A shower of chatter whirled through the halls of Liberty High School faster than you could say “blizzard.”
In anticipation of the freezing temperatures and predicted precipitation, forecasters and enthused observers alike have formed their own perceptions on precipitation, on the severity of the storm. YouTubers alongside newscasters have spread word of the unique reaction when the cold blast from the North meets an unusual moisture from the South.
The results?
Catastrophic. In other sources? Nothing a light salting can’t handle.
As a result of this dissonance, many are left to manifest any narrative they believe to be true.
“I think it is going to be like when we got out in early December, but a bit worse,” Amy Sweeney (9) said.
“Oh, it is going to be huge. It’s going to be Snow-Mageddon,” math teacher and coach Toby Glavin said.
As pertaining to the hopes of many staffers and students, however, there is more weight as to whether there will be school, and to what extent the days off may go.
“We may be off a week, at least until next Wednesday,” Glavin said.
“I think we will get up to 5-7 inches,” art teacher Carrie Middendorf said. “I’m hoping to get school off for two days.”
Though many are hoping for days off, it remains that safety is a primary concern in the face of bitter frigidity. For many, preparation is just as essential as the sleep you could get on a day off.
“Everyone should have food in their home and be prepared for a power outage,” Middendorf said. “I just made chicken noodle soup to prepare. I made a huge pot of it because I have two children, and we love chicken noodle soup on a cold day.”
Principal Nelson offers some insight as to primary factors many may not consider in light of icy roads.
“We have to clear parking lots and sidewalks. And depending on how bad the weather is, it can be hard to get janitorial staff in,” Nelson said. “So there are two things to consider. One: how does it look like in rural areas and two: were we able to clean the parking lots. Frequently, we can’t.”
Regardless of the level of realism each retains, however, there is one common denominator: The world would be a more comfortable place with a blanket of snow to cancel the school day.
“I would like a full snow day. I want to stay home,” Sweeney said. “And even if it does end snowing and it isn’t cancelled, I might ask if I can stay home in the first place, so I don’t have to ride in a car when it’s icy.”
“Of course I want off! Heck yeah! I am 55, but I’m a big kid at heart,” Nelson said with a grin. “Who doesn’t want a day away from work?”
Well, except for, perhaps, one exception.
“In all seriousness, I don’t much care whether we have a snow day. I love the snow,” Glavin said. “I mean, have you seen the snow? It’s beautiful.”
