Friday, January 30th, was an unexpectedly delightful day for SJA Angels! Prior to this, Saint Louis had gotten a lot of snow, and to a lot of children’s (and Angels’) delight, it did not seem to be melting anytime soon. The week went by, and the snow had hardly dissolved. Nobody was capable of ignoring the piles of powdery fun outside, so the decision was made to hold sledding during LACE.

On Saturday, January 24th, there was a massive snowstorm. Snowfall accumulated to about 6 inches at St. Joseph’s Academy. Most Angels enjoyed their snow day on Monday by relaxing in the warm and cozy inside or playing in the fluffy snow-covered outside. While the snow was fun, with snow comes ice, and with ice comes dangerous roads. Although Tuesday wasn’t declared a snow day, the administration announced a late start so that faculty and staff, as well as student drivers and parents, remained safe on the slippery morning commute.

As the rest of the week passed by normally, students stared longingly outside at the snow that had scarcely melted due to the below-freezing temperatures. Though LACE Matriarchs already had activities prepared for Friday, it was impossible to pass up an opportunity like this. On Thursday, January 29th, an email went out from Ms. Hotop, broadcasting the exciting chance to spend the period originally reserved for LACE sledding!

Angels brought sleds, hats, gloves, and plenty of winter gear to stay toasty while enjoying their time outside. Racing outside as soon as allowed, girls sped into the frozen wonderland outside, dressed in puffy coats and poofy hats. The temperature stood at a freezing 12°, but that stopped no one from having the time of their life. EllaMarie Murphy, an SJA freshman, shares details about her experience.

“It was a memorable experience; [it was] so cold, but the fun we had with our friends kept us warm in spirit!” said EllaMarie.

Girls quickly began speeding up and down the tall hill by the field hockey field on their sleds, and even some teachers decided to join in! Ted Faulhaber, a permanent substitute teacher at St. Joe, also enjoyed sledding and comments on the memory.

“I just did one run; it was fun to sled at school…I love snow; I just like being outside…it was a neat thing that they didn’t let an opportunity to sled at school go by when they had time to do it,” said Mr. Faulhaber.

While some enjoyed their LACE time sledding down hills, having snowball fights, and making snow-Angels, not everybody went outside. Quite a few people opted to stay toasty inside and drink the comforting hot chocolate being served at the concession stand. The marshmallow-filled, toasty drinks kept those who did not venture into the snow cozy and full of warmth.

The final week in January had started slowly

with the chill snow day on Monday and ensuing late start on Tuesday, but conversely ended with a bright, fun, and snowy time! Even Angels who did not play in the deep snow had a good day. Though all of the snow angels and sled tracks have melted, the experience remains a core memory for many Angels. This was certainly a great way to wrap up the month and start 2026.