When the forecast predicts snow, students all over the St. Louis area keep their fingers crossed in hopes of a snow day. Due to a recent weather phenomenon referred to as the ‘polar vortex,’ Missouri and most of the continental United States have been experiencing irregularly cold temperatures. Westminster has had four snow days and a half day so far, and the cold weather does not seem to be going away. This is what has caused the large amounts of snow that St. Louis has been receiving. The anticipated phone call from Tom Fuller reporting that school has been cancelled makes the cold winter days worth it. Most students assume that Dr. Stoner is the one who always makes the call, but the process is more complicated than that.

“The final call is made by Dr. Sefrit with input from Dr. Stoner, Mark Jennings (head of maintenance) and myself,” said Fuller. Many have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of snow days this year.

Despite the fact that every time it snows students hope for a snow day, that is not always the case.

“Some of the questions that we consider are: first, can we can have the lot cleared and ready for school, second, what are the current road conditions. Third, what is the forecast for the day (we don’t want students snowed in at school), and fourth, what are the other schools doing,” said Fuller. Each snowfall brings with it excitement, but also dangerous road conditions. Whether or not the polar vortex brings more snow, Westminster families can feel confident in the fact that school will be called off if the roads are declared dangerous.