A historically large snowstorm is projected to hit 40 states this weekend, and Memphis is expected to be battered by freezing rain and snow, resulting in frigid temperatures across the city and Mid-South.
As is usual with winter storms, this leaves students and the MUS community in a period of both fear of ice and property damage, as well as hope for snow days.
For many students, a day off would provide a welcome break to daily stress.
“The snow days are a time for reflection. How has this year started? Am I on the right track? How should I continue when I go back? When the weather gets warmer and school goes on it is appropriate to have a new perspective,” says senior Henry West.
According to the National Weather Service, Memphis is to be under a winter storm warning continuing through Sunday, Jan. 25. Weather forecasters have given differing numbers of precipitation, but the consensus is that there will be a significant amount of snow or ice on the ground.
“I think the current forecasts are rather sensationalist. But even if they’re accurate… three feet of snow? Look, I’d love a day or two off school, but three feet crosses a threshold between the fun and the deleterious. I’d prefer to keep power at my house, not have to shovel snow for six hours and not to be stuck amidst what would a humanitarian crisis our city is woefully unprepared for,” says senior Wilson Pace.
Academic Dean Philip Stalls commented, “We are judicious in our decision to cancel school compared to other schools.” However, the lingering question held by students and faculty is the thought of when snow days shift to days that students must work from home.
“There is no fine line for when that type of shift is going to happen. The judicious thing to do is to wait for things to settle and determine the long-term effects and of issues caused by snow,” he said.
As for the preparation of what students are calling “Snowmageddon,” students have been advised to bring all textbooks if a situation rises where everyone is stranded at home.
Conversely, teachers have been advised to plan out what work students should do while missing time in the classroom.
Some students have lamented the loss of classroom time.
“[I am] devastated to miss crucial class time with Mr. Gunn and Mr. Large. Can never take each day with them for granted,” said sophomore James Hanlon.
However, Stalls affirmed that there would not be a virtual learning environment such as a Microsoft Teams or Zoom unless the teacher chooses to do that.
“The teachers know what their individual needs are and their students’ capabilities in this point of the year,” said Stalls.
A decision to cancel school will be made by the afternoon on Sunday, according to Headmaster Pete Sanders at Friday Chapel.
