Community Chat

[hyacinth003]

Was reading a story about Al Roker and the mayor of New York.

If I understood correctly, Al was upset that the schools weren't closed in New York.

I have been hearing this a lot this winter - people upset that schools WERE NOT closed, as it inconvenienced "working" parents.

Last I checked, schools are not babysitters for children. I believe it is the responsibility of the PARENT to care for children, not schools. Unless the school is DIRECTLY paid by you.

I attended grammar and high school in Chicago. The number of school days we were off I could probably count on one hand - over 12 years!

Ridiculous in my view.

Hyacinth

[JaneMarple]

He's not the first and definitely won't be the last mayor who hasn't closed down the schools. remember OP. NYC is five boroughs and is the largest city in the country. You shouldn't compare the two.

[PurpleBunny]

When the city says it's "too treacherous" for adults to be out and going to work, then it's too treacherous for kids going to school. THAT's why parents were upset.

[JaneMarple]

On 2/13/2014 PurpleBunny said: When the city says it's "too treacherous" for adults to be out and going to work, then it's too treacherous for kids going to school. THAT's why parents were upset.

With all due respect PB, Mr. Roker's children do not attend public school. With that being said, NYC is unique in the fact that most parents have to go to work, there are thousands of jobs in the city that need people to be there. It does sound heartless but most people can use the subway. A second cousin of mine works for One Police Plaza, she HAD to go to work.

[mgm2]

Good for you., everyone doesn't live in Chicago. So far this year we've had NUMEROUS snow storms and it's only February. The three school districts have cancelled, delayed opening, or early dismissal. Most of our storms have been 6-16 inches and 6 more inches tonight. After the Superintendents look at the weather and speak with local and state D.O.T., then make the decision to do one of the above.

[hyacinth003]

On 2/13/2014 JaneMarple said:

He's not the first and definitely won't be the last mayor who hasn't closed down the schools. remember OP. NYC is five boroughs and is the largest city in the country. You shouldn't compare the two.

Chicago isn't big enough???

Hyacinth

[mgm2]

On 2/13/2014 PurpleBunny said: When the city says it's "too treacherous" for adults to be out and going to work, then it's too treacherous for kids going to school. THAT's why parents were upset.

[PurpleBunny]

On 2/13/2014 JaneMarple said:

On 2/13/2014 PurpleBunny said: When the city says it's "too treacherous" for adults to be out and going to work, then it's too treacherous for kids going to school. THAT's why parents were upset.

With all due respect PB, Mr. Roker's children do not attend public school. With that being said, NYC is unique in the fact that most parents have to go to work, there are thousands of jobs in the city that need people to be there. It does sound heartless but most people can use the subway. A second cousin of mine works for One Police Plaza, she HAD to go to work.

I don't get what that has to do with my post? The city officials were saying to stay put if you can because it's dangerous out, yet they didn't cancel schools. That's why parents were upset. If it's considered too dangerous for non-essential personnel to be out, it's too dangerous for kids to go to school. Obviously many people have to work and CAN get there, but kids don't have to go to school, and it's not safe for them to navigate their way in blizzard conditions.

[JaneMarple]

On 2/13/2014 hyacinth003 said:

On 2/13/2014 JaneMarple said:

He's not the first and definitely won't be the last mayor who hasn't closed down the schools. remember OP. NYC is five boroughs and is the largest city in the country. You shouldn't compare the two.

Chicago isn't big enough???

Hyacinth

I'm not talking about Chicago but put yourself in the place of the parents who live and work in NYC. Again I repeat they have to go to work! Whether or not I agree with it doesn't matter.

[JaneMarple]

On 2/13/2014 PurpleBunny said:

On 2/13/2014 JaneMarple said:

On 2/13/2014 PurpleBunny said: When the city says it's "too treacherous" for adults to be out and going to work, then it's too treacherous for kids going to school. THAT's why parents were upset.

With all due respect PB, Mr. Roker's children do not attend public school. With that being said, NYC is unique in the fact that most parents have to go to work, there are thousands of jobs in the city that need people to be there. It does sound heartless but most people can use the subway. A second cousin of mine works for One Police Plaza, she HAD to go to work.

I don't get what that has to do with my post? The city officials were saying to stay put if you can because it's dangerous out, yet they didn't cancel schools. That's why parents were upset. If it's considered too dangerous for non-essential personnel to be out, it's too dangerous for kids to go to school. Obviously many people have to work and CAN get there, but kids don't have to go to school, and it's not safe for them to navigate their way in blizzard conditions.

I was trying to explain the dynamics of the city, its terrible but that's how the city operates. Every mayor since I've been born has had the same argument, Mayor Bloomberg had many a fight about this very subject. Parents who don't have anyone home to take care of their kids run into the thousands. Its a vicious cycle.

I feel for the kids, the teachers as well as for the parents.