Boston public schools -- and many others -- closed until next month

Hackerama strikes again.

WHAT A JOKE!!!! They don't have enough time to clean up? Are you kidding me???? Outrageous.

A waste of city resources, are you kidding me? What about parental resources, now that we'll have to spend the next two weeks out of work or coming up with childcare. C'mon, you are already getting a vacation- do you really need to stick it to us for an extra two days?

Kudos to Mayor Menino for getting this storm exactly correct in terms of cancelling school to allow for cleanup and getting as many people as possible off the roads on Friday so we didn't have a repeat of last year's fiasco. It makes little sense to make kids go to school for an abbreviated two days considering how long it will take to shovel the school grounds. Cost-benefit analysis definitely leans towards cancellation.

thanks Mayor! now i can start my vacation and my pay check early!

I'm glad I moved to Phoenix. I ran into a snowstorm at the Grand Canyon last week and it brought back memories. Not good ones.

A good decision.

I am a teacher and Boston and I too am so disappointed. The days before vacation are really important in our classrooms. We make gifts, we wish each other happy holiday, and we have our holiday shows. I am heartbroken that I can't wish my students well and give them their gifts. For many of the kids we teach, there will be a smaller Christmas than ever at home and celebrating in school with each other and talking about our customs was an anticipated event.

It hasnt' been snowing since about 8pm.

Ridiculous.

Really. Let's just teach an entire generation of children that when the going gets the least bit challenging, let's all stay home. Great lesson! Merry Christmas.

"I am a teacher and Boston" says "Boston teacher"

You are the reason the students need to be in school tomorrow! With teachers with your intelligence it is no wonder public school kids are clueless. Here's hoping you don't teach English.

Too bad that all of you people would still complain about wasteful spending or risking it on the icy roads if schools opened up for the one and a half days this week.

Why do Wellesley schools stay open, and Boston schools don't? Not fair.

Boston Teacher,

It is no wonder why our students are unable to perform to grade level in reading and writing. I gave up editing the copy after half a dozen grammatical errors in your comment. Perhaps you should stop wasting the taxpayers time with your illiterate slobber. It might behoove you try to read the dictionary for simple edification before you throw my tax dollars down the toilet for another government program to sustain your worthless existence.

Ridiculous.

If it weren't for Boston's silly 1960's busing policy (kids from Charlestown ride buses to schools in West Roxbury), then Boston's ability to handle weather would be so much better.

um guys, I think that "boston teacher" is not actually a boston teacher and the comment was a lazy, misguided attempt at humor at the expense of the hardworking educators of the world. you know, how they get paid *so* much and get long, paid vacations...

Cars are still having trouble getting up the hills in Dorchester and many streets haven't been plowed yet. It is still pretty slick and dangerous out. I'm glad my kids will not be put in harm's way.

Do the people complaining think of the bigger picture? It just stopped snowing after almost three straight days, so many sidewalks will not be shoveled for the kids to walk on in the morning and/or they will be incredibly icy. Also, there are not crews just sitting around waiting to shovel out all the schools at a moment's notice tonight. They will have to organize and it takes a lot of time to get all the snow and ice removed from every school's grounds so kids don't slip and hurt themselves. There's really no way the city is ready for school tomorrow nor realistically should be expected to be ready given the nature of these two storms. And Tuesday is only cancelled because of the already shortened week.

This is insane. We live in New England. It snows. On Friday school was cancelled, but the snow did not even begin until 1:30 pm - the children could at least have had a talf day of school. Is this some teachers union scam?

I agree with emmajulia; this is no message to send our children.

Did anyone actually read the thoughtful message that Boston Teacher left, or did they just choose to rip it to shreds because of grammatical error? Saying that a spelling mistake speaks for the reason that "public school kids are clueless" is an extremely pretentious statement.

Please respond to the content of this post -- I'm not reading closely for grammatical consistency.

Computerguy, learn your history. Court ordered busing started in 1974. And I would hardly describe it as kids from Charlestown having to ride the bus to West Roxbury. Also, I don't really think busing has anything to do with the current situation.

When the going gets even moderately tough, Mumbles shuts down the city. When - or should I say if? - these kids get jobs, they'll be banging in sick at the drop of a hat, and looking out the window for snow all winter. "Can we go home early? It's snowing!" So I"m supposed to rely on these little angels to pay for my Social Security benefits? Thanks loads, Mumbles. Your ass is covered, and the kids have learned a great lesson. When in doubt, stay home.

