WEST SALEM – If you thought nothing could beat waking up to a snow day, think again.
Eighth graders at Northwestern Middle School woke up Wednesday to a viral video of their history teacher, Roy Woodring, singing a parody about the school closing.
The video features Woodring at his desk, belting out made up lyrics to “It’s too cold for school” to the tune of the “Friends” theme song, “I’ll be there for you.”
Woodring, who also coaches basketball at Northwestern High School, has always loved singing. He has long enjoyed making funny videos for his students, but this was his first school closing video.
He got the idea from superintendent Brent Hoesing in Missouri Valley, Iowa who has become known for his school closing song parodies.
A fan of the television show “Friends,” Woodring said he was was watching the sitcom on Netflix earlier this week when he decided the theme song would be a fun and recognizable choice for a parody.
With subzero temperatures already in the forecast, Woodring got to work on his own song.
Coming up with the lyrics and choreographing moves, Woodring said, was the easy part.
Remembering them all and timing them correctly throughout the fast-paced, three minute song was a little tougher.
Woodring estimates he recorded about 30 takes before getting the video just right.
After Woodring posted the video on YouTube and social media Wednesday morning, views quickly began to grow into the hundreds.
“As far as how viral you can be in a small community like this, I think it’s gone as viral as it can,” Woodring said.
Woodring admits he didn’t discuss his plans with superintendent Jeff Layton before posting the video.
“Sometimes it’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission,” Woodring said.
But he did receive Layton’s approval after the fact. District leaders subsequently posted the video to the district’s official Facebook page.
Though district parents are calling Woodring “awesome” and “amazing,” he insists he is not exceptional.
“Anyone can do something like this. All it takes is a little creativity and courage,” Woodring said.
