Montgomery Co. Schools Change Schedule For Feb. 6

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — With a mix of freezing rain and sleet expected overnight into Thursday morning, all Montgomery County Public Schools and offices will operate under a Code Yellow with a two-hour delay Thursday, Feb. 6.

School officials said Wednesday afternoon the late start decision was made out of an abundance of caution.

The National Weather Service is forecasting sleet and ice accumulation overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions across much of Montgomery County.

School district leaders will monitor conditions overnight and work to prepare schools for a safe but delayed opening. However, if ice accumulation is greater than expected, they will reevaluate conditions and provide an update by 6 a.m.

"Our employees commute from many areas, including outside Montgomery County, and students travel throughout the county for various programs, making their safety our top priority," district officials said in their announcement. "We recognize that storms like this can have varying impacts, with some areas experiencing little to no disruption. We understand the frustration this may cause and appreciate your patience as we prioritize the well-being of our entire community."

Related: Ice Storm Could Cause MD Commute Problems, More Snow Chances Loom

As of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, these schedule adjustments are in place:

• Schools and offices will open two hours late.
• Emergency personnel report on time and follow guidelines for delayed openings.
• Morning bus routes will operate on a two-hour delay.
• All field trips and activities that begin at 10:30 a.m. or earlier are canceled, including programs at Thomas Edison High School of Technology.
• Infant and Toddler appointments scheduled before 10 a.m. are canceled; appointments scheduled at 10 a.m. or later will continue as planned.
• Morning PreK/Head Start and AM PreK Special Education programs are canceled.
• Afternoon PreK/Head Start and PM PreK Special Education programs will begin at their regular time.
• Schools will dismiss at their normal time.
• Before school programs and childcare are canceled — and after-school childcare programs may operate as scheduled; families should check with their provider.

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