School closures: No classes Friday for most districts
Thursday, January 8, 2009 12:05 PM PST
By The Daily News
Printable version
E-mail this articleEditor's Note: This is a story from December's snow storm, not January's floods.
Friday's confirmed closures
Longview School District
Kelso School District
Kalama School District
Toutle Lake School District
Rainier School District
Clatskanie School District
Castle Rock School District
Wahkiakum School District
Toledo School District
Winlock School District
Woodland
Cornerstone Christian School in Vancouver; no after school or evening activities. Daycare open.
Three Rivers Christian School; school closed but childcare open.
Columbia Adventist Academy: Closed & no faculty brunch
LCC Head Start / ECEAP
HotMomma wrote on Dec 17, 2008 6:32 AM:
" How about Cornerstone and Three Rivers Christian center? Does any one Know if they have school? "
Rosey Glasses wrote on Dec 17, 2008 8:37 AM:
" My kids tell me that it is really coming down at home! (out west side hwy). I am stuck out of town and was hoping to be home by next thursday. It is starting to look iffy. To all of you back home... have a Merry Christmas, Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Chanukah and a Happy New Year. Let us hope that Obama can do what he says and prove us skeptics wrong. Live Long and Prosper! "
who am I? wrote on Dec 17, 2008 8:48 AM:
" hotmama. it says 3rivers christian is closed. cornerstone and 3 rivers merged so I'm sure they are the same schedule.
oh, just looked and found this: http://www.3riversschool.net/ "
oh, just looked and found this: http://www.3riversschool.net/ "
cheney119 wrote on Dec 17, 2008 11:53 AM:
" I rode the bicycle around the lake a couple times, looks like traffic is doing fine downtown. There's a nasty wind from the SE. Saw a nutrea swimming in the lake. "
Realist wrote on Dec 17, 2008 12:11 PM:
" It is really coming down here in Cathlamet. Everyone be careful out there today! "
El Gabilon wrote on Dec 17, 2008 2:36 PM:
" Rubbish we say! We have become a nation of whiners. Schools should not be closed unless there is over two feet of snow. We are spoiling our chldren by making things too easy for them, giving them too much especially at Christmas time. Life is not a bowl of cherries, it is a struggle, and the sooner one learns that lesson the better of one will be. What our children and parents take for granted was accomplished by hard work and the effort of men and women who stomped to school as children through two and three feet of snow because their parents understood the need for education. If it is necessary for the schools to close, then it is necessary to keep children at home studying, and not allow them to be out sleding, building snowmen etc. That is an after school activity. The nation we say is experiencing a pandemic. Yes, lazyness is a disease caught early in life by not having to face responsibilities and a little frozen rain. "
Realist wrote on Dec 17, 2008 3:26 PM:
" I'm guessing that when someone was a kid, he wasn't asked to go sledding or build a snowman during a snow day. So sad. "
North County wrote on Dec 17, 2008 4:18 PM:
" There is always a negetive person in every group. Its better to have kids home then trying to get to school on roads that are dangerous. El Gabilon must not of had a positive childhood and is lashing out now because of it! "
justareader wrote on Dec 17, 2008 4:23 PM:
" School closures really got started when we started to bus our children. When "I"
was young, we all walked to the nearest school. If one kid fell, oh well. When one bus load of kids crashes..........
And over here in Rainier, we did one better! We combined all our schools into one campus on the top of a hill !!!!!!!
Thank you TDN for all your work keeping us posted with this information :) "
was young, we all walked to the nearest school. If one kid fell, oh well. When one bus load of kids crashes..........
And over here in Rainier, we did one better! We combined all our schools into one campus on the top of a hill !!!!!!!
Thank you TDN for all your work keeping us posted with this information :) "
longviewtransplant wrote on Dec 17, 2008 4:27 PM:
" El Gab: it's not because of the "amount of snow" that schools close - it's the dangerous treks up into the hills with the school buses that make the closures worthwhile. do YOU want your children sitting in a school bus with no seatbelts, careening along the windy, STEEP roads of the hills? Huh-uh. No way. We've had snow days in Longview when there was ZERO snow on the ground down by the lake, and enough in the hills to justify a NON-SAFE environment for transporting little ones to school.
