Winter is Here

Here we are in sunny North Carolina, it is the beginning of March and most of the children in this state had the day off to enjoy a fresh blanket of cold, white SNOW. Yes, we got snow for the second time this winter. Not a lot of snow but enough to take a few runs down a steep slope and build a decent snowman. Of course the kids were happy -- a three day weekend and a chance to use those "new" sleds they got three winters ago. Unfortunately, there is a downside to the excitement experienced from the fluffy white stuff - the make-up days for the missed school days from this storm and a previous storm are on SPRING BREAK. So, spring break is now two days shorter than was originally scheduled. Some parents aren't happy as they have plans to travel while others are very happy because it is two less days to try and find things to keep the kids entertained. School systems in North Carolina struggle every year when they have to deal with inclement weather. They could build some snow days into the schedule like they do in the Northern States but it is rare that these days will get used, making it difficult for parents to plan summers (camp, childcare, etc.). Or they can do what they are doing and try to make up the days using pre-scheduled holidays and vacation days. Either way, everybody won't be happy and the law states that each child is required 180 days of education per school year. The important thing to remember is that weather is completely out of our control and if we experience these days through our children, they will be more enjoyable and who knows, we all might learn something new from NOT being in school.