Montgomery Co. Schools Change Schedule For Jan. 21

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — After the weekend snow and frigid temperatures that followed, all Montgomery County Public Schools will operate on a Code Yellow schedule with a two-hour delay Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Childcare will be on a two-hour delay and families should contact their provider with any other questions or clarifications.

Snow on Sunday and extremely cold temperatures have resulted in dangerous conditions on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots, especially in the more northern areas of the county, school system officials said. With temperatures continuing to remain extremely cold, any areas addressed Monday will refreeze overnight, further impacting travel conditions.

In preparation, MCPS Building Service staff are inspecting all facilities to ensure heating systems are functioning properly and water services are unaffected by ice or potential pipe damage. Any issues identified will be addressed as a priority for immediate repair.

Tuesday's forecast from the National Weather Service calls for a chance of flurries after 10 a.m. with a high near 20 degrees. The wind chill will make it feel as cold as zero.

The region is under a cold weather advisory from Monday night until 10 a.m. Thursday.

As a result of cold temperatures, all outdoor activities will be brought inside, including recess, physical education classes, or any other outdoor activity.

Here's what the late start means for student and parents:

• Schools and offices open 2 hours late
• Emergency personnel report on time and follow guidelines for work on delayed openings
• 12-Month Transportation, Food Services and Department of Maintenance and Operations Staff to report on time.
• Morning buses pick up 2 hours late
• Before school and childcare programs will open two hours late, families are encouraged to contact their childcare provider
• Field trips and other activities and programs that begin at 10:30 am or earlier are canceled (such as the Thomas Edison High School of Technology)
• Infant and Toddler appointments scheduled before 10:00 am will be canceled and services scheduled after 10:00 am will continue as scheduled
• AM PreK/Head Start and AM PreK Special Education programs are canceled
• PM PreK/Head Start and PM PreK Special Education programs will begin at their regularly scheduled time
• School ends at normal dismissal time
• Community Use programs occur as scheduled

How does MCPS make weather-related operating status decisions?

Officials consider:

• The safety of students, staff, and families
• Current and extended weather forecast
• Road and traffic conditions

Closures and Delayed Opening:

• National Weather Service forecast
• Coordination of School System and County Response
• Evening Decision - made and announced by 7 pm
• If necessary, updates and forecast from National Weather Service by 4:30 am
• Coordination of School System and County Response
• Morning Decision - made and announced by 5 am (Unless there is an emergency that necessitates a later notification time.)

Early Release

• National Weather Service forecast
• Coordination of School System and County Response
• Early Release Decision - made and announced by 10:30 am if weather is expected to impact afternoon transportation (Unless there is an emergency that necessitates a later notification time.)
• If weather is not expected to impact afternoon transportation, but may impact evening activities, a decision and announcement will be made as early as possible in the afternoon. (Unless there is an emergency that necessitates a later notification time.)

How residents can receive MCPS Emergency Information and any changes to the Operating Status Color Codes:

• MCPS Web: Home Page
• Sign up for Alert MCPS
• Social Media (X, Facebook, Instagram)
• Ask MCPS (240)740-3000
• Your MCPS School Home Page