Winter flurries: How McNick snow days are called

By Maeve Rice

From January to February, the Midwest states receive an accumulation of snow over time from anywhere between 10-30 inches, according to The Weather Channel. Not only does this affect running errands, keeping warm, or being outside, but it also affects the school day.

Principal Mr. Paul Romolo, President Mr. Bob Noll, Director of Facilities Mr. Mike Orlando, both maintenance technicians: Mr. Nathan Emmich, Mr. Tony Hall, and Manager of Facilities Mr. Chris Terry are all involved in the snow day process. Romolo said that some factors they consider when deciding to call a snow day include: the condition of the roads on the way to school, the parking lot conditions, and overall safety on campus. Romolo added, “Students safety is our number one focus.”

Since McNick’s number one concern is the student’s safety, the parking lot is looked at first. Romolo said, “If we can’t get the parking lot cleaned, then we can’t have school.” Many students drive themselves to school, so many drivers stay alert and cautious, especially with new drivers.

Many people work behind the scenes to ensure that the school is the safest for attending. Romolo shared that he gets up “at 4:30-5:00 a.m. [on expected snow days] to try to get ahead of it.”

Those working in maintenance report to Romolo to estimate if the time needed to clean the campus will take time necessary for a delay or a full day off from learning. McNick uses an outside snow removal service for the plowing in the parking lot and those working in maintenance shovel the sidewalks and courtyard.

Another factor they consider when calling a day off is what the districts in close proximity are doing in regard to the snow. Romolo said that Forest Hills, New Richmond, West Clermont, Milford, and Batavia are the main districts they watch. Orlando said, “I look at [these] districts because that’s where the most students are coming from.”

Instead of being granted days off, the state has changed the five days schools used to receive for snow days to flexible hours. Romolo noted that the school “factors in way more hours than the minimum” for each school year.

Romolo also added how he spends his snow days: “An extra cup of coffee, [getting] some reading in, and of course, shoveling.” Orlando said he comes into school on snow days to “get some extra work done.”

The next time you get to enjoy a snow day, think about the process behind the email you received.

-MR-