By Phoebe Smith

The prospect of ice threw Richardson ISD into a panic, shutting the school down for four days. As Texans bundled up in thick coats and heavy blankets, the state was soon blanketed by the jarring freeze. 

From Jan. 30 to Feb. 4, Northern Texas got a face full of unsuspecting bitter ice. That Monday, students waited anxiously for their fates to be determined. Hopes for the school to close down were almost unanimous. Finally, as cars were frozen over and more and more classmates were pulled out of school, RISD determined that schooling wouldn’t be safe to continue the following Tuesday. 

Of course, freedom from responsibility doesn’t come without consequences. The week off from school caused RISD to remove their promised early release days from the school schedules to meet the school hour requirements. 

“The snow week allowed me to rest. I was able to catch up with sleep and hang out with my family,” said Gracie Askew. “I stayed with my dad, and we were able to bond while watching tv together. I was also able to bond with my little brother when I played with him outside in the snow.”