having to stop for them at crosswalks etc. My son went for the school bus and 45 mins later came back home because it didn't show up and he was frozen...I wouldn't want to be in charge of making this decision either. BUT if it is not save to walk out your door, why wouldn't anyone with common sense know it's not safe to send children to school.
i only have one thing to say to parents: THEY ARE YOUR KIDS!!
I have to agree with some of the things Kathy in HRM wrote. Having volunteered in the school system for many years, I know there are student's who could benefit from being at school on such days IF it were open and IF they were within walking distance. I associate with Teachers not only professionally, but outside the school as well, and I bet most would be surprised to know some of their real comments about "snow days." They enjoy them as if it were a paid holiday, a Saturday or a Sunday. As a matter of fact, a Teacher friend told me last night he was glad he had a day off, because he had some electrical to finish before the Inspector comes next week. Oh, and his ten year old son went to the babysitter because he was paying for it anyway. See, Kathy WAS right.
Why do these boards end up full of people pointing fingers? Where are the suggestions and solutions?
So many of you are coming down on us working Moms telling us to be a Mom first. That is a pretty harsh thing to say. Because it is difficult to find alternate arrangements, and because a Mom finds that part frustrating, is no reason to say she isn't a Mom first.
I am completely open to school being cancelled when required. Safety of our children is the number one priority. Why some feel the need to drag teachers into this is beyond me. Teachers aren't the ones deciding that school should be cancelled- leave them out of it. Their jobs are hard enough.
Instead of pointing fingers, and being so quick to judge everyone, why don't you come up with possible solutions for us working Moms and Dads? I see one post about hiring teenagers in the area-GREAT IDEA! I love that! Let's hear some more.
Most of us have our children in the Excel program for after school as our 'childcare arrangement.' This program is unavailable when school is closed.
When my child is sick, either my Husband or myself will stay home from work because I don't want my child to be with someone else when they are ill- she should have her parents taking care of her. I feel my family is extremely fortunate to have parents with flexible jobs. Not all parents are so lucky. There are some parents who do not get paid if they miss work. I've been told by some employers that people should rely on family for snow days. Not everyone has family living close by.
My underlying point is be careful not to judge others. You don't always have the full picture until you have walked a mile in someone else's shoes. I would really like to see ideas here from other parents about how they handle snow days- especially ideas for alternate arrangements.
Wow. This is certainly a hot topic! I for one was glad that HRSB made the decision to cancel school. I am blessed to have two wonderful children (16 & 9). They both take the bus to school and first and foremost for me is their safety. It may not have been snowing at the time the call was made to cancel school, but anyone listening to the weather reports knew there was a possibility it would get much worse. People need to get their priorities straight. Although I do not get "snow days" at work, on the few occasions that school is cancelled, I choose to take the day without pay. Children grow up too quickly--too many worries and pressures that most of us did not face growing up. For me, it was a pleasure to stay home with my kids yesterday. We read together, played a boardgame (yes, a boardgame...not a video game!) and later on, grabbed the crazy carpets for a slide down the hill in our backyard. There is nothing better than sitting with your children sharing stories over a cup of warm hot chocolate. We need to remember to find the best of every situation--life is simply too short.
Shoulda,Coulda,Woulda.
For the record I was raised in NS , lived in T.O. for a few years, and was glad to move back to NS knowing snow days came with the territory. Welcome to Nova Scotia ! That being said I don't agree there have been too many snow days or early cancellations. I think HRSB (and the teachers)should be thanked by all those grateful parents who appreciate the efforts made by them to keep their children safe. Whenever there is a prediction of freezing rain or ice it should be taken seriously. They were predicting this storm for two days, so it should be no surprise to anyone that school was closed, as it should have been done last month when the kids were sent home in a panic because the temperature dropped ( which was predicted) For those not knowing the chaotic results of that decision not to close and then close at 11am,there were two buses that slid off the road that morning in Kingswood trying to get kids to school.Then there were teachers at some schools till 4 pm, well past regular school dismissal, waiting for parents caught on icy roads to pick up their kids.
I hope HRSB knows that the number of parents grateful that their children are safe and sound far outweighs the handful of those complaining about having to miss work, or make arrangements for THEIR childrens' childcare.
