MCPS Announces Schedule Changes For Monday

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County Public Schools announced schedule changes for Monday as forecasts show bands of severe weather moving into the region.

All schools will operate under a code blue, starting at their regularly scheduled times, but will dismiss early.

"We are cancelling all local field trips planned for tomorrow to allow for swift and efficient dismissal of all students," the school district said in a release.

The school system explained that the schedule adjustment was made since "the timing of the most severe weather is projected to coincide with our normal school dismissal schedule, bus routes across the county and the start of many after-school activities, including athletics and practices ."

Related: Severe Storms With Tornadoes, 75 MPH Winds, Snow In MD Forecast Monday

Forecasters are warning that the area will experience significant thunderstorms, hail, potential tornadoes and wind gusts of about 75 mph across the region.

"Meteorologists are sounding the alarm for a widespread multiday severe risk stretching across the central and eastern United States from Sunday afternoon into Monday," Accuweather said. "Over a dozen states will be at risk for severe thunderstorms."

What Time Will Your School Release?

• High schools will dismiss at 12:00 pm (Northwood HS at 11:40)
• Middle schools will dismiss at 12:30 pm
• Elementary schools that begin at 9:00 am will dismiss at 12:55 pm
• Elementary schools that begin at 9:25 am will dismiss at 1:20 pm

How Will Code Blue Affect Offices & Programs?

• School will serve lunch, with times to be adjusted
• All offices close at 2 p.m.
• Afternoon and evening school/community activities are canceled, including field trips, games, and team practices
• Infant and toddler appointments scheduled for 1 p.m. or later are canceled
• Emergency personnel report as directed

What About the Morning Pre-K Programs?

• Child care programs may continue to operate but families are encouraged to contact their child care provider.
• Morning pre-K/head start and morning pre-K special education programs will dismiss at 10:50 a.m., their regular time.
• All pre-K/head start and pre-K special education programs for the afternoon are canceled.