Alternate plans amid school closings

BROWN COUNTY - With classes called off for Thursday, Langlade Elementary School students got a head start on making alternate plans.

“You get to build snow forts and you get to build snowmen and snow angels,” said Clarissa VandenElzen, a Langlade student.

As for parents, some are surprised at the early cancellation.

“Why not let us know in the morning? Why such a big advance?” said Michelle Buckman, a Langlade parent.

“Typically we would not call school this early, but because of the impending storm, the certainty of what's coming, it was logical to do it at this time,” said Allen Behnke, the director of facilities operations for the Green Bay Area Public School District.

Green Bay public school officials are planning to have classes Friday, but they felt it was safest to not take any chances with Thursday.

“The earlier we can let it out to parents, the better off it is,” said Behnke. “They can plan for child care and what have you.”

“We get a lot of school agers that come if there is a no school day,” said Kerri Bishop, the program director for the Encompass Early Education and Care center on Webster Avenue.

The Webster Avenue Encompass Early Education and Care center will stay open no matter the amount of snow. That's because it partners with Bellin Hospital, to take care of its employees' children. Other Encompass centers could close, depending on Winter Storm Brianna.

“We're usually open as far as early morning and then kind of decide as the day goes on,” said Bishop.

“Actually I was hoping there would be school, because I know he's looking forward to wearing snow pants and play in the snow. I mean why not?” said Buckman.

But with blizzard conditions possible, it will likely mean a day inside for most.

“We'll probably just make cookies and wrap presents and that's about it,” said Buckman.