Anyone having questions about the validity of the work our teachers do should spend a few days volunteering at your childrens school.It's a real eye opener.
I think all of our teachers are underappreciated and underpaid. I am not a teacher and yes I work.
SAFETY FIRST...isn't that what we try to teach our children? Well that is what the school board is doing. I work from home so child care is not an issue but I still have to drive my boys to school and there are days when I do not want to have them in the car...it is too dangerous. Years ago when I worked outside the home my kids were in daycare and there were times when the daycare closed due to bad weather and me or my husband had to leave work to pick them up and be home with them, but we dealt with it, our kids came first. We know that as winter approaches in Nova Scotia that snow days are going to be an issue so plan in advance for this and you shouldn't have a problem.
Rather than to beat everyone up over the decision to close school on storm days, take a look at the length of school days in HRM, and Inservice Days.
Perhaps if the kids actually went to school for a full day, missing school on a storm day wouldn't seem so bad.
As a parent each of us has a responsibility for our kids safety. I have kids in the private system and they don't cancel as often as HRM does - when they don't, it's my decision whether I drive them or not. I have to drive nearly 30 minutes to get them there so chances are they stay home with me. My boss is human and understands my position, if yours isn’t then have arrangements made in case it happens again - oh yes, it will again and again!
Back to the length of school day - try having classes for six hours a day and actually utilizing that time teaching. Perhaps having fewer Inservice Days would increase your child’s education as well. I have insight here with an acquaintance of mine being a teacher. She takes wine and cheese trays, potluck dishes and again, wine to school on Inservice Days. Do they really need this?
Stand back and look at the whole education system here people – Wake up! Go back through the posts from yesterday and look at the poor grammar, spelling and attitudes of people on both sides of the argument. It’s very clear that we need a better education system. I chose to go into debt and have my kids go to private school – I feel I’m at least giving them a fighting chance of success!
I grew up on PEI and we went to school in snow all the time, and about once a year we were storm stayed at school. We traveled by bus and when they didn’t run, my Dad drove me the 7 km to school. We also had a longer school day – never out before 3:15p.m. or 3:30p.m. – even as elementary students!
All in all, I think instead of beating the School Board up about storm closures, think about the safety of the students, teachers and staff. Use that storm day to write to every level of government in support of a better education system!
Oh yes, the female school bus driver that travels to Herring Cove each morning with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth while driving should be commended for her dexterity - she can handle that big bus and huge steering wheel while negotiating a cigarette and lighter at the same time. It's a common occurance and is quite the site to meet! Did I mention student safety in my message somewhere?
Hello, School is not suppose to be a daycare service, you are suppose to have a back up , What do you do when your kids are sick? let me guess your one of the parents who send them anyway so they can pass it on to everyone else.. your employer must have know you had children when they hired you..these things happen, somethings are more important then making that almighty dollar...
A few years ago the school year was actually 185 days instead of 195 as it it now. The extra 10 days were added to allow for 5 inservice days as well as storm days (most years these are not all used). It should also be noted that teachers do not get paid for Christmas, March Break or the summer, pay is for only the 195 days of teaching which is spread over 26 pays. As far as wine and cheese at an inservice day, I highly doubt it, I have never seen that in my 23 years as a teacher. Some schools will have potluck for lunch on an inservice day, I'm sure other businesses sometimes do the same. It seems that most people are irritated that teachers do not have to go to work when schools are closed, I wonder how many of those same people went to work yesterday. It is also recommended that all parents have a backup plan in case of bad weather. It is a high pressure job with an incredible workload, as are many other professions, but don't bash the teachers for that reason, it doesn't make sense. I would like to see how many people would survive the day in a classroom with sometimes upward of 35 students, not all of whom are little darling. If many of you think the job looks so attractive why aren't you teaching also?
