Some students and staff at Braintree High School had some difficulty returning from February break after the major blizzard, which caused widespread flight delays and cancellations. The storm disrupted travel plans for many families who were flying back home before classes started back up.
“It was definitely a stressful day. I had a 9 a.m. flight that kept getting delayed because there wasn’t a crew. I did a lot of research that day looking into other flights and eventually rented a car,” science teacher Ms. Saniuk said.
The experience was stressful as she tried to return from Palm Beach Florida. She drove nearly 26 hours over two days to make it back in time for school on Monday.
“I knew getting back Friday or Saturday would not be good for my students so I did what I could to make it back,” Ms. Saniuk continued.
According to Vice Principal Matthew Riordan and the curriculum, students are allowed up to five unexcused absences each term without academic penalties to account for unexpected events.
“We feel as though the five days is adequate if a parent has a reason that they need to have their child not coming to school. Things come up. Your car breaks down and won’t start. You can’t come into school.”
Mr. Riordan also noted that situations like travel disruptions are considered part of normal life circumstances.
“In some situations, students had difficulty obtaining travel. That would be life getting in the way.”