Today is the third day since students were welcomed back to school after their “extended Winter Break.” Although the school opened on time yesterday and this morning, Monday’s delay brought relief to many students who got into the habit of staying up late and sleeping in. Consequently, the two hour delay seemed like a blessing.
Even with the late opening, many were unhappy to make the transition back into early morning classes, such as sophomore Christina Romano, who said, “I didn’t really feel like learning this morning, I just wanted to sleep,”
The buses were crowded and barely arrived on time to school. Some buses had to fight their way through the icy streets, several still covered with a thick sheet of snow. Various students were forced to climb over and through the heaps of snow or walk in the streets, due to the lack of sidewalk space. Certain students with parking spaces along Four Year Run were forced to take the bus or find other means of transportation. Dean of Students Hassan Mims said, “I want to thank students for being very patient.”
Principal John Ponton apologized for the inconvenience and announced, “I hope to resume parking on Four Year Run by Thursday.” Assistant Principal Jamie Carayiannis said, “Mr. Ponton has been battling for the county to come out [in order to remove the snow], but it has been difficult when 29 schools want the same thing.” Today, those who have been waiting for their spaces to be plowed were pleased to see that they were clear.
The Elective Fair and Science Fair, which were originally supposed to occur in the previous week, have been postponed until tomorrow, February 19. In addition, with a shortened third quarter students are given less time to prepare for tests. Sports were also affected by the snow. Senior Evan Griffin, a Varsity basketball player, said, “Most of our games were cancelled. We have to make up two of our games right before our district tournament.”
Sophomore Mackenzie Wright said, “I had mono over the break, so I sat in my room and watched movies.” However the mounds of snow proved to not have a entirely dreadful outcome for some students. Some students were forced to shovel their sidewalks and driveways, in order to get out of their homes. “I liked it because we had time to refresh ourselves before we came back to school. I went sledding with my friends,” said junior Jordan Riddle.
Technology and other small activities became a means of survival while students were cooped up in their homes to escape the cold. Sophomore Danielle Turner said, “I had to resort to my friends within the neighborhood. And in order to stay in touch with my other friends I used Facebook and my cell phone.”