Hi all,
I gave my support to the board (HRSB) for cancelling school yesterday; only to be shocked to find it on today. The raods, sidewalks....and entrances to the school(s) were a disgrace. I kept my children home with my significant other today because I did not feel the roads were safe to have them on, the sidewalks were too hazzardous and to my shock..the school area(s) were a mess. There was no safe crosswalk areas near our school (a city one) because its a side street (the board should know the city cannot get to these that early after a storm) and the vehicles going to the school were having diffucult manoevering and even stopping... and worse the entrances were all frozen over and not cleared. Now I do not blame the custodians/staff at the schools as they do what they can in the hour they are there before school, but someone at the board office must have the sense to know that a mess like this takes at least 24 hours to clear up. If they cancelled school and had the custodains in to clean up today then at least it would be safe. The road to the school and sidewalks were still a mess this evening, so they should have waited for Thursday to resume classes....what was the board thinking...are the morons? Next time have the common sense to close like every other BOARD did around you. If that person cannot make a correct decision the listen to Chignecto at least they have safety in mind
I just wrote a page blog and realized that the whole point of my blog was this final sentence...
"Cherish the time you have with your kids...and support the people who have your kids when you don't!!!"
No point in trying to defend the HRSB and teachers...either you support us, or you don't. But it would be nice if you did support us, as we do your children!!!
Please stop taking out your anger on us teachers. Many people do not realize the time and effort that goes into teaching children. It is not a 9-5 job as many think; we stay and work at the school until 6 or 7 o'clock some nights, and then go home and work some more. Teaching 4 different subjects to classes of 30 or more students with various learning styles is very, very difficult and requires a great deal of preparation and planning. This planning and preparation is done after school and on the weekends. How many people can say that they work 7 days a week? I know that I can. Teachers are grateful for the 2 weeks off at Christmas and March Break because it gives us time to mark everything and plan ahead. Would you rather have your children educated by teachers who were not prepared?
As for the unaware person who said that teachers should not have Professional Development days I ask to you; when is it ever beneficial to stop learning? If it was my child being taught, I would want his or her teachers to be the most informed as possible whether it be in new curriculum, better teaching strategies or better assessment techniques. No one is perfect at his or her job and these PD days allow us to better educate your children. I can guarantee you that there are many other professions that require employees to develop the skills needed to do his or her job better. Why shouldn't teachers be able to do this same without criticism?
WOW!!!! my mother was a teacher....And i never heard her complain and whine like they do now...no offense but you have it pretty good...and your not the only ones working hard with hard jobs.....there are plenty of hard working people out there....that dont get all the holidays that you do....you have an important job but so do many other people....as for the snow days...well they are very quick at calling them here....I figure if I can get to work.....why cant the teachers?
SO lets not risk the kids or the teachers well being....but everyone else has to go to work.....Funny i work in a mall and on snow days it filled with kids.....funny I thought it was too dangerous to go out...but some how they make it to the mall....and a few teachers also......was it not to DANGEROUS to go to school...but not dangerous enough to make it to the mall!!!
I agree with both sides of this argument however I don't understand why teachers are being personally attacked based on a parent's experience with one or two. The discussion is about too many school days...not whether teachers should have to report to school on these days. As for the reference to exotic travel for months in the middle of the year? I don't doubt that you've experienced that but to trash teachers based on one teacher's actions is nothing more than ignorant and small minded. We wonder today why some kids...not all, come to school with a poor attitude toward learning and are quite disrespectful at times to their teachers and other adults in the building. If I have a negative experience at a restaurant with a a waiter/waitress I don't go around bad mouthing waiters/waitresses in general.
WOW!!! To the person who started their blog with 'WOW!!!'...I don't think the person before you was whining...she/he was just stating the facts, just as you were doing about other jobs. At no point did they say that other jobs were not important or too easy. (Apparently people out there think the jobs of teachers are easy...they were just clarifying they are not...the topic of this was not about other professions...it wasn't even supposed to be about teachers...it was about school cancellations) If your job had the occasional 'cancellation', I don't think you would mind...correct me if I am wrong!!!
Hmmmm...
I will admit, as a teacher I don't always hide in my house and mark and prep all day during a storm. I may catch up on the cleaning that I missed out on doing during the weekend while I was getting ready for the next school week. BUT, if you add up the hours missed for 3.5 snow days, (say 7 hours per day), then I have missed 24.5 hours of work. Now, if you add the the amount of time I have given extra help on my lunch hour(once per week for the first 20 weeks of school), chaperoning dances and movie nights, sending "great job" emails to parents, coaching two teams, sitting on three committees and training a student teacher, this adds up to approximately 90 hours of work so far this year - on top of what I am contractually obligated to do (marking, meetings, teaching, etc).
