All around the nation, there have been rising concerns about the climate issues happening.
The rising sea levels, extreme droughts, wildfires, and snow fall contribute to the concerns.
With the changing climate issues around the world, Nebraska is being pitched as a
possible destination for “climate migrants,” according to the Nebraska Examiner.
In the Omaha Metro area, the weather has caused concerns at Omaha North High with the
fluctuation of hot days and icy cold days. With Nebraska’s placement geographically, it has
a continental climate with distinct seasons and large temperature swings. Most of the
weather conditions consist of tornadoes, blizzards, droughts, and thunderstorms. These
events affect the learning environment for students and teachers but may almost provide a
needed break in the school schedule.
According to Addison Krebs, a biology and natural science pathway teacher, there has been
different changes in the weather over the years.
“In the past few years, I have noticed bigger changes in weather both locally and nationally.
Locally, I have noticed more extreme weather events (higher highs, lower lows, big swings
in precipitation, etc.),” said Krebs.
On extreme cold days, the Omaha Public School District cancels school if forecasters
predict wind chills of –25 Fahrenheit and below. Theses conditions can have dangerous
wind chills for children waiting for the bus or traveling by car or foot. On these cold or snow
days there are two different alternatives including Remote Learning Day, or School Closure
(no remote learning, schools are closed, and district offices remain open) according to the
Omaha Public Schools website.
Omaha Public Schools have also put a ban on using ice melt on school grounds as an
environmental protection.
“I do think that it is silly for OPS to ban ice melt. While ice melt can be bad for the
environment (especially as water runoff funnels into local bodies of water) and causing
salinization in the soil near where the salt is applied, I feel like the “ban” on ice melt is more
to protect school infrastructure (parking lots, stairs, and sidewalks) and is not based in
environmental concern by the district,” said Krebs.
As of this school year, Omaha Public Schools have taken six snow or cold days days
overall, with three of them being in the same week. Although many students enjoy the
impromptu break, the day cause a halt on the in–person learning. Students are still
responsible for logging on and completing the remote learning activities that their teachers
have assigned.
The rising sea levels, extreme droughts, wildfires, and snow fall contribute to the concerns.
With the changing climate issues around the world, Nebraska is being pitched as a
possible destination for “climate migrants,” according to the Nebraska Examiner.
In the Omaha Metro area, the weather has caused concerns at Omaha North High with the
fluctuation of hot days and icy cold days. With Nebraska’s placement geographically, it has
a continental climate with distinct seasons and large temperature swings. Most of the
weather conditions consist of tornadoes, blizzards, droughts, and thunderstorms. These
events affect the learning environment for students and teachers but may almost provide a
needed break in the school schedule.
According to Addison Krebs, a biology and natural science pathway teacher, there has been
different changes in the weather over the years.
“In the past few years, I have noticed bigger changes in weather both locally and nationally.
Locally, I have noticed more extreme weather events (higher highs, lower lows, big swings
in precipitation, etc.),” said Krebs.
On extreme cold days, the Omaha Public School District cancels school if forecasters
predict wind chills of –25 Fahrenheit and below. Theses conditions can have dangerous
wind chills for children waiting for the bus or traveling by car or foot. On these cold or snow
days there are two different alternatives including Remote Learning Day, or School Closure
(no remote learning, schools are closed, and district offices remain open) according to the
Omaha Public Schools website.
Omaha Public Schools have also put a ban on using ice melt on school grounds as an
environmental protection.
“I do think that it is silly for OPS to ban ice melt. While ice melt can be bad for the
environment (especially as water runoff funnels into local bodies of water) and causing
salinization in the soil near where the salt is applied, I feel like the “ban” on ice melt is more
to protect school infrastructure (parking lots, stairs, and sidewalks) and is not based in
environmental concern by the district,” said Krebs.
As of this school year, Omaha Public Schools have taken six snow or cold days days
overall, with three of them being in the same week. Although many students enjoy the
impromptu break, the day cause a halt on the in–person learning. Students are still
responsible for logging on and completing the remote learning activities that their teachers
have assigned.
The choice of closing a school for inclement weather comes with both positives and
negatives. If the district would decide to not shut–down on a bad weather day, attendance
in the buildings could be low due to the conditions.
According to Krebs, there are many different effects of cold days on Omaha North.
According to Krebs, extreme weather events have the possibility to impact student
attendance and performance in school, especially with students who rely on walking
and/or public transportation.
When looking at the cause of the intense weather shifts, many have turned towards climate
change. Krebs has studied weather conditions for years and believes that climate change is
a large issue when it comes to weather.
“I do believe in climate change and its effects, as it is backed up by research from
countless climate scientists from all over the world. Climate change is real and should be
taken seriously by everyone, from the president of the United States to high school
students and everyone in between. We are running out of time for industry to change
before the climate is permanently altered,” said Krebs.
Graphic by May Green
negatives. If the district would decide to not shut–down on a bad weather day, attendance
in the buildings could be low due to the conditions.
According to Krebs, there are many different effects of cold days on Omaha North.
According to Krebs, extreme weather events have the possibility to impact student
attendance and performance in school, especially with students who rely on walking
and/or public transportation.
When looking at the cause of the intense weather shifts, many have turned towards climate
change. Krebs has studied weather conditions for years and believes that climate change is
a large issue when it comes to weather.
“I do believe in climate change and its effects, as it is backed up by research from
countless climate scientists from all over the world. Climate change is real and should be
taken seriously by everyone, from the president of the United States to high school
students and everyone in between. We are running out of time for industry to change
before the climate is permanently altered,” said Krebs.
