JC opened on time Jan. 7 despite hazardous road conditions due to the snow and ice, following the Harford County Public Schools system’s decision to open on time.

“I think Harford County missed the boat,” guidance counselor Carol Heflin-Shupe said.

Students had similar reactions. “I don’t mind going to school, but when the roads are bad enough to put our lives in danger, something should be done,” senior Liz Johnson said.

“We shouldn’t be here right now. I had trouble just pulling out of the driveway,” junior Anna Bean said.

The snow continued until early Friday morning. Icy conditions caused 20 motor vehicle accidents throughout the county between 5 and 9 a.m., including three accidents involving school buses, according to the Bel Air Patch.

The first bus accident occurred at U.S. Route 1 and East Broadway Road in Bel Air, the second at Route 155 and Paradise Road in Aberdeen, and the third at Tredmore Road and Churchville Road in Bel Air. No injuries were reported in the bus accidents.

“I’m an experienced driver, and I felt uncomfortable. I can only imagine how the 17 and 18 year olds felt,” history teacher Rodney Johnson said.

The JC parking lots were not paved until 7:20 a.m.

Because of the snow and ice, the administration admitted students as late as 8:20 a.m. without penalty.

Though the lack of a two-hour delay or school closure caused most students and teachers to express emotions ranging from disappointment to outright fury, one teacher was relieved that school started on time.

“I’m happy we still have school. Otherwise, I would have had to cancel the club picture day,” yearbook moderator and photography teacher Michael Shupe said.

Additional reporting by Kirby Browning, Jenny Hottle, and Elizabeth Tauber.