So take your lazy-ness comment and stuff it. Who says that we don't have opportunities to teach our kids when they are at home building a snowman? Ever heard of the lesson of gravity? The head falls off the snowman. Or compacting something together - or weather, and why it snows versus rains?
You must be a sorry individual to think so negatively. "
So take your lazy-ness comment and stuff it. Who says that we don't have opportunities to teach our kids when they are at home building a snowman? Ever heard of the lesson of gravity? The head falls off the snowman. Or compacting something together - or weather, and why it snows versus rains?
You must be a sorry individual to think so negatively. "
pilaf wrote on Dec 17, 2008 4:27 PM:
" This sure brings back fun memories of childhood for me, and even though it means inconvenience regarding schedules etc. and missing school, it is fun to see the kids get excited about the snow, and right before Christmas, too! Yee Haw! Wish my work had snow days, too! "
who am I? wrote on Dec 17, 2008 4:41 PM:
" kelso is now closed for tomorrow too. wonder how much snow we will have before this is over. "
Beer&Skittles wrote on Dec 17, 2008 4:50 PM:
" Thank you for clarifying Longviewtransplant. If the buses don't run and school's still open, it means then parents have to drive in - creating yet another bottleneck in dangerous conditions. Someone ALWAYS gets hurt, then they sue the school district for not placing children's safety first. And that means YOU are being sued, because it's just your tax dollars darling. I reitterate your comments to ElGabilon. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 17, 2008 5:11 PM:
" If the Midwest called school off everytime there was snow, they would be out all winter... "
Go Chinooks!!! wrote on Dec 17, 2008 5:18 PM:
" El Gabby has no idea that in todays lawsuit happy society a bus slidding off aroad and injuring a child would have lawyers at the bottom waiting to take names. thumbs up for the school districts Thumbs down for the lawsuit happy society and El Gabby can put his thumb........ "
itzme wrote on Dec 17, 2008 5:32 PM:
" 3 years ago my daughter attended a school that did not provide busing so I drove her, every school day for 7 years, even in the snow, however in that 7 years we only had one "snow day" and roads were clear by noon. Point being, there were few days of snow on the valley floor. During that time I was a bus driver for preschool age kids, and let me say that I was glad I didn't have the responsibility for driving 18 4 year olds to school in the snow and ice--even with seatbelts. I was concerned about driving conditions here when you have school and a job and when life really needs to go on. Thankfully I have a part time job with an understanding boss and missed school days are added at the end. I'd rather her go two or three days in June than risk an accident driving on the ice along Silver Lake. She'd rather be in school than stuck her doing the chores I have on the list for her. But it is what it is....happy holidays to everyone. "
CONCERENED wrote on Dec 17, 2008 5:56 PM:
" WOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! NO SCHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!! GOTTA LOVE IT EH KIDS? ;) YOU KNOW THEY ARE , HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE!!!!! "
greenbean wrote on Dec 17, 2008 6:04 PM:
" The midwest deals with snow every year, so they are prepared and have the equipment to handle it. We are not that experienced, and it would make no sense to keep enough snow plows on hand for the 1 or 2 days a year we see snow. Did you see Seattle canceled school just based on the prediction of snow? They aren't equipped to deal with snow and slush on their many hills. Our snow tends to be much wetter and slushier than in the midwest. "
justareader wrote on Dec 17, 2008 6:45 PM:
" I visited relatives in the midwest and they told me we would be to our destination when we got to that mountain ahead........it was a rise in the road!