Back off people! I'm sure you've never had a typo in something that you've quickly written in the midst of whatever career you deem more worthwhile than educating our young people. In a world full of heartless cynics like you two I'm glad that there are people like "Boston Teacher" who recognize the value of the nurturing and environment fostered in our city schools; especially during a holiday season that has not been so merry and bright for so many of our students' families. Think back and remember a teacher who helped to mold you into who you are today before you just dismiss an entire population of undervalued professionals that make a immeasurable differences each day.

Think

cancelation of school is not as rediculus as not having a snow emergency today to clear all the snow before the freeze

I think that it is a great idea that they close for the two and a half days. Remember when those kids at West Roxbury got hit by cars because they were forced to walk in the street? The complaint then was that the kids should have been kept home because of safety. Now, they actually do that and people are complaining? Make up your minds!
On another note. I think that the schools should just close for two weeks during the holidays and then eliminate February vacation, put a vacation in March and then elimnate April vacation. This is what they do down South.

I simply cannot understand why you are all getting so heated over school closings. The holidays are almost here. Get a nice, big, hot cup of coffee and relax. And by the way, "Boston teacher" is apparently a very dedicated teacher who cares about her students, so why don't you guys back off. Or, if warm friendly people anger you, why don't you go back to wishing you had anybody who loves you around to spend the holidays with!

Boston Taxpayer,

As usual, those who complain about grammatical errors have at least one in their own post complaining of grammatical errors.

Here's a hint: if you're going to complain about grammer, you'd best get it right yourself, or you'll end up looking stupid.

Ridiculous.

Don't mix one thing with the other!..
I'm a student .. and i am not happy with the decision that was made for the reason that as a senior there is plenty of things that needs to be completed for example College Applications (now I have to meet up with teachers/Guidance Counselor during the long vacation) .. Also, there's many students that's in AP classes that will need to be prepare for the exam by May and taking more days off from school equals less hours of learning...

WHAT is WRONG with these people?? Rather than appreciate the sentiment written by Boston Teacher, you chastise her for poor grammar? However, no one commented on the PARENT who complained about having 2 weeks with his/her children!! A PARENT complained about having to parent!!!!! YOU are what is wrong with education. You judge harshly and do not support. The decision not to have school was necessary for a variety of reasons, one most prominent because of our litigious society. If a child were injured on the way to or from school, surely the family would sue the city.

If you spent more time appreciating what this teacher brings to his/her classroom and what she GIVES these children, rather than reprimanding her for poor grammar, maybe we would all be better off in the end!!!! What she neglected to mention is that she buys her students all sorts of gifts and gives them a party--without appreciation or thanks from her Administration or parents. In the city of Boston, teachers supply EVERYTHING in their classrooms--from markers to glue, paper, and EVEN THE BOOKS YOUR CHILDREN READ! Where have the budget cuts been made? Ask a teacher. Ask to see her tax return. This teacher wasn't complaining about those things--she complained about not having the ability to teach and to spend time with HER kids--the very same children that parent DOESN'T appreciate for the extra 2 days. WAKE UP and parent!!!!!

I'm also a teacher in boston and thank god we have the day of tomorrow. on days like tomorrow, kids show up late, are all worked up about the snow, don't pay atention in class and it is generally a waste of their time and mine. can get a couple extra days of xmas shopping in now. Thanks Mayor.

to be fair, the roads are supposed to be incredibly icy and it is dangerous to have busses on the road, filled with kids not wearing seatbelts, when the road is icy. some of the people who comment here are just thinking without any logic in their thoughts...

I am a father of two very dedicated students at Boston Public School and as many others I am very disappointed with this resolution or decision that the Mayor and the superintendent did because this is the time when many things are to be done in order to have our children finalize their efforts with more things to be done before the holidays and academic studies. My son and my daughter had to do some tests and presentations as well as Christmas plays (theater) and much more important things for their academic achievement from which they were working so hard to present on these two days. It seems that for the Mayor and the superintendent is not a prime priority the effort our children do to succeed in our so poor school system but to cut the benefits that our children can get with more days of school. I guess for our city and school leaders import more the fact to save money for the budget that to spend more in our children.
Thank you for such decision.
serge

It snowed for 48 straight hours and the temps in Mass were from 17 to 23 degrees. The major roads were a mess even at 7pm. Massachusetts, and most of New England, for that matter, is not used to this type of slow steady storm. This is more typical of California's Sierra Nevada region, Colorado or Utah.

