Tough break: Students feel long-term effects of storm
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Students at Williamsville Central School District won't be enjoying a six-day spring break next week.

As a result of seven snow days used in October and one in February, Williamsville students must now report to school from Wednesday, April 11 through Friday, April 13, cutting the break to just three days.

The original 2006-07 calendar called for the spring break to be held from Friday, April 6 through April 13 with students returning on April 16.

"I really do appreciate everything done by the staff to do the right thing under these difficult circumstances," Superintendent Howard S. Smith said. "This is not something anybody wanted; sacrifices were made. It's an uncomfortable situation."

Smith said staff and students were notified in October of the scheduling change, and classes during those three days will be run as normal.

"These will be three instructional days. (The community) has to expect that. We can't have school and not have regular instruction," he said.

Smith said he is aware that many plans had to be changed, some that cost money.

"The staff has been outstanding; literally hundreds had to change plans," he said.

"I appreciate that, and it demonstrates the professionalism at Williamsville."

Students who miss any of the instructional days will be charged with an absence and will need the excuse of a parent or guardian- the district's normal operating procedure.

When 2 feet of snow dropped on leaf-covered trees in October the landscape, roads and power lines were affected. In a state of emergency, the Williamsville district closed from Oct. 13-23.