Earlier this month on January 6th, a highly anticipated snow storm hit the South and East Coast. Many students at Eleanor Roosevelt felt they weren’t ready to return back to school after a long break. Thankfully the 2 day storm was enough to cancel school for 4 days: Monday January 6th through Thursday January 9th. In Greenbelt, a total of 7 inches of snow was measured with other parts of Maryland having 10.5 inches. Given the amount of snow, students at Eleanor Roosevelt across all grades were able to enjoy their days off with some winter fun and also take photos showcasing the snow.
The recent snow days were enjoyed and got a variety of reactions from students, each finding their own way to make the most of the unexpected extended break. Jackson Jackatey, a sophomore, reflected on his initial expectations, saying, “I thought Monday and Tuesday would’ve been the only days cancelled.” He, like many others were caught off guard by the days off. For Ediz Buchin, an 11th grader, the heavy snowfall was a nostalgic experience. “The amount of snow we had this year really reminded me of back home in Bulgaria,” he shared. “It was really fun being able to relive some old memories,” bringing a sense of warmth and familiarity amidst the cold.
Lien Gareri, another Sophomore, took advantage of the extra time at home. “I spent most of my time at home, watching TV, and drawing on my tablet,” she explained, adding, “I enjoyed the elongated break.” The extended time indoors allowed her to indulge in her hobbies, making the best of the situation.
Similarly, Leah Zhang, an 11th grader, found joy in simple, yet memorable activities. “I enjoyed the break and made an igloo with my siblings,” she said, highlighting the fun and bonding that came with the snowy weather.
For Estuardo Guzman, a 10th grader, the break was more than just a time for fun; it was a chance to recharge. “It was a well-deserved break that helped students throughout the school,” he noted, emphasizing the positive impact on the student body. Sophomore Alex Coker had the same sentiment. “It was a pretty good decision,” he remarked. “It’s obviously freezing and horrible to drive in,” emphasizing the safety concerns that justified the closure.
The decisions regarding school closures were guided by the emergency weather codes outlined on the PGCPS website. These codes ranged from Code Orange, which involved a two-hour delay for schools and offices, to Code Red, which signaled a complete shutdown of the school system for all personnel. Each code had specific instructions, ensuring that safety remained the top priority during the severe weather conditions.
Students also used their photography skills to capture the moments during the very rare mount of snow we got.
