Fuel shortages in the past also had an impact on pupil attendance. Students have stayed home because of a lack of ways to heat schools. This was a relatively common problem during the 19th century and happened quite often in the first quarter of the 20th century. The most recent time was 1950.
The 1917-1918 school year was particularly bad. On Dec. 7, 1917, the Tribune reported that coal shortages would extend the upcoming Christmas vacation by seven days as "a fuel conservation measure." After all, World War I was underway at the time.
But heavy snow in January prevented coal deliveries and added even more days off for the kids.
Citizen brigades shoveled streets to make them passable. The children even pitched in. (Why? Children working so they get to go to school?) On Jan. 10, the Tribune reported that "thousands of children volunteered yesterday to dig snow to save schools from closing."
On January 13th schools were ordered closed for another whole week.
Kids Shoveling Snow So They Can Go to School? --Cooter
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