It is a good idea to keep the kids home since vacation would have started EOD Tuesday. The downside is with children of parents who do not have sick time due to the nature of their employment but this is always a problem when there are snow days.

Give Boston Teacher a break. He/She is posting a comment on a website article, not writing a dissertation. Oh and Boston Taxpayer- perhaps you should learn to edit your own comments. "Perhaps you should stop wasting the taxpayers time with your illiterate slobber" Apostrophe anyone?

Boston Taxpayer,

Maybe you should spend your much important time in favor of something more productive than scanning a comment for grammatical errors on the internet of all places: Ever heard of a life? Oh wait, you must have one of those if you're paying all those taxes in the fine city of Boston. Let me guess, single bedroom condo with a nice plasma TV, maybe sitting atop an elegant mahogany entertainment center? If I'm not right on the money then it must be a wall-mounted flatscreen. And not to change the subject, but I really do hope that all those dates off of E-Harmony are impressed by how many errors you found in this comment. Of course, you probably won't get them to stick around that long anyway. It will be much to easy for them to look past your ridicule and right into your insecurities, only some of which - to your credit - stem from that tax-paying wallet of yours.

On a side-note, NO SCHOOL TOMORROW WOOHOOO!!!
Happy Holidays.

"If it weren't for Boston's silly 1960's busing policy (kids from Charlestown ride buses to schools in West Roxbury), then Boston's ability to handle weather would be so much better."

Good Lord, it's been 34 years and there are still people chanting the "blame forced busing" mantra whenever there's a little glitch in the public school system. Yes, O brilliant Mr. computerguy, the federal court order implementing desegregation ("Boston" and its racist white political leadership fought the program tooth and nail) came down in 1974, not in the 1960s.

What a ridiculous message to send to students and parents! "A waste of city resources!" BPS conveys to their teachers, parents, and students that it does not value time in school. When we should be extending the school day and the school year (too bad BTUnity), we're trimming days and learning opportunities. Instead, we'll make up these days in the heat of summer when the calendar telegraphs to students that they should be checked out. We also miss out on the opportunity to communicate our warmest holiday wishes, feedback, and, yes, over-break homework and extension packets. Further, many students depend on the breakfast, lunch, and snacks that they receive during the school day. As other readers noted, this is a lean time for Boston families and those meals are invaluable to the students and their families.

Thanks for telling us what districts are closed!

It's time to stop busing children to school. Why isn't this a safety concern? If children could walk to their neighborhood school you wouldn't have this problem. But then again nobody walks anymore for the "safety of the children." Good going mayor, you've just sewed up the teacher's vote for the next election.

I'm with you on the busing thing Mr. Computerguy. I teach in Boston and although I like the days off, it is truly the busing fiasco that has driven my free time these next days. No half days (ever), kids bused over an hour, and neighborhood schools a thing of the past.

It has got to change in Boston.

How I wish we could encourage healthy public discourse around issues that matter to all of us--the education of our young people--without becoming ugly. That's my wish for the holiday season.

I have no idea why people are jumping on Boston Teacher for grammar. It is incredibly easy to post "on the fly." Maybe our whole culture needs to work on treating short posts in the same way as we treat an essay or letter to the editor. At any rate, teachers make the educational experience. I am grateful for the teachers my children have had.

This is ridiculous. The city really dropped the ball on clean up on these last two storms. The roads in my neighborhood did not see a plow for more than 24 hours while 8 more inches of snow fell and then turned into ice after the storm changed over to sleet and refroze after sunset. More than 12 hours after the first storm ended, Washington St and Blue Hill Ave were still covered in snow. My street was near impossible to pull back into once I had managed to get out. Absolutely ridiculous. This last storm changed over to liquid mid-afternoon. There is no reason the streets and lots should not be cleared by now. This is inexcusably bad.

Why are you picking on Boston teacher for a simple typo mistake and one run on sentence? Anyone with half a brain can understand exactly what he/she was saying. This is a comment section not a book report. Get a life!

On that note, I am absolutely thrilled to have an extended vacation. Woohoo!!

It is all about parking. The schools' lots are needed to house cars when there is a snow emergency and if the cars are still there in the AM there is no place for the teachers to arrive and park. We live in a congested city with a majority of families not having children. The priority is cleaning the streets, then moving the cars, and then finally cleaning up and opening the schools.

While I can understand the reason for closing school for the next two days (its really bad (icy) out there), these poor kids are gonna be in school until June 30 making up for snow days ... School was scheduled to get out June 19, now, we've had 3 snow days so we're looking at June 24 being the last day, and its only December - still have to get through January and February.

