All over the midwest school assemblies were canceled today as heavy snow and ice forced schools to close for the day. And that’s a shame! Just ask any kid. The worst time for a snow day (not that most kids will ever admit that there is a bad time!) is when you are supposed to have a cool school assembly program that day instead of class. 

But, unless you live in San Diego, or Florida, that’s life in the winter. 

Here in south east Michigan school assemblies were canceled all over due to 6-8 inches of snow overnight plus lots of black ice this morning covering roadways. In Ohio school assemblies were canceled because of heavy snow from Dayton to Cleveland. I think it is still snowing in Cleveland, so more shows may be canceled tomorrow.

How can you possibly schedule school assemblies in the winter knowing they may be canceled because snow forces a school cancellation?

Well, the answer is, how can you not? Of course you may lose a date. Of course you may have to reschedule. But if you do have school there is no better time. During those long gray months of winter kids need the welcome break of a school assembly. They often cannot get outside to play because of extreme cold, so it is more important than ever to bring something refreshing and exciting inside to them!

And best of all, there is no real downside for the school. Well, that’s true at least with Mobile Ed. I expect there are some companies and individuals that will charge a school regardless in the case of a weather closure, but that has never been our policy. Rather we offer alternative dates and programs as make up dates where possible, and if nothing can be agreed upon we simply refund the deposit. We still cover our own expenses. It is just the cost of doing business for a reputable company. But from the schools point of view, it is a win-win! If you have school on a scheduled date, the kids get a great show and a welcome break! If you don’t, you can reschedule or get a refund. Either way, the school benefits.

So go ahead, schedule a winter time show! And let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Geoff Beauchamp is the Regional Manager of Mobile Ed Productions where "Education Through Entertainment" has been the guiding principal since 1979. Mobile Ed Productions produces and markets quality educational school assembly programs in the fields of science, history, writing, astronomy, natural science, mathematics, character issues and a variety of other curriculum based areas. In addition, Mr. Beauchamp is a professional actor with 30 years of experience in film, television and on stage. He created and still performs occasionally in Mobile Ed's THE LIVING LINCOLN