The energy crisis, specifically a shortage of natural gas, caused by the unusually cold winter of 1977, resulted in the Columbus, Ohio, schools being closed for a month. Schools heated with gas were closed, but students met one day a week in school buildings that used coal, oil, or electricity. The educational program continued with school personnel encouraged to use maximum creativity in making assignments and maintaining contacts with pupils. Special sections were published in the newspapers, and radio and television stations allocated time for educational programs. This report is a description of the responses to the school closing made by the education system and surrounding community. Methods used in the study included classroom observation; site observation; and a mail survey of a sample of students, parents, and teachers. (MLF)