BrookeHerdzina

For students, the excitement for a possible day off from school brings everyone together. Girls wait anxiously for an email or text confirming a much needed day off, a break from homework and classes. For most students, the severe weather invites a day free from schoolwork and stress, however, this isn’t always the case for other parts of Marian.

For sports, snow days and severe winter weather wreak havoc on long-planned schedules. “Not only are games effected, but practices, too,” said Mrs. Melissa Brusnahan, athletic trainer and scheduler. All four winter sports teams have had both practices and games postponed due to the weather. These scheduling changes can cause extra stress for all teams involved, as well as leave the girls feeling disappointed and frustrated with their lack of practice. 

For Maintenance workers like Mr. Kevin Adcock and Mr. Chuck Coolidge at Marian, the winter weather brings on a big task: plowing the parking lots. This is not a simple task as the parking lots can be steep and expansive. The task is not quick and has to be done in sub-freezing temperatures.  

In the mornings and after school, the security team, Coolidge and Mr. Bill Monahan are always there to offer a smile and guide Marian students safely across the street. Even in below freezing temperatures, they continue to stand outside with a positive attitude.

When the weather permits, snow days are called for Marian, as they were on Jan. 8, 9 and 12. Principal Mrs. Susie Sullivan makes the final call for snow days, but only after studying OPS’s decision, as well as Omaha Archdiocesan Superintendent Ms. Vickie Kauffold’s. Kauffold is in charge of snow days for the Archdiocese, and also consults superintendents of other schools in the Metro area. 

“Teenage drivers and students that take the bus are both considerations,” Sullivan said. The decision for a snow day is a long and sometimes tedious process for superintendents and schools across the metro area and can be time consuming and stressful. The winter weather can be unpredictable and has to be constantly monitored. 

While the winter weather can provide a much needed break from stressful schoolwork for students, it can prove to be stressful for other parts of the school who work harder in the presence of the intense conditions.