Montgomery Co. Schools Change Schedule For Jan. 22

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Work to clear school parking lots after the weekend snow amid frigid temperatures has been slow, so all Montgomery County Public Schools will operate with a two-hour delay Wednesday, Jan. 22, and Thursday, Jan. 23.

School officials said Tuesday afternoon that they do not anticipate conditions to improve until later Thursday.

"Plowing school lots and walkways and addressing overnight refreezing has been challenging due to the cold temperatures," a school district announcement said. "MCPS central and school-based staff continue to work to get schools and offices ready to open daily, and maintenance problems are prioritized for repair to ensure heat, water, and electrical service is not impacted."

Here are the schedule changes:

Tuesday, Jan. 21: All MCPS activities, after-school events, and athletics 5:30 p.m. or later are canceled. This schedule is being adjusted to prioritize safety for adults and children, including bus drivers.

Childcare programs will remain open. Families are asked to contact the childcare providers for more information. Community use activities in MCPS schools may proceed as scheduled, but users should check with the Community Use of Public Facilities office.

Wednesday, Jan. 22, and Thursday, Jan. 23: Montgomery County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay. Before school and childcare programs will also open two hours later than usual.

Both days all outdoor activities will be brought inside. Be safe by dressing warmly and limiting time outdoors.

Here's what the late start means for students, parents and staff:

• Schools and offices open 2 hours late
• Emergency personnel report on time and follow guidelines for work on delayed openings
• 12-Month Transportation, All Division of Food and Nutrition Central Production Facility (CPF) and warehouse staff, 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

Wednesday's forecast from the National Weather Service calls for a cold weather advisory from midnight until 11 a.m. Thursday. Very cold wind chills around zero to five below zero are expected.

The high temperature on Wednesday should be 19, with wind chill values as low as -5. On Thursday, look for a high near 32.

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