Three Montgomery County Public Schools in upper Montgomery County remained closed Monday, Dec. 15, even as the school system as a whole operated on a Code Yellow two hour delayed opening.
Baker Middle School, Hallie Wells Middle School, and Damascus High School were closed due to unsafe ice conditions on campus. MCPS sent individual messages to each affected school community citing conditions specific to those locations. Baker example seen below:
“[MCPS] Ice conditions at Baker MS are causing unsafe conditions. Therefore we are closing the school for Monday, Dec. 15,” the message read. “Daycare services may still be available, and families should contact their provider for updates. Please be cautious when coming to the school for childcare services.”
The closures prompted frustration and questions within the Damascus Cluster, particularly regarding snow and ice removal efforts over the weekend. The Damascus Cluster Facebook account, which is run by the Damascus Cluster Coordinators, posted concerns about how the situation was handled.
“What happened to Damascus? The parking lots at the schools weren’t plowed, or dealt with too late, and now Baker MS, Damascus HS, and Hallie Wells MS are CANCELLED today?” the post read. “Building Services was paid emergency pay to clear sidewalks Sunday, events at schools cancelled Sunday to allow cleaning up of lots. Why was this not handled better?”
The account later clarified that building services staff were not at fault, emphasizing that crews completed their assigned work.
“For the record, building service did their jobs,” the page shared with us, adding that conditions varied by school level. “Elementary sidewalks are clear, but parking lots at ES are still not great.”
While most MCPS schools opened two hours late under Code Yellow, officials determined that conditions at the three Damascus area schools remained unsafe for students and staff, leading to full-day closures. Families were encouraged to monitor MCPS communications for updates and to use caution when traveling to school campuses for childcare or other services.
