While we think MoCoSnow is the best way to learn about potential winter weather heading our way and how it may impact schools, MCPS goes through a very specific process to make the decision on whether or not to close or delay schools.
Per MCPS: “We 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.)
Note: The decision to close schools because of weather (or other widespread situation impacting safety) is always for the entire system. A uniform procedure to close all schools is maintained so that the school system can respond quickly to emergency conditions and protect the safety and well being of students and staff who attend both public and non-public schools and receive transportation services from Montgomery County.
Additional information can be found on the MCPS website.