The midwest is FLAT! They don't have to worry about going off the side of a moun-
tain! "
The midwest is FLAT! They don't have to worry about going off the side of a moun-
tain! "
onemom wrote on Dec 17, 2008 6:49 PM:
" It is laziness and sue happy parents that cause schools to close because of a few inches of snow. I rode a bus as a kid that using chains got us to school when we had up to 15 inches. Of course, we were then allowed to walk or sled to the end of our road to meet the bus on a main road. Kids cant walk in the snow, they might fall and get hurt. Oh, and yes, the bus usually slid off the road a time or two, but it was fun to get to school an hour or two after everyone else was there. because it was only a couple of bus routes that would have problems. So, instead of having a two hour late start and having all kids miss classes, it was just a few on the boonie routes that would miss class. I feel safer with a kid riding a school bus than I would with them in a car in this weather. "
frankenzombie wrote on Dec 17, 2008 6:56 PM:
" After seeing all the chaos on the streets today I am happy they closed the schools. People panic in snow when they are not used to driving in it. And about the lazy part, seriously? It has nothing to do with laziness. Plenty of people from all generations called into work today because the roads WERE NOT safe for travel. There is no harm in having fun on snow days. I am glad my parents weren't lame and they let me enjoy my snow days. "
DECARTE wrote on Dec 17, 2008 7:46 PM:
" When I was a kid I had to walk 25 miles to school in 10' of snow, into a vicious cold wind, uphill BOTH WAYS. "
bucketball wrote on Dec 17, 2008 8:16 PM:
" I used to walk to and from school in the snow five miles uphill both ways. I was sure glad when they invented "snow days". "
CONCERENED wrote on Dec 17, 2008 8:47 PM:
" OK, HERE IT COMES, I DONT WANT TDN WEATHERMAN TO LOSE HIS JOB, BUT, I SAY 1 TO 3 MORE INCHES BY TOMORROW'S END! LOL AND MORE OVER THE WEEKEND !! :) "
Longview 88 wrote on Dec 17, 2008 9:47 PM:
" Don't forget that this year the Longview School District purchased four brand-new school buses, all equipped with the $2156.00 option of automatic tire chains. That's over $8000.00 the district wasted on buses that will never operate in conditions requiring chains.
http://www.k12.wa.us/transportation/specifications2007-08.aspx "
http://www.k12.wa.us/transportation/specifications2007-08.aspx "
abokaa wrote on Dec 17, 2008 10:17 PM:
" All of you people that think the school districts are wimps should just settle down. They know snow happens, they add extra days to the school calender for it. If it doesn't happen the kids get out for summer early, if it does then they have the latitude to take an unplanned day off for safety's sake. If you would attend a school board meeting or a PTO meeting now and then you would know these things. Since you obviously don't, your complaints are easy for people like me to dismiss. Snow ball fight anyone? "
mole wrote on Dec 17, 2008 10:32 PM:
" elgabion: is your first name EBENEEZER!!GONDOLA:the mid-west is flat,thats why!!!let them play in the snow!!! be a kid again> sorry kids you get to make those days up when it is sunny!!! "
jinxy wrote on Dec 17, 2008 11:34 PM:
" Please do tell me what difference it makes if the kids get a few days off and make it up later. They still have to go 180. The kids are so worked up for the holidays and because of the snow they have a hard time concentrating anyway. Most of you complaining about the busses not running in this weather would probably be the first to sue the district if the busses did run and the got in a accident. Many of you need to take a chill pill and not let these little things get to you so much. "
culp686 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 2:14 AM:
" I see nothing wrong with the kids having a couple of snow days. I really like the fact it's right before christmas. Now I get to spend quality time baking cookies with them and watching them have fun being kids. Even if the buses would run for school I would never let my children get on them now. I have 7 inches of snow on the ground and a a nasty hill I live on. I say let they kids have a early christmas present of snow. And to all you bah humbugs go out and make a snow angel and remember what it was like being a kid! Merry Christmas everyone. "
98626 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:58 AM:
" I lived in Montana for quite awhile as a child. The school buses there are equiped to handle the large amounts of snow and the schools do not shut down for snow. The buses around here are not equiped for this kind of snow (or any for that matter) We rarely get this kind of snow and I suppose for the amount we get it would be expenive to equip the buses for snow. Hey El Gab!!! Do you want to foot the bill for this? "
golfer wrote on Dec 18, 2008 6:03 AM:
" I have been to northern Minnesota in the winter time when snow was on the ground & was snowing at the time. The snow they get there is dry snow that is a lot drier than the snow we get here at times, & when vehicles drive through it, it blows away from the car. The whole time I was back there the main highways were clear. They do get packed snow at times, but as others have said, they have the means to take care of it, & they use salt on the roads in Minnesota. North Dakota uses beet juice. As other posters have said, there are no mountains back there, heck there are no hills either, where my daughter lives. It is basically flat. "
