Six snow days off from school in January have pleased most students, they say.

Senior Maya Johnson said she used the extra time off caused by the Polar Vortex to study for the ACT and work out with her father, Darryl Johnson. “All in all, my extended break was good, considering the terrible weather outside,” she said. She was also relieved that she did not have to go in to work at her job at Noodles and Company restaurant in Southfield.

Junior Javione Carter took advantage of his spare time to make extra money. Carter decided to shovel snow for five  homes in his neighborhood, earning $100. The remainder of his break was used to relax, admitting, “I don’t know how I would have gotten through break without it.”

Other students said they used the extension to embrace the snow. Junior Darian Fountain met up with his friends at Shepard’s Park in Royal Oak for a day of frosty fun. Fountain and his friends competed in a snowball fight and enjoyed the sport of sledding.

Though the snow and cold provided opportunities for fun and relaxation, it also caused coaches to cancel basketball games and wrestling matches, said Athletic Director Anika McEvans. She said coaches will reschedule as many events as possible.

Senior Jay Reid took on the challenge of building an igloo. Reid says, “After the snow trucks pushed the snow from the streets and into the ditch in my yard, I decided to build and igloo.” It took three days off to get the project done and once it was complete Reid said he felt “proud.”

The elongated break was used for bonding and bonfires for junior Gabriel Grant. She roasted marshmallows for s’mores with her family, later participating in a snowball fight with neighbors.

Junior Tyra Lee was disappointed with the delay of school being back in session. As a member of the Junior Class Board, she says that there are many fund-raisers that have not yet been planned, and a two-day school week was not enough time to schedule a meeting to get things done.

Sophomore Nakole turner lacked enthusiasm for the delay for a different reason. Expecting to flaunt her new hairstyle at school, she was disappointed her ‘do wouldn’t be seen for three more days.

Although senior Courtney Bierberick spent her time watching her favorite television shows and filling out numerous scholarship applications for college, she said, “Break was enjoyable, but I really did miss school.”