With the air getting colder and the sky getting gloomier, all that is missing is snow.

Or more specifically, a snow day.

However, if the district issues a snow day, the schools now have the option to have a two-hour late start instead of automatically not coming to school.

Keep in mind, an actual snow day is possible, but the weather must be extreme.

“I think this will help Northtown because it will help students get to school and not have so many snow days to make up in the spring,” said Assistant Principal Bart Bates.

Some students, however, are upset by this decision.

“I remember my sophomore year when we had a whole week’s break due to the snow days. Not having snow days makes me mad. I’m a senior. Every senior deserves at least one snow day,” said senior Emily Denison.

Other students are looking at the schedule from both sides.

“I could see why they would do this. I like it because that means the snow would be able to melt and we could still go to school. But it’s no help if it snows all day,” junior Joy Branch said.

The late start means that the school day will essentially be shorter. Buses will be available and the pickup times will change. The drop off times will not. All school days will end at regular time.

However, if the late start is on a Thursday, the original early release will not occur.

Initially, the School Board of Education sought to fix the problem of kids having to make up so many days at the end of the school year.

Last school year, students had nine snow days, and the last day of school pushed back to June 1.

Superintendent Dan White asked a committee to be formed to look into it and late start was created out of that work.

“It makes sense for schools. It also allows the city time to clear the streets and re-freezing from overnight without costing students a day of school,” said Bates.

While the new schedule allows for time for the roads to be cleared, many students walk, get rides from other people, or drive to school.

“If a late start occurs, I literally cannot get a ride. I don’t ride the bus. So, either I would try to catch a ride from my neighbor or not show up. And not showing up while being in the IB program would be awful,” senior Roxanne Burger said.

If students are unable to get to school, the absence will count against them and they will miss lessons and activities in their classes.

Some students are more positive about this new schedule.

“I honestly didn’t know about it. I think it’d be good for us though,” junior Forrest Walker said.

Overall, all students are considering what this new schedule would mean for them.

Students all agree snow days are fun while they last, but no fun in spring when it comes time to make them up.

This new schedule option might allow freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to have their last day of school on May 25, as originally scheduled.

Graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16. That date should not change for seniors, regardless of any possible snow days or late starts.