String of snow days leave C.O. families scrambling

Many schools on the High Desert were closed yet again Tuesday, leaving parents to adjust their schedules once more.

Stay-at-home mom Katie Blodgett said she’s lucky, but understands what others are going through.

“My husband and I both used to work full-time,” she said. “It was a nightmare if (my daughter) got sick or (it was) a holiday. Scrambling at the last minute to find someone to watch your kid is really difficult. So I have a lot of sympathy for those dealing with that right now,” she said.

Weather- and maintenance-related closures are forcing some parents to juggle around their schedules to make sure their kids are looked after.

Stephanie Rodea said after the roof collapse at Kenwood School last week, she understands why school officials are being cautious.

“There’s a reason for it. They don’t want the kids out of school any more than we do. It puts a cramp on the whole year for everybody,” she said, “and they’re just doing what’s best for all of us. The thought of a roof falling in when my kids are at school — I would keep them home for the rest of the year, if it took that.”

Not all students look at it as fun time off, either. Many miss their classmates and activities.

Nichole Wangler, who attends Bend High School, said she’s eager to return.

“I was actually at home, and I felt like I really need to get back into school. I really need to get back to everything, and being at home, I’m just bored,” she said.