The breaks when the weather puts the brakes on bussing.

“Our prayers have been heard.” – probably a student with a test or a project due today.

“When they cancel everyone gets mad ….when they don’t cancel everyone gets mad thank you for putting out kids safety first.” –  definitely a parent whose child takes a bus and now has to decide whether to transport them all the way to school and back in this weather because it is not safe.

“Please explain how this makes sense; it’s unsafe to get the buses going, but it’s safe for all those parents who rely on the bus service to make two trips, per kids, to and from the school. One bus per 20ish kids pulled off of the traffic, extra 20 cars added. Zero logic” –  frustrated parent venting with a math and logic approach to the bus cancellations

“When buses are cancelled and I send my kids to school there are so few students that their teachers don’t bother teaching those that are there. No point in sending my kids when all they are not given work to do.” – parent who realizes that snow days are not going to rank high on the instructional depth chart.

There were of course numerous, back in my day they never cancelled the buses, along with reminders that we do live in Canada and this is winter. – uncanny statements of the obvious are often products of poor memories, but are good cause for a chuckle when they get sprinkled in the tweetstream like salt on an icy walkway.

Ultimately, it’s the safety of our students, their families, and each of the thousands of dedicated educators who brave the weather to ensure a great day of school regardless of the conditions outside. So when only half of the school shows up and classes get combined students are often empowered with self-directed learning opportunities such as Genius Hour, TED Ed Lessons, Hour of Code, and Maker Spaces. It’s not such a bad thing especially when word gets around that students who made it in to school did something different and it was fun.

It’s true, a lot does not happen officially when buses are cancelled. Meetings, assessments, PD, field trips, after school classes, and sporting events are all put on hold. This can lead to a lot of disappointment and re-scheduling, but it can also lead to some amazing moments to get to know students.

So when the weather puts the brakes on everyone’s day it still can lead to days that break the mold of our normal days. As long as the weather and cold doesn’t break you on the way to and from school.

Safe travels out there.