When winter storms blanket the region in snow, students eagerly await the news of a possible day off from school. Traditionally, these announcements might come from a simple message or email. However, when the Rock Creek USD 323 school district was hit by more than a foot of snow, Superintendent Joan Simoneau had a creative idea. Along with Simoneau, multiple Rock Creek High School teachers teamed up to create a snow day-themed parody of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.”
The process of deciding whether to cancel school can be challenging for any school superintendent, especially when faced with uncertain weather forecasts.
“I dislike canceling school, so if I can distract myself, especially since this forecast had many days in the making, I will,” Simoneau said. After looking at the weather to come and weighing her options, Simoneau opted to cancel school on Monday, January 6, 2025, and debut a Swiftie-themed YouTube announcement.
“I was a music teacher for most of my career, so turning to music is an easy option for me,” Simoneau said. Being a true Swiftie, Simoneau’s clear choice for a parody was Taylor Swift. The high school staff, always up for some fun, took on the challenge of assisting Simoneau with editing the light-hearted lyrics. Once the vision was shaped and lyrics were formed, the idea skyrocketed into a memorable USD 323 snow day.
The artistic YouTube announcement featured an introduction from Simoneau, a chorus line performed by choir teacher, Janie Brokenicky, a sectional performance by 11th-grade English teacher, Mayci Armstrong, a rap solo by band teacher, Daniel Smith, backup dance entertainment by math teacher, Ali Snapp and business teacher, Jessica Roche, and a special appearance by Darwin Sweetman, Mason Swenson, and Mitch Lahr. Behind the scenes of the production were Spanish teacher Sara Miller, and 9th-grade English teacher, Rachel Harmison.
As the snowfall progressed, the teachers delivered a second snow-day-themed parody through Zoom. Similar to the Monday announcement, the second video posted on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, featured Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”
While reactions to the snow days may have varied, the parody announcements brightened viewers’ day with smiles and laughs.
“I thought the time the teachers put into making the fun snow day announcement shows how much they care about us and want Rock Creek to be a positive environment,” Senior Mikala Barnhart said. By going the extra mile, educators not only communicate important information but also strengthen the bond within the school community.
“What I hope people got from the videos is that most of the time we cannot control so many things in our lives, but we can control how we react to things. If you choose to be happy, despite 5 days of snow, you can find joy.” Simoneau said.
