Minor Snow Cripples School

Traffic around Woodland Regional became an issue this morning as the long, winding driveway, made treacherous by the 1/4" snow covering, forced many All-Star Transportation bus drivers to wait for a snow plow.

After a winter squall blew through Central and Southern Connecticut early this morning, a light blanket of frozen preciptation covered the school's access road. Several early busses had successfully made their drop-offs for 7:15 a.m. but were surprised to find leaving much more difficult.

One unfortunate bus driver discovered the trouble as she slid roughly 20' leaving a weaving set of tracks on the snowy driveway. Other busses parked at the top of the hill waiting for the assistance. Three other busses waited at the base of the driveway unsure of what to do, and five other busses pulled over and waited in a local business parking lot.

Students driven by parents made the trek to the top of the hill, but students who drove themselves opted to turn around and head in the opposite direction for parts unknown. Teachers sat in the traffic, some more patient than others.

A few traffic-bound Woodlanders found ways to pass the time and help others. Lisa Olivere, Humanities teacher, was spotted picking up wind-blown garbage cans and putting them back in the owner's driveway. Adventurous students, Deidre Burke, Holly Gendreau, and Jamie Moraniec decided to park their car and hike up the hill in the below-freezing temperature; however, their noble mission failed and they returned to their car soon thereafter).

Woodland phone lines were lit up this morning by concerned parents, teachers and students looking for answers School receptionists, Deborah Betkoski and June Rydzik, fielded phone call after phone call in regards to the traffic and the status of a possible school delay or cancellation. Unfortunately for all callers, school remained in session.

Students who had arrived on time were left wandering the halls. Some were shepherded into classrooms by Mark Dandelske, School Counselor, and Chris Tomlin, Humanities teacher keeping the local population safe from hooliganism.

Finally the driveway was made passable and all students--well, at least those who were still waiting--were able to make their way to school.