Storm gives Midwest schoolchildren a rare snow day
CHICAGO — Thousands of children in the Midwest got a rare snow day off school Friday as a winter storm moved through the Great Lakes region, dumping nearly a foot of the white powder in some places with more on the way.
Midwest residents often boast that they are well prepared for winter weather and school is rarely called off. But the threat of the largest snowstorm of the season prompted school districts in Chicago, Detroit and Milwaukee to cancel classes Friday. Schools across Nebraska and Iowa also closed or delayed the start of classes.
It was a great day for kids to go sledding, make snow angels and play with pets outside instead of reading, writing and arithmetic. Angela Lekkas took her children sledding in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighbourhood.
“The kids couldn’t wait to get out today,” she said. “This is the first true snowfall of the season.”