Fairfax County Public Schools to Close Two Hours Early

Fairfax County Public Schools will close two hours early Friday.

The decision comes as the area is expected to see anywhere from 1 to 2 inches of snow between 2 and 5 p.m., just ahead of the evening rush hour, the Capital Weather Gang reports.

George Mason University will remain open.

Falls Church City Public Schools are not planning to close early, but officials there are keeping a watchful eye on the weather. 

What this means for children attending Fairfax County Public Schools:

• Morning preschool (special education) classes are dismissed at approximately 11 a.m.
• Full-day preschool (special education) and Family and Early Childhood Education Program/Head Start classes are dismissed two hours earlier than the usual time. 
• Afternoon preschool (special education) classes are canceled.
• Extended day care and SACC will stay open until 6:15 p.m.
• All late buses are canceled.

The following activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled, according to the release:

• extracurricular activities
• interscholastic contests
• team practices
• field trips
• middle school after-school programs
• professional learning and training courses
• all adult and community education classes
• recreation programs and community use by outside groups not affiliated with FCPS

You can learn more about how FCPS decides to close school here.

The Capital Weater Gang said there's "No need to panic over today's PM rush hour snow chance."

It's not crippling, the gang said, but drivers should allow extra time for their commute and leave work early if possible.