We are a very heterogeneous society in all respects. Some of our kids can and would come prepared for the weather. Many students (due to no fault of their own) have to wait up to 30 minutes out in 20 below temps in barely more than a jacket, for a bus to pick them up. One can loose body parts in those kind of temps!

We have had teachers KILLED before driving into work in conditions such as we have had lately. It is worth it when we can make up the missed time by simply lengthening the school day 10 minutes more a day (what my district is going to do to make up for the last time)?

Sad that both Mom and Dad have to work. It would be nice if ONE of them could stay home and raise the kids. Some of our students get dropped off at 730am and are not picked up again until 6pm . . .

Last, most districts let you know the night before (whenever they can) so parents can plan accordingly (hire a sitter) in the event that one of them is not a 'stay at home mom or dad'.

Believe you me, with all the pressure of state testing and no child left behind -- administrators/teachers do not like missing school. Since I teach PE, I love it as no child left behind does not apply to me. ;-)

Just another point of view. . . .