Schools Didn't Close Tuesday; Should They Have? Readers React

Public schools in Downers Grove and Glen Ellyn were open on Tuesday despite the snow, although some nearby towns like Wheaton, Lisle and Naperville closed their public schools. All Glenbard high schools also had an early dismissal, and most area schools cancelled their after-school activities.

Some private schools in the area—who often bring students from further away—were also closed, like the Avery Coonley School.

Patch reached out to our readers on Facebook to find out whether or not they thought keeping schools open was a good idea:

Yes, it was good to keep schools open:

“Reading all the Facebook posts from family and friends in Bourbonnais, Mokena, Plainfield, Kankakee, Bradley, kids all off school… so, moms are taking them sledding, to the mall, to the movies, another one is going cross-country skiing… ok, if they can do all that stuff, why can't they go to school? Drove from Good Sam area to 75th Street - road sloppy, but NO trouble.”
– Karen Sherman Bushy, Downers Grove Patch Facebook.

“I'm fine with it. We won't have to add a day in June.”
– Lori Tabor Carlson, Glen Ellyn Patch Facebook.

“I think it's perfect. Shortened day, so no makeup. The snow won't be really deep until later in the afternoon.”
– Kim Peters Lutz, Glen Ellyn Patch Facebook.

“I think 58/99 made the right call. There is MAYBE 3" of snow out there and the kids get out in an hour. It's not that bad! I ran to Target to get milk and the roads were fine. I'd rather my kids be off in the summer when we can enjoy the day. Plus, a lot of parents still have to work. It can be really disruptive if your kids are suddenly off school for a couple inches of snow, but you are still expected at the office. I thought it was ridiculous that schools were cancelling last night before a single snowflake had fallen!”
– April Nowobielski Marron, Downers Grove Patch Facebook.

“They made a good call. As Kari Cremascoli said in her email, parents always have the option to keep their kids home. For those of us who can manage driving in six inches of snow, this doesn't bother me at all.”
– Russ Foster, Downers Grove Patch Facebook.

“ I think it was the right call. I grew up in this area and we had school with active snows worse then this! We live in an area where snow is an issue this time of year. I think people have just gotten spoiled over the no snow for so long and panic set in. Glad 58/99 had school. It was the right call to make! Besides... Main roads I have been on in DG are actually pretty decent! Good work Village of DG!”
– Stacey Greenwood Poulter, Downers Grove Patch Facebook.

“I am actually shocked by all the closings. There was only a dusting of snow @ 7:30am. This is winter in the Midwest… why does everyone treat these lil’ snowfalls like some horrific blizzard? I’ve been out on the roads and they are being maintained great. No reason to close schools.”
– Susan Showalter Rees, Downers Grove Patch Facebook.

“I think it's great! A.) the last few "snow storms" haven't been as bad as they said, B.) schools these days seem to be BEGGING to have a snow day or two....even 20 years ago I don't even remember having one!, and C.) this shows kids that sometimes things in life don't go as planned, but you've still gotta do what you've gotta do to make it through.”
– Julie Farrell, Glen Ellyn Patch Facebook.

No, they should have closed schools:

“They will regret it in a few hours. What a nightmare. I took the day off because I couldn't bear the thought of driving home at 5.”
– Rachel Pote, Downers Grove Patch Facebook

“There is nothing better than a snow day! One every 3-4 years is perfect. It is one of life's fun surprises. I think 4-6 inches calls for it. I don't want to drive in it and I don't want my kids on the bus in it. But seems like I am in the minority.”
– Mallory Archer Samson, Glen Ellyn Patch Facebook.

“Sometimes schools just need to think ahead for the late afternoon and not just how is the morning. Plus everyone around them cancelled.”
– Eddie Komrska, Downers Grove Patch Facebook.

Other observations:

“@Karen, good point, but school buses don't drop the kids off for another couple hours, it will be much worse by then. Maybe just a half day was in order.”
– Dani Fish, Downers Grove Patch Facebook

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