How Cold Does It Have to Be to Cancel School? Exploring the Factors and History Behind Closing Schools in Cold Weather

Introduction

When winter weather hits, one of the first questions on everyone’s mind is: “Will school be cancelled?” For students, this can be a source of both excitement and dread – a day off from school can be a welcome respite from the daily grind, but it also means having to make up missed classes and assignments. But what factors go into deciding when to close schools due to cold temperatures? In this article, we’ll explore this question in detail, looking at the thoughts of school administrators and students, the history of school cancellations due to cold weather, the impacts of cold weather on student health and learning, and how different states, districts, and schools decide when to cancel school.

Interviewing School Administrators and Students

To get a better understanding of the issue, I interviewed school administrators and students about their thoughts on cold weather policies. When asked why schools close in cold weather, one school administrator said: “Our primary concern is always the safety of our students and staff. We want to ensure that everyone is able to get to and from school safely, so if temperatures drop too low, we will close schools until conditions improve.”

Students also had strong opinions on the matter. One student said: “I think it’s important for schools to take into account the safety of students and staff, but I also think it’s important to consider the impact on learning. If temperatures are too low, students may not be able to concentrate and learn effectively.”

Exploring the History of School Cancellations

School cancellations due to cold temperatures have been around for centuries. In the 19th century, for example, schools were often closed in the winter months due to snow and ice. However, these closures were usually restricted to rural areas, where transportation was more difficult and dangerous. By the 20th century, school closures due to cold temperatures had become more common in urban areas as well.

Today, school closures due to cold weather are still relatively common. In some areas, such as the Midwest, school closures due to extreme cold weather are almost expected. In other areas, such as the South, school closures due to cold temperatures are less frequent.

Examining the Impacts of Cold Weather on Student Health and Learning

In addition to the safety concerns mentioned by school administrators, there are other reasons why going to school in the cold can be dangerous. Research has shown that cold weather can increase the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and other health problems. In extreme cases, exposure to cold weather can even be fatal.

Cold weather can also have an impact on student learning. Research suggests that cold temperatures can reduce concentration and focus, making it harder for students to learn. Low temperatures can also cause discomfort, which can lead to restlessness and distraction in the classroom.

Investigating How Different States, Districts, and Schools Decide When to Cancel School

So, how do different states, districts, and schools decide when to cancel school due to cold temperatures? Generally speaking, the decision to close schools due to cold temperatures is based on a combination of factors, including current and forecasted temperatures, wind chill, and other weather conditions. Most schools also have a set temperature threshold – typically between 0°F and -20°F – below which they will automatically close schools.

In addition to temperature thresholds, there may also be legal requirements that must be met before cancelling school. For example, some states require school districts to provide a certain number of instructional hours each year, meaning that school closures due to cold weather must be made up at a later date.

Comparing Temperature Thresholds for School Closure in Various Areas

Temperature thresholds for school closure vary widely across different areas. In the Midwest, for example, many schools close when temperatures reach below 0°F. In other areas, such as the South, schools may not close until temperatures reach -20°F or lower. In addition to temperature thresholds, some schools may also take other criteria into account when making the decision to close, such as wind chill, road conditions, and forecasts for future weather.

Conclusion

In conclusion, school closures due to cold temperatures are a complicated issue with many factors to consider. From the thoughts of school administrators and students to the history of school cancellations and the impacts of cold weather on student health and learning, there are many things to take into account when making decisions about closing schools due to cold temperatures. Ultimately, the decision to close schools should be based on a combination of factors, including current and forecasted temperatures, wind chill, and other weather conditions. In addition, schools should also consider any legal requirements that must be met before cancelling school.