With the recent change in the start and end times of the CPS schools, snow days are another concern for the students and teachers. Since middle schools start at 7:30 am, snow days have to be announced earlier than last year.

“We usually make the call the night before about 90 percent of the time,” Belcher said. “However, should a storm come in the early morning hours, we will make the call by 5:30 a.m.”

 To help the process, there is now a more efficient method for announcing a snow day. RBHS principal Dr. Jennifer Mast said the deputy superintendent is tasked with leading the decision-making process. The process involves several who test roads in the early morning hours and consult with weather officials to try and predict what the conditions will be during transportation hours. Ultimately, though, the decision lies with Belcher.

Mast also said that  year, secondary schools started at 7:50 a.m., and this year they start at 7:30 a.m., so there is only a 20-minute difference between the announcement of snow days from last year and this year.

“I like to be notified of snow days the night before,” junior Alp Kahveci said. “I can then relax and not have to worry about school the following day.”
By Harsh Singh