Like most people, I woke up on Tuesday, January 21, checked my email for any information from Stamford Public Schools (SPS) about a delayed opening, and to my surprise saw nothing. It’s understandable; the decision to enact a delay is hard to make without making one side unhappy. However, this decision is not only about making people happy; ultimately, it’s about the safety of teachers, faculty and most importantly, the students.
These past few days we have experienced severe cold weather, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday. Stamford experienced temperatures as low as 9 degrees, which created dangerous conditions. Students who don’t qualify for a bus ride (any student who lives within two miles of the school) had to endure up to a 50-minute walk in these subfreezing temperatures – putting them at serious risk of hypothermia.
In fact, temperatures are so low that Gov. Ned Lamont has activated Connecticut’s “Severe Cold Weather Protocol” from January 19 to January 24. This protocol advises people to avoid staying outside for extended periods of time and states that the effects could be life threatening if exposed to the elements. When the governor has set up a network of shelters to ensure people aren’t exposed to the extreme cold, it makes little sense that the district expects some students to walk to school for nearly an hour in these severe conditions.
According to the American Red Cross Foundation, when temperatures fall between 13 degrees and 32 degrees, anyone spending time outside should take an “indoor break” every 20 – 30 minutes for safety. This recommendation is for temperatures significantly higher than those experienced this morning, in which some students presumably left their homes around 6:30 to make it to school on time.
Students fortunate enough to be able to drive to school were still faced with dangers because of the icy roads and dark conditions, a dangerous combination. Chances of crashing are higher during this weather, increasing the risk not only for the drivers themselves but for other students who are walking as well. Much of this danger could be avoided by not forcing students to drive before sunrise in conditions like these.
Last year students received an early release due to high heat; it’s perplexing that we don’t receive the same accommodations for this recent cold weather. The 2-hour delay would allow the weather to get warmer, helping the students avoid the exposure to cold weather and risks that come with it. Obviously, with all things being equal, a full school day is preferable for allowing teachers to complete their regular schedule, but for many this wasn’t the case anyway because of the increase in absences and tardies during first period Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
Delay or not, many students arrived late to school – understandable due to the severe conditions. However, although some teachers are understanding, many students are still penalized for their late arrivals. This oversight puts a lot of stress on students that unintentionally get to school late because of the weather, which of course they can’t control. Unfortunately, a disproportionate number of those students are from low-income households, which may be part of the reason they are walking to school in the first place.
In general, the district strongly advocates for students who struggle due to socioeconomic factors such as income – they even provide free jackets and food! However, while they are being helpful by providing these resources for students, SPS officials also show unintended discrimination and unequal treatment to those who have to commute to school by walking, or even waiting for a bus in dangerous conditions. It would cost the district little to prioritize students’ safety and well-being on the rare occasions when temperatures fall this low.
In the meantime, students who have no choice but to walk should watch out for the signs of hypothermia, which according to the Red Cross are: shivering, numbness or weakness, glassy stare, apathy or impaired judgment, and/or loss of consciousness.
Former Round Table Editor • Jan 23, 2025 at 1:24 am
Love the Round Table’s class-consciousness on the issue of transportation and student safety and well-being. Keep it up!
Paula • Jan 22, 2025 at 1:02 pm
I couldn’t agree more!
Proud Teacher • Jan 22, 2025 at 11:27 am
This was extremely poignant and well-articulated! A truly profound and fantastic job done by this author, who is a future voice of their generation.
Cash • Jan 22, 2025 at 8:54 am
Wow! Let me tell you, I can get behind this!
Natalia • Jan 22, 2025 at 8:54 am
We should have had a delay!! I almost slipped.
Meher • Jan 22, 2025 at 8:39 am
I agree with this article! Very well written.