The cold snap that came to the path around the Falls the weekend before Thanksgiving did a lot to solidify things. Many Wisconsinites took the opportunity to head to the woods.
On Saturday, pools of water had light skins of ice. By Sunday morning, shallow bodies of water were solid enough to walk across without that dreaded cracking sound.
The downturn in temperatures also affected many farm operations. Fall tillage had been under way, but that Sunday also marked the end of the fall season for working the fields. The soil was frozen and not to be disturbed from its winter slumber.
Winter temperatures and the associated costs for heating are one of the variables over which school districts have little control. Budget high, and a warm winter can make a school superintendent look like a financial genius. Miss the mark when Mother Nature blesses us with a colder than usual winter, and eyebrows are raised at budget review time.
Many districts have been proactive with energy conservation measures. These can pay dividends year after year. There are a number of partners that love to help with this effort. Wisconsin Focus on Energy and various utility company programs are part of the mix.
A number of outside private consulting and contracting firms are available to support these efforts for a fee or percentage of savings. Most districts have plucked the “low hanging fruit” with the obvious energy conservation measures. Many school buildings have gone through repeated waves of energy upgrades. The consultants bring a sophistication to take the measures to an even higher level. Most will guarantee the savings, which lowers the anxiety about the return on the additional investment.
Recent changes in state revenue limit regulations for energy conservation measures also encourage district efforts to save energy. Although it may have nothing to do with student achievement, energy conservation has to be a priority for school district decision makers.
Another situation that has nothing to do with student achievement can create quite a stir in classrooms, especially at the elementary level, this time of year. This is the first snowfall. Wisconsin is known for its changing seasons, and that first snowfall can confirm the transition from one season to the next.
Regardless of how hard the typical elementary teacher tries to keep the students on task, the sighting of that first falling snow through the classroom windows can result in cries of glee and a rush to the windows.
With all the emphasis on accountability and student test scores, it’s nice to know that some simple things, such as that first snowfall, can bring warmth and joy to an elementary classroom. This is a value-added part of coming to school.
December also marks the start of the school holiday program season. Many parents and community members will be coming into our school buildings, perhaps for the first time this year, or even longer. It will be a great time to showcase some of the great things happening in our schools. We want to extend a warm welcome as visitors learn firsthand about good news in our schools. At times we are not doing enough to spread those messages.
As our student population has become more diverse, there is a greater sensitivity to the content of these holiday programs. The focus usually reflects community standards. Celebrating diversity is part of what we do each and every day. Sometimes viewing these programs through the eyes of students who may not be in the mainstream can bring balance to what we do.
As we move into the last month of the calendar year, let us all take time to celebrate the season. Get in touch with your inner child and smile when you see that first snowfall, if it has not already come your way.
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