It’s always the same equation.  We start off with a slight accumulation, then progress to a heavier downpour, then end the winter with a blanketing of snow.  This torrent of snow or ice normally leaves us stranded, whether it be without power, or with a case of cabin fever.  For the majority of my school years, Northern Virginia has almost always gotten pummeled, at least once, with a shower of snow each winter.  Take the snowmageddon of 2010, for example, or the storm that just gave us a seven day weekend.

“The past couple of winters have been epic.  Week after week there is always a rumor about the potential snow that will hit us.  Most of the time, we end up with some significant amount of snow,” said senior Tori Youn. 

For as long as I can remember, the FCPS system has allowed for chaotic winters, building in three snow days to the school calendar. However, the amount of snow days we get generally exceeds three. And in lieu of the whoops of cheer over the absence of school, students are left wondering which vacation days are at stake.

“After those three [grace period] days, I almost start to dread over the next winter storm,” said junior Ashley Irvin.  “We almost have never been spared of sacrificing our vacation days.”

Slowly, our workdays disappear, then our half days.  This year, our whole semester time window was altered, impacting the seniors.  What’s puzzling to many is Loudoun County and Prince William County schools report they have 15 snow days built into the schedules, despite their proximity to Fairfax County.  It only seems fair that two counties in the same general vicinity be granted the same system of snow days. 

“I have friends out in Loundon County.  I see them almost every weekend,” said senior Gabriella Gricus.  “It doesn’t seem like their roads are that much more treacherous.”  

It seems like Mother Nature will not let up on the amount of snow she deposits.  We can only hope that next winter will not cost us our well-deserved vacation days.