After a record snowfall in West Orange, New Jersey this winter, which left the streets covered in eight feet of snow, Principal Huseman and former Principal Apter announced together that school is still open.
Junior Paul Raskin argued, “If they close school for a broken heater, then why can’t they close for eight feet of snow?”
Huseman and Apter worked together to come to the decision. They decided to take a similar approach to that of newly elected New York governor Zohran Mamdani, who kept all NY public schools open after the storm.
He said, “Pelt me with a snowball in the face if you see me, there’s no room in these calendars for a snow day.”
Although Mr. Huseman’s initial stance was against having school, Dr. Apter reminded him that travelling through tough conditions is an integral part of the Jewish experience at GOA. Dr. Apter argued that, “so many days are taken away by Jewish holidays, we have to remain open for learning some time!”
Many students are very angry and disappointed that the snow days they cherished as kids are now taken away.
“Instead of waking up at 12 p.m. to play Fortnite like I normally do, I now have to wake up at 6:30 am and learn,” said Junior Dov Brown. “And my boots aren’t even waterproof!”
Teachers were reportedly smiling in the hallways, a rare occurrence that only happens on the last day of school or when class ends.
“This is what we train for,” said Mr. Stern heroically, looking like a general before battle at the window.
“If students can walk through eight feet of snow, then they can finish their homework on time,” he added.
However, when students arrived at school, they were less enthused. Many looked like Arctic explorers who had spent 3 days in below-freezing weather. Jackets were soaked and shoes were beyond recognition.
One brave and nonchalant student wore a t-shirt and shorts.
By the third period, many students had already accepted their fate. The day continued as normal when students were marching slowly in lines like zombies from Mr. Ober’s class.
Of note, the entire main office, including the principal’s office was empty. When the school day finally ended, Mr. Huseman issued an email from in front of his fireplace at home, thanking GOA students and teachers for their mandatory attendance.
