What am I Doing Here?

Snow Day and Valentine's Day together

Day 4071


February Story

When I was in the fifth grade, the teacher I had was young, fresh out of college and fun to learn from. (That doesn't happen often.)
And the time was February 12th, Valentine's day party on a Friday, February 12th. But before we could have our party, we had one small test to take. It was not hard, if one had studied, but this is fifth grade with another special event that outweighed anything else.
We had decorated our shoe boxes and made sure that we brought our Valentine's Day cards for the other members of the class. Some students even brought candy to give to Ms T.
It looked like it might snow. The class students all murmured that they wanted snow and lots of it by Ms T. said that she thought it was just a light snow that would not last. This was in a town north of Houston and Ms T was from a little farther north. She was no doubt an expert.
But as the afternoon progressed, the snow fall continued, and we continued to get ready for our Valentine's Day party that would begin after all of the tests were in. Oh what excitement! Snow and a party! This was a double treat day. No one misbehaved and the mood was so happy and fun.
But as the day progressed, the snow continued. We were allowed to look out the window after we had handed in our tests. If one question was not answered, we had to sit and finish the test.
Then the moment we all waited for. The last test was in and Ms T. smiled as she gave us the new directions on what to do. The chatter began and everyone sorted out the valentines. Part of the earlier instructions were for each student to make his or her box look like a mailbox that had hearts on it. One student did not have some materials at home so we gave him a few minutes to fix his shoe box. And when that was done, the valentines were 'mailed' to the name on the envelope that the card was in. That was done in quick time.
As the cards were being delivered, Ms T went to her closet and took out the cookies that some mothers had made and sent to school. Ms T. supplied punch drink that was poured into a bowl that she brought to school. She also had received some cups from another friend who loved donating things. And the happy voices could be heard around the classroom. The snow continued to fall. Ms T. was worried because it looked like there might be a foot of snow and she did not have shoes that she could easily walk in.
Time passed and we needed to clean up to get ready for home. No homework was the final delight of the day. And as it happened, we finished cleaning up as the announcement was made on the PA system. "The buses are here early to take you students home. Those who have parents to receive them, go to the regular pick up area. Bus students wait 5 minutes and leave quietly to your buses. Please do not run outside because you might slip."
So this is my favorite February story with one more detail. Our electricity was out so the family stayed at a motel until late the next day. I guess snow can be good and bad at the same time.