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DENVER — More than two dozen Colorado school districts are telling kids not to come to school Wednesday because of the impending storm.
Almost all major Denver-area school districts, including DPS, Cherry Creek, Douglas County and Aurora, have canceled Wednesday classes. The only exception was Jefferson County Schools, which up until late Tuesday night was still planning to remain open. However, the district tweeted around 9:30 p.m. that schools will be closed tomorrow.
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The decision to either close or stay open varies by district, and the factors that prompt that decision is just as varied.
Cherry Creek Schools Superintendent Scott Siegfried says his goal before deciding on canceling classes is to gather as much information as possible. He's had his eyes glued to the TV for several days now.
"A couple of times over the last two days, I've talked to Mike Nelson,” said Siegfried.
Mike Nelson’s forecast, which included the National Weather Service blizzard warning, sealed the deal for calling off school.
"What that means is dangerous conditions,” Siegfried. “I have to think about 55,000 students, 9,000 employees and all their parents and having them out on the roads. Ultimately it's not in their best interest to be out there.”
Students at Grandview High School aren't complaining.
"I feel really happy about it because right now school is really a lot,” said student Aniket Chauhan.
"I have an AP exam soon. I might study for that. But I'll probably spend my day sleeping,” echoed sophomore Cassandra Loftus.
But parents won't be getting any shut-eye.
On Facebook, Jennifer Eads said :
"This is stupid. Let's wait till there is something on the ground to call it, eh?"
Kristine Ritter applauds the decision to empty the classroom with a little notice.
“I think it's great. I'm perfectly happy that they're doing it now rather than waiting for the morning, " said Ritter
Jessamyn Miller agrees but sees the other side:
"I definitely understand how other parents have to find childcare or trust their students home alone. That can be very stressful, " said Miller.
Allene McCall says the districts have made the right call, with an asterisk.
"I understand it's very complicated for parents,” said McCall. “Thee have a lot of work to do between now and tomorrow morning."
