Montgomery Co. Schools Change Schedule For Jan. 9

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — After three days of canceled classes, all Montgomery County Public Schools and offices will open two hours late Thursday, Jan. 9, because of predicted extremely cold temperatures and overnight refreezing from the snow that fell earlier in the week.

The district announcement of a Code Yellow said there is still a chance schools will be closed on Thursday.

"We will be reevaluating this decision by early morning and, if necessary, will announce any change by 5 a.m.," the district said. "Students, staff and visitors should exercise caution when traveling to and from school and be mindful of personal safety. MCPS and county staff have readied roads, sidewalks and school sites to be as snow and ice free as is possible.

Emergency personnel must report on time and follow guidelines for work on delayed openings. Other 12-month administrative facilities employees in transportation, food services and maintenance need to report on time.

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

• Morning buses pick up 2 hours late.
• 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 a.m. will be canceled and services set after 10 a.m. will continue as planned.
• 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.
• Before, after-school, and childcare programs may operate as scheduled, families are encouraged to contact their childcare provider.
• Community use programs occur as scheduled.

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

Related:

• Final Snow Totals From 2-Day MD Storm
• How To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing As Bitter Cold Blankets MD

The district's calendar has two snow days built into the schedule; the closings on Monday and Tuesday used those two snow days.

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