Spring Break Cut Short by Make-Up Days for High School Students

A nor’easter that dumped more than a foot of snow on the area late last week was the straw that broke the spring break camel’s back.

West Morris Regional High School district superintendent Mackey Pendergrast has announced that students in both school will now have classes on two of the five days originally scheduled for spring break in April.

In a letter to the community, Pendergrast said per district policy, classes will be in session Monday, April 14, and Tuesday, April 15.

The nor’easter forced both high schools to close on Thursday, Feb. 13 and Friday, Feb. 14. Before the storm, the district had used all four of its allotted inclement weather days.

“Considering the many challenges of this winter season, we have done everything within our control to preserve the continuity of instruction. However, the cumulative impact of multiple snow events has resulted in more than just dangerous roads. Increased difficulties in the removal of snow, low salt inventories, poor sight lines on roads, narrowed parking lots and streets, refreeze, and many other variables were ultimately too much to overcome with this last storm,” Pendergrast said in the letter.

The school chief forewarned what looks to be a continued rough patch before warmer temperatures set in.

“Looking forward, the long-range weather forecast calls for an extended volatile and cold season through March,” Pendergrast said. “To this end, we will continue to be vigilant in our approach in order to sustain an optimal learning environment for the students and faculty of West Morris Regional.”

According to the calendar approved by the board in the spring of 2013 for the current school year, more inclement weather days going forward will be made up in the remaining spring break days.