Blizzard puts school vacation in danger

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- One hundred eighty: that's the magic number of days kids need to be in class. With the massive snowfall they've seen a slew of days off and now some districts are canceling their winter break next week.

A week off, then for most kids next week is winter break.

They can't get enough time off from school.

"It was pretty fun. I like the snow," said 10-year-old Ayana McDuffie-Young.

However, these days don't just melt away with the snow, they come back.

"Do you like when it eats into your summer vacation," asked News 8's Stephanie Simoni.

"No," said Ayana.

Ayana goes to Home-Highville Charter School in Hamden. They're keeping school closed next week.

"I thought they may...should cancel it because they're going to have to make it up those days at the end," said Tonia Blount, Ayana's mom.

News 8 also found families spending their slew of snow days at the Peabody Museum.

"Mine is the giganotosaurus."

Not many people would think that cold dinosaur bones would be a warm romantic thing to look at on Valentine's Day. The Camarasaurus doesn't look very friendly, but for parents it's a lifesaver.

"I should go back to work, but for them I have to take care of them," said Hong Xheng, New Haven parent.

When she heard New Haven Schools are back canceling winter break Xheng said, "That's wonderful, otherwise I don't know how to kill another five days, you know?"

Other parents don't think it's so wonderful.

"I hate to put him in the position of choosing whether to go to a trip to visit colleges or go to school," said Ira Rosofsky, of New Haven.

His 15-year-old son, Sammy, is also disappointed. They'd rather see April school vacation cancelled.

The assistant Superintendent Garth Harries on Good Morning Connecticut says they'll work with families who have travel plans giving excused absences.

Plus, state tests are coming up in March.

"I just feel this is a very wrong decision and it was made in an executive way without any input from the most important people involved," said Rosofsky, "children, the school system, and their families."