I am sure if ANYONE'S work was closed for the day, they would be excitd about it too, rather than grumbling that they have to stay home, as people seem to think teachers should do.
I accept the cancellation for the safety of the children! But the teachers should have to go to work. We all have to go to work regardless of the weather. I work at the hospital and although alot of patients will cancel due to weather conditions I still have to go. The teachers have very little time to plan, and do alot of prep at home on their own time. Why not use this time? They are all adults and capable of getting to work like all of us!!!
If the topic was about school cancellations, how come TEACHERS are the ones (although I suspect it's the same person or two) complaining and defending themselves, angrily accusing anyone who dares to say it as it is. Please, if you are so overloaded with work, stop wasting your time on this and start focusing on education of our children instead. You will meet more appreciation!
I completely agree with the comment about some children getting their lack of respect for teachers from parents. Reading the comments on this board, it is extremely evident that there are many parents in this region who are to blame.
Let me state first that I am NOT a teacher, nor have I ever been. I have a tremendous amount of respect for their profession- and so should all of you.
I for one want my children's teachers continuing to learn. So they have potlucks- so what? I work for a corporation that spends money on employees for lunches and corporate gatherings. What is the difference here? Please don't start with the tax dollar excuse either. How many of you work for Government offices where you have exactly the same thing.
As usual, these topics sway way off topic and most end up throwing stones at the teachers. So many of you should look no further than the end of your nose as to why Jonny and Sally have issues. As usual, Nova Scotians are unable to step up their parenting skills and instead blame it all on the teachers who, apparantly in the eyes of some of you, are there to babysit your children.
I still have yet to see ANYTHING productive here about ideas for parents (as one parent has already mentioned.) What are the backup plans that all of you so-called seasoned parents say we should all have?
To the people who make comments about people chasing the almightly dollar, and that your children are more important, so stay home and have hot chocolate. I'm guessing you have never lived the life of a single, struggling Mom or Dad. Comments like that are hurtful to people who don't have those options which you have been afforded. Is it tremendously disheartening to see the amount of ignorance on this board. Open your eyes to the world around you.
I don't understand why teachers, principals and secretaries don't have to go to work when school is cancelled. Isn't the cancellation for the safety of the children? The custodians and Maintenence staff have to go and "risk" there lives to get there. In fact so does everyone else that works but not at a school as a teacher,principal or secretary. Except, usually the military who are supposed to be trained in survival. That always makes me shake my head. I remember having to make my way to work after White Juan and the military were off!!! I could not believe that one either.
It seems the underlying thread of some of those negative comments are very childish. "If I have to go to work so should everyone else." It reminds me of children squabbling over whose turn it is to do the dishes or some other chore. I am not a teacher, nor do I work in a school or school board, but I do work as a customer service specialist. If my boss told me you have to go to work today, but you will have absolutely no clients to deal with I would think that was insane and I'm sure some of the others with their negative comments would get just as fired up over that. The bottom line here is it was very dangerous to be on the roads that day. I would hate to think that people would want to jeopardize the lives of school age children just because they had to go to work that day also. Your children are your responsibility, not the public school system. Suck it up, stop whining and make a back up plan like the rest of us. We had snow days when we were kids also and I think most of us turned out just fine. Oh yeah and have a little cheese with your "whine".
Hey, being angry shorten your life, you know. Take a happy pill, or do some meditation to help you relax :). To a "friendly" customer service "specialist" .. do you tell your customers to "suck it up" too?
I am a student and i believe that parents should let up on the harassing of the school board. Schools aren't a free daycare system. Schools are an educational enviroment most of the time and if you believe that you just send your kids away to be taken care of then you better start paying the teachers for child care then they will be in a six figure salary. If the school boards cancel school early with out accruate info then thats good. better safe than sorry. Also even if roads were good in the afternoon kids had a chance to become hurt in a traffic accident in the morning then what? you take the week off to make sure your kid gets medical treatment... good thing health care is free in Canada.
I take a one hour bus ride to school every morning. If the school board says no school because of bad roads then its party time its my life saved. Child care is not school. School is a teaching instition and students who want to learn, learn a lot. Snow days are our vacation + other breaks. its hard sitting in uncomfortable chairs and taking notes every day of the week
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