Inclement Weather/Delays

If weather conditions pose a potential hazard to students, school officials may dismiss students early, delay opening schools or close schools for the day. If conditions require the closing or delayed opening of schools, decisions are made by 5 a.m. and radio and television stations are immediately notified. The 24-hour information lines, 301-934-7410 or 301-932-6656, carry up-to-date details. When possible, decisions are made the preceding evening. If schools are to remain open, no announcements are made.

A delayed opening permits buses to operate under safer conditions after traffic has diminished and roads are salted and/or cleared. Buses run their routes one or two hours later than scheduled. If there is a one-hour delayed opening, morning kindergarten starts one hour late. If schools open two hours late, morning prekindergarten is canceled.

If it becomes necessary to close schools during the day, local radio and television stations are notified and asked to make announcements, usually by 10:30 a.m. Morning prekindergarten and kindergarten students will remain at school, be served a lunch (to be reimbursed by parents) and ride or walk home at the scheduled dismissal time. Afternoon and evening meetings and activities are canceled if schools close early, or are closed for the day. If hazardous weather is predicted for later in the evening, afternoon activities may be allowed and evening activities may be canceled. Afternoon activities are those that end by 6 p.m. Evening activities begin at 6 p.m. or later.

24-Hour Information Lines:

301-934-7410
301-932-6656