I remember driving in to school a few years ago when we were hit by an awful storm. Boston gave us Monday and Tuesday off and reopened on Wednesday. Big mistake. Kids were waiting for their buses on the street (!) because there was no place to stand on the sidewalks. The roads were still slick; I had a few close calls myself. They called off school for the rest of the week because of their poor decision that Wednesday. If they hadn't opened on Wednesday, we could have probably gone back Thursday and Friday no problem. But there was so much outrage then, they had to make up for it. Do you really think that everyone shoveled the sidewalks where kids wait for buses?

Do you really think all of the sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots at the school got cleaned up after Friday? Don't worry, you'll get your money's worth, we make up the days at the end of the year! This really stinks for me since I'll be on maternity leave in 2 weeks and won't be coming back till next year.

To bostonparent,
Just because the City can't provide your childcare for these 3 days, you shouldn't moan. If you can't afford to have and provide for your children, you shouldn't have had any. Secondly, there are 180 school days in Boston ... guaranteed. The school department will now provide 3 more days of free childcare in June. It all works out in the end.

Hey bostonparent, it doesn't sound like your too thrilled about being a parent. Why don't you also think back to when you were a child and how exciting it must feel to get a little extra vacation.!!!

Reindeergirl,
The teacher's union has NOTHING to do with school cancellations! Nothing! That's up to the mayor and the superintendent. I'm really sick of this knee jerk "It's the teachers' fault!" attitude that so many seem to have.

We had a forecast of bad weather, schools were open, and were not dismissed early, kIds were killed in the science lab that was thought to be a safe place. It was a tornado..... but what if the kids in that school had been at home and parents incovienced. Wonder what those parent now would think of "being incovienced." What I see is somebody wants to make sure kids are safe. I know bosses don't always understand....but this is children we"re talking about

Jeez, you would think that canceling school for a couple of days because of frigid and impossibly icy conditions was symbolic of the end of Western Civilization.

Let me guess, if we cancel school, then the terrorists have won, right MarkB? I highly doubt that the future of our democracy and our Social Security benefits system relies on the mayor and superintendent deciding to cancel school for a couple of days for safety reasons. I suppose you NEVER had a snow day when you went through school, MarkB? Or did you walk uphill both ways in three feet of snow every day while carrying a five-ton weight on your back?

Can we all relax about calling off school? They're going to make up the days, and education and humankind will go on as before.

I DO UNDERSTAND THE DANGERS O NTHE ROADS FOR THE CHILDREN AND THE MESS ON THE ROADS. I AM ALSO A SINGLE PARENT WITH A NEW JOB AND NO SICKTIME. THESE LAST FEW WEEKS HAVE BEEN A REAL NIGHTMARE TRYING TO PLACE MY CHILDREN AND BE ABLE TO WORK ALSO. THANKFULLY THE WORCESTER SCHOOL SYSTEM CREATED DAY CAMPS FOR THE KIDS AND TRIED HELPING TO ASSIST PARENTS LIKE ME! I DON'T HONESTLY NO WHAT I WOULD HAVE DONE AND IT WOULD HAVE REALLY DAMPENED MY CHRISTMAS FOR MY KIDS AND SPENDING

that is a bunch of bologna, they have plows to clean out the schools and now its going to be hectic to try and find where i will send my kids while i am currently away on business!

I'm only 32 so I can't exactly say "back in my day"....but we never had pre-emptive school closings and we would have been in school today and tomorrow. We would have been lucky to have a 1 or 2 hour delayed start today. I'm not saying it's wrong, but they used to do everything they could to avoid canceling school. What's changed?

I guess that MOst ppl today are in the mood for arguing with ppl they don't know. This is the thing it's really bad and good that school is going to be closed until next year.......but what can we do the decision is done. For example i had these two big presentations today and my science teacher was suppose to approve my science projec idea. NOw guess what my grade is going to go down because of my ''loss chance'' of taking my final exam to improve my grade and im not going to pass the term withourtm y teacher's project approval. I guess I'll email it to my teacher. be positive what's done is done. but at least wont fall in the wet dirty snow or get sick becuz of walking to my bus stop. *my grammar isn't perfect here, because it's just a comment not an essay that's going to risk my grade. merry christmas and a happy new year

so im confused does medford public schools have school tmm? because its not on any list of closed schools. ha someone let me know

I think it was a good decision to cancel - it would have been such a mess to have the school open. Some people always have to complain about something - and complain away. Good decision Mayor.