Is Pierce Ready for the Next Big Winter Storm?
By Zane McKeown
Every winter, before most Pierce High students even roll out of bed, school leaders are already out driving around in the dark. Snow drifts, ice, and freezing wind can turn a normal morning into something dangerous. With Nebraska's weather getting more unpredictable, many people wonder if Pierce is truly ready for the next big storm.
Early in the morning, administrators start checking the weather. They look at radar, watch alerts, and sometimes drive the gravel roads themselves to see how bad things really are. If visibility is low or the wind chill is unsafe, school might be delayed or canceled.
Since many students live out in the country, even one messy stretch of road can be enough to make the whole day unsafe.
Bus drivers deal with some of the toughest conditions—icy stops, blowing snow, and roads that are not cleared yet. They often leave before sunrise, and many carry emergency blankets, flashlights, and first-aid kits just in case something happens.
“Sometimes the country roads can be a little hairy. So you just have to be extra cautious, especially with other peoples’ children in the vehicle,” substitute bus driver Matthew Neal said.
For students who live far from town, deep drifts or slow plowing can determine whether they can safely get to school at all.
Sometimes storms do not wait until morning. If the weather gets worse during the school day, Pierce Schools have a plan. Students may need to stay inside longer, wait for conditions to improve, or even remain at school until it is safe to head home.
“When I was working at the elementary school, the weather got bad quickly, and we weren’t prepared. The buses were not able to run so we had to get a hold of all the parents to come pick up their kids or find other arrangements. Some of the staff was there into the evening because some kids were not able to leave right away,” long-time Pierce Public School staff member, Anne McKeown, said.
Custodial staff also watch the heating systems, keep entrances cleared, and make sure the building stays warm if the power flickers.
Pierce does a lot each winter—road checks, bus precautions, weather alerts, and fast communication inside the district. But Nebraska winters can change fast. A sudden burst of snow or a strong wind gust can make roads dangerous in just minutes. Staying prepared is something Pierce has to focus on every year, no matter how the winter looks. This winter is expected to be just as, if not more intense than previous years, so as a town and school, being prepared is a top priority.
