LHS closed its doors Feb. 2-3, after District 128 announced its decision for two consecutive snow days.
“The decision-making behind the snow day was based on student/staff safety. Treacherous road conditions and/or dangerous temperatures definitely drive the decision-making. Also, we need to confer with our bus company to be sure drivers are available to transport students,” Principal Marina Scott said.
The verdict for a snow day was decided on by 12:00 p.m. Tuesday after the principals of District 128's schools and the district administration met earlier that morning. Teachers were notified of the snow day by email, and students were told by Dr. Scott through an announcement made at the end of 6th period.
“I actually wasn’t really surprised to hear about the snow day considering all the built-up anticipation of the blizzard-of-the-century that was supposed to come,” junior Meaghan Polk said.
The last snow day that had been called for District 128 was during the 2008-2009 school year. This year's remaining school calendar is not impacted by the recent snow days because there are three days built into the curriculum in case of snow days.
"The second day was somewhat of a surprise, seeing as how LHS never has any snow days," junior Christan Bako said.
The Chicago blizzard of 2011, or the “Snowpocalypse” as it was dubbed by local Chicagoans, swept through the Midwest with a fury, and has been ranked the 3rd worst blizzard in Chicago history. According the Chicago CBS Local website, Libertyville got 10.5 inches in total, alongside 67 mph wind speeds.
Some students spent the days off outside and with friends.
"I was super excited and loved the fact that we had two snow days in a row. I went out and played in the snow with friends. The best part was going with my friends to Denny's at midnight," senior Adriane Goacher said.
On the other hand, some students decided to use the day to study indoors.
"The temperature was super cold when I got up Wednesday morning, and the snow was so deep I could barely open my front door. I just decided to stay indoors to Skype with my friends and catch up on homework," junior Amanda Zhang said.
While students may have enjoyed thier newfound freedom in the winter wonderland, some teachers found the snow days to be a hindrance to the curriculum.
"I did not see the double snow day coming. I am trying to play catch-up in my honors classes and in AP U.S. History. I had to change an essay exam to an optional take home," said U.S. History teacher Andrea Lara.
While LHS students and teachers were spending thier days off at home, the building and grounds teams were hard at work preparing the school for Friday. Many of the team members spent one or two nights overnight at LHS and VHHS in order to clear the snow from the school grounds.
"That is the real back story of this winter storm: the absolutely incredible commitment and dedication of our Buildings and Grounds teams in preparing both campuses to open again as soon as possible," Superintendent Prentiss Lea said.
For more on the process of calling a snow day, click here.
Photo by T. Wanbaugh
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