Scenes from the Snowstorm

Our Christmas break was supposed to start December 20th, but the 2 days before that were cancelled because of one snow storm. Tomorrow we were supposed to head back to work, but the county sheriff told all the local school districts to shut it down because the roads weren't going to be ready. There's more snow projected in the next three days, then rain, which will have the roofs caving in like poorly-constructed igloos.

It's been insane.

Speaking of insane, a hat tip to the Central Valley School District for this heartening notification off of the ESD website:

1/4/2009 3:19:21 PM
Central Valley School District 356
SUBJECT: Two Hour Delayed Start on January 5
Complete Message: On Monday, January 5, all Central Valley Schools will operate on a two-hour delayed start schedule for students. No AM kindergarten or preschool classes. No breakfast program. Child care is operating on time. All staff are to report to work on time. Continue to watch for updates, based on developing weather conditions. School Name: Central Valley School District #356
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Because hey, even if the roads are impassible for everyone else, that's no reason for you teachers to not show up to work!

It gets better. Note that the update above was early afternoon; later on they mostly took it back:

1/4/2009 5:29:51 PM
Central Valley School District 356
SUBJECT: Central Valley Schools Closed on January 5
Complete Message: On Monday, January 5, all Central Valley Schools will be closed per order of Spokane County Sheriff. Principals and district office staff should report to work as usual. School Name: Central Valley School District #356
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I would hope they would be nice enough to their principals to retract that later on if need be, but we'll see how the weather goes.

Hello to All the Eastern Washington Teachers!

Here in the Spokane area it dumped a ton of snow--again. We had a snow day today--the fourth in a row--and there's every chance that we won't have school tomorrow, either.

So, if you're at home enjoying a day off, welcome to Washington Teachers! For those who aren't in the snow zone, here's some pictures to make the point:



That's my front yard. Most of the snow came last Sunday, but since then we've dumped about 10 more inches. The real fun where I live, here on the West Plains of Spokane County, is the wind--drifting snow closed the highway, and here's why:



That's not the same picture--that's my driveway, the one that I plowed out yesterday. The snow drifts are 22 to 25 inches at my house, and channel 6 says that in other places the drifts are 5 to 6 feet deep.

A snow day is a nice thing. A whole bunch of snow days in a row, not so much.