Montgomery County Public Schools will dismiss students early on Monday, March 16, as forecasters warn of a potentially dangerous severe weather event expected to move through the region during the afternoon hours.
School officials announced Sunday evening that the school system will operate under a Code Blue – Early Dismissal schedule due to increasing concern from the National Weather Service about the strength and timing of the storms. Forecasters say the area should be prepared for significant thunderstorms, high winds, hail, and the potential for damaging tornadoes.
According to MCPS, the most severe weather is currently projected to arrive around the time students would normally be leaving school, traveling home on buses across the county, or beginning after-school activities such as athletics and practices. The early dismissal is intended to ensure students and staff can get home safely before the storms arrive.
Under the adjusted schedule, high schools will dismiss at 12pm, with Northwood High School dismissing slightly earlier at 11:40am. Middle schools will dismiss at 12:30pm. Elementary schools that begin at 9am will dismiss at 12:55pm, while elementary schools that start at 9:25am will dismiss at 1:20pm.
Schools will open at their normal start times Monday morning, and lunch will still be served, though schedules may be adjusted to accommodate the earlier dismissal times.
All local field trips scheduled for Monday have been canceled to allow schools to focus on an efficient dismissal process. In addition, all afternoon and evening school and community activities are canceled, including athletic games, team practices, and programs held on school grounds.
MCPS also announced that offices will close at 2pm. Infant and Toddler appointments scheduled for 1pm or later will be canceled. Afternoon PreK and Head Start programs are also canceled, while morning PreK and Head Start programs will dismiss at their regular time of 10:50am.
Childcare programs may continue to operate, though families are encouraged to contact their individual providers for specific information.
The early dismissal comes as meteorologists warn the region could experience one of the more significant severe weather threats in recent years, with the potential for damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.
