Montgomery Co. Schools Make Weather Decision For Jan. 6

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — All Montgomery County Public Schools and offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 6, because of the incoming winter storm expected to bring close to a foot of snow to parts of the state.

There will be no instruction for students, the district announcement of a Code Red said.

All schools and offices are closed. Emergency personnel must report on time.

All activities, field trips, and programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled, including athletic practices and events.

Childcare programs and community use activities are canceled.

The district said decisions about Tuesday's schedule will be made when more information is available.

Virtual learning is not available for this closure.

"We are calling a snow day now based on forecasts of imminent snowfall that could impact safety and transportation, giving families and staff valuable time to prepare," the district said. "Doing so prioritizes the safety of students, bus drivers, and the entire community, helping to avoid travel on potentially hazardous roads. We know that families need to arrange childcare, adjust work plans, and manage other responsibilities."

Related: Winter Storm To Bring Foot Of Snow To MD: Latest Forecast

Watch Superintendent Thomas Taylor’s “Snow Day” announcement video: https://mcpsmd.info/SnowDay.

The district's calendar has two snow days built into the schedule.

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.)

The decision to close schools because of weather (or other widespread situation impacting safety) is always for the entire system.

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