who am I? wrote on Dec 18, 2008 6:30 AM:
" um, I was in school back in the 80's and we we DID miss school for snow back then too. "
mom of 2 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 7:37 AM:
" I am all for the education of my children, but I am leaning toward the safety of them first. I would rather have them make up a snow day, than be hurt either on the way to school, or even at school because of them or other students goofing off and being unsafe. I live right next to Wal-mart and the roads out here are totally slick. I understand the bus drivers are trained professionals, but it doesn't mean I trust all the other drivers out there. Thank you Longview school District for the decision you made. "
manda187 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 7:50 AM:
" I am a School bus driver and i thank all the schools for not allowing our students to go to school on these cold icey days. I drive a rout that is a down town rout. I also have about 70 kids that i have to make sure get to school safely. And trust me that is not easy job. All it takes is one child that distracts you and you could hurt many. So EL Gabilon if you have never drove a bus in this kind of weather keep you mouth shut. Thank you schools and All there staff for keeping our childeren safe. Have Fun Kids "
Dookie Lumpkins wrote on Dec 18, 2008 8:08 AM:
" What about the Homeschoolers??? Do you have the list of homes that are not providing an education today? I think sometimes kids need a break from jaded theological teachings and the passing of necessary information from someone missing a teaching degree. "
imlovinit wrote on Dec 18, 2008 8:24 AM:
" One thing a lot of people don't realize is that missing school right before the holidays means hundreds of kids are not able to attend their own Christmas concerts. Mine are really sad about that! At least Castle Rock had theirs but I know at least some of the Kelso schools were supposed to happen today. Even if they make it up in January of course it won't be the same :-( "
who am I? wrote on Dec 18, 2008 8:45 AM:
" imlovinit, I agree that's the downside, but I still think the schools made the right decision for safety reasons. "
imlovinit wrote on Dec 18, 2008 9:07 AM:
" Who am I: me too! Safety first, definitely. Don't get me wrong - I love snow days. Just too bad they didn't get their concerts in before the weather hit. Also one of my kids did a knitting project in her class, now her new stocking will probably be stuck at school during Christmas. "
kitten wrote on Dec 18, 2008 1:50 PM:
" Have fun kids but remember that roads are for cars, not sledding. The cars can't see you if they are backing out of driveways and you are low to the ground. Find a nice safe hill somewhere that doesn't have the dangers of the public streets. "
kristyc1978 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 3:30 PM:
" First I will start by saying merry Christmas, It is wise for our kids to not go out in this weather, bus's get into accidents and you could loose 70 little lifes. Enjoy it, our kids are only young once. I love sitting with my kids and waiting to see if their school is listed for closure and the burst of cheer that comes when they see it and all the fun in the snow they plan for that day off from school. ENJOY, BE SAFE AND HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT HOLIDAY! "
lexington mama wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:18 PM:
" My daughter was heart broken about missing her concert today, so we mede a "stage" and she and her cousin performed their program for us last night! It was so stinkin adorable!!! "
rocketdad wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:32 PM:
" Let the kids be kids..I know when I was a kid (and it was a long time ago) we waited for the faintest whisper of snow so that we could have a snow day..it was part of being a kid..
there is also the safety factor, but kids are supposed to be kids..dont make them grow up too fast by expecting them to be big and tough and focused and shouldering all this "responsability" when they are still supposed to be out having fun... "
there is also the safety factor, but kids are supposed to be kids..dont make them grow up too fast by expecting them to be big and tough and focused and shouldering all this "responsability" when they are still supposed to be out having fun... "
Rastor wrote on Dec 19, 2008 5:32 AM:
" Have you seen the news from Seattle? City buses abandoned on the hills even when they have chains on! Imagine those buses with 40 kids on Columbia Heights or the hills around Kelso! Chains don't make it possible to travel everywhere in snow, they make it possible to take the necessary trip for food, or doctor appointments. None of this is worth an accident, or injury. For some reason the "anonymous" forums bring the negative in many people who have nothing better to do than complain. Those people aren't happy unless there is something to complain about. Get out, play in the snow with the kids, you might feel better! "
mole wrote on Dec 19, 2008 8:35 AM:
" I remeber one time it was snowing hard,I thaught no school!!!! so I did not do my home work"never did it any way" but this time I would not have to tell the teacher a lie[the dog ate it did not work]GOT UP TO PLAY IN THE SNOW,AND NO SNOW.And away to school I went,no home work and no good excuse!!!!! "
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