Exonians Weather Bomb Cyclone, Third Snow Day
Students and faculty alike welcomed Exeter’s third snow day in the last two years on Thursday, Jan. 4, instead of the anticipated resumption of classes after the two-week winter break. The two prior snow days both took place in the last academic year, and on all three of these occasions, all academic and athletic appointments were cancelled due to the dangerous weather conditions; National Weather Service reported 15 inches of snow and blizzard conditions in the Exeter vicinity.
"It is impossible to avoid the long, cold winter here at Exeter, but the people at Exeter try their best to make the snow day experience fun.”
According to Dean of Students Melissa Mischke, Principal Lisa MacFarlane had consulted with Dean of Faculty Ellen Wolff, Facilities Management, Chief Financial Officer David Hanson, Director of Dining Services Melinda Leonard, Director of Human Resources Rachel Henry and Mischke herself. According to Mischke, MacFarlane considers how a day off of school could complicate life on Exeter’s campus. “It’s trying to make sure there’s a balance between normal processes and everyone’s safety: including those who have to work, the student body and faculty,” Mischke said.
Throughout the day, snow plows worked through low visibility conditions, ensuring that the pathways were clear for the safety of all people on campus. An anonymous custodian explained “a snow day consists of making sure the campus is clear so students can manage their way around campus safely.” They admit that “snow days can be tough” but conclude that the snow “gives us a chance to work together as a team.”
Rose Dotson, a lead food service worker, noted that “it is just a little scary coming in and going home and just the anticipation of driving.” To bolster the hard-working snow plowers and as an expression of gratitude, the track and field team made posters thanking them for their efforts.
Though the Jan. 4 initially marked the first day of classes after winter break, many students were grateful for the day off. A majority of campus welcomed and enjoyed the snow day whether it was spent working, playing or sleeping. Prep Jackson Carlberg said, “I spent a little time on homework and the rest of the day relaxing with my friends.”
Lower Sophie Liu said, “Most of the day was spent with friends, just chilling around the dorm, watching TV together. It is impossible to avoid the long, cold winter here at Exeter, but the people at Exeter try their best to make the snow day experience fun.”
Depending on the different grades, classes and extracurricular commitments, students had varied experiences with the amount of homework assigned. Sarah Huang, a prep, said that her teachers did not assign her a lot of additional work. Carlberg agreed that “I had barely any work to do, [it] didn’t take more than thirty minutes.”
However, senior Olivia Lei said, “I had quite a lot of work to do and was actually really hoping for a snow day because I didn’t think I would have the time or energy to finish it all Wednesday night.” Due to jetlag, college applications and time commitments, Lei cherished the extra time that the snow day granted her.
Several dorms took the day to initiate new winter traditions and practice old ones. Wheelwright Hall faculty Joseph Lambert and Caroline Meliones invited the residents to their apartment on the third floor for chocolates, homemade hot cocoa, a warm fireplace and a sing-along. According to upper Gabby Allen, the day provided a chance for the dorm to connect. “We were all hanging out and bonding as a dorm which was really nice, because normally we’re so busy with school and sports that we never have time to sit down as a dorm and hang out,” she said.
English Instructor Erica Lazure also led a dorm event. Hoyt Hall hosted a dormitory-wide brunch, embracing the freezing conditions. “Usually it’s a Hoyt tradition during the first weekend there is a big snow. I figured no one would actually want to leave the building to get breakfast,” she said.
Faculty members were also grateful for the day off. Latin Instructor Alexandra Grisanti explained that many faculty and staff members live off campus and traveling in a blizzard would pose a potential risk. “Also, many teachers have their own kids who have their own snow days—if they have to teach, who will take care of their children?” she added.
However, with PEA’s busy academic schedule, many teachers have had to adjust their schedules for the rest of the term to accommodate the unexpected cancellation of classes. Lazure and Hernandez had already planned and scheduled their lessons going into winter term and communicated to their students what they needed to do to stay on track. Lazure had to maneuver around the inconvenience by assigning videos for homework, in addition to having her students submit work on Canvas. “I did have to make some adjustments, but I know other teachers had to make bigger adjustments,” she said.
Despite the work that some students had during the snow day, it still served as a day for students to recharge. “It was relaxing. It really felt like an extension of winter break,” prep Edward Klatskin said. Additionally, upper Jean-Paul Guite enjoyed the free time that the day allowed him to have. “The snow day was a pleasant surprise because it gave me a chance to work out and get over jet lag,” he said.
As the storms have become far more dangerous in recent years, Mischke admitted to the increase in the number of snow days. “It’s all about trying to balance what’s right for taking care of everybody and making sure we still have the operation of the school that goes on. Safety and the care of the student body is my priority everyday, no matter what,” Mischke said.