Let it snow: Jericho closes for three snow days in February
by Max Yardeni, JerEcho Staff
3/8/2010
JERICHO, NY -- Days before schools closed for Presidents’ Week vacation, Long Island was hit with a massive snow storm that closed most schools for two consecutive days, altering test schedules and teachers’ lesson plans. In fact upon returning from vacation the area was hit again closing schools on Friday Feb. 26, and Jericho was no exception.
“I cannot recall if there was a time when there were two consecutive snow days since I’ve been working here,” said Principal Joe Prisinzano. In fact, according to English teacher Mary Bauer, it was the first time we’ve had a double snow day at Jericho since January, 1996.
According to senior Anna Buller, teachers who have classes with double periods such as science teacher Karen Engelhardt are teaching through the four minute break to compensate for missed class time.
“There’s a lack of continuity already when we break for vacation, and this was only exacerbated by being off for snow days," said English teacher Mellene Hederian.
Several other school activities were affected by the snow days. According to Prisinzano, the musical rehearsal was postponed along with the winter concert. Also several meetings for spring sports were pushed to after break.
The multiple snow storms this year have now closed Jericho schools for three days, causing "an all time Grishman first,” according to Superintendent Hank Grishman. After consulting with other schools, the superintendent decided to close school when the area received 13” of snow on Feb. 10, and then again when another storm that dropped 14 more inches of snow.
Although the snow days did cause some confusion, most students still were very pleased to have extra off days. “When I found out there was a snow day I was so happy and freaked out,” said senior Jesse Aronica. Senior Caroline Motschwiller was also glad to have a snow day. “I called all my friends, and we went sledding through the snow storm,” said Motschwiller.
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