Montgomery Co. Schools Make Snow Decision For Jan. 28, 29

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — All Montgomery County Public Schools buildings and offices will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and Thursday, Jan. 29, as the county continues to dig out from the weekend snowstorm amid an ongoing cold snap.

A Code Red is in effect for the district.

An update about Friday’s operational status will be made by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29.

County offices reopened on Tuesday. (Details below)

As of Tuesday afternoon, cleanup and restoration efforts across Montgomery County are still underway following Sunday’s snow and ice storm. Frigid temperatures are slowing snow and ice removal. Conditions remain unsafe for travel and school operations.

This video announces the latest closure: https://mcpsmd.info/weather2.

In a statement posted online, district officials said to open schools safely requires roads, school facilities, bus stops, and walking paths to school to be safe enough for passage.

You can track the County’s progress with road clearing on this website: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/snow/snow-status.html. If your road has not been treated or plowed, report it to 311 for county assistance.

The extreme cold this week is a significant factor, the district said. The limited effectiveness of road treatments and increased risk of refreezing on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots, even after plowing and treatment, has also severely impacted the ability to re-open.

MCPS will operate under Code Red on Jan. 28 and 29.

• All schools and offices are closed both days
• Emergency personnel report as directed
• Facility operation and maintenance personnel report as directed
• All activities, field trips, and programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled, including athletic practices and events
• All childcare programs and community use activities are canceled

Grading & Reporting

We know that students and families are anxiously awaiting grades from the end of the marking period. Report cards can be accessed seven days after the day we return to school. Additional messaging regarding grading and reporting will be sent directly to staff.

Emergency Food Sites

MCPS has prioritized cleanup at schools identified as school meal distribution sites. On Wednesday, these nine schools will be open for meal pickup between noon and 2 p.m. Families will receive two days worth of meals for Wednesday and Thursday. Meals are available to those 18 and under or to individuals over 18 with a disability.

• Fox Chapel Elementary School
• Arcola Elementary School
• Harriet Tubman Elementary School
• Fairland Elementary School
• Brown Station Elementary School
• Poolesville Elementary School
• Dr. Sally K. Ride Elementary School
• Stedwick Elementary School
• Whetstone Elementary School

"We are deeply grateful to the MCPS facilities, transportation, and operations teams, as well as our county partners, who continue to work long hours in extremely difficult conditions. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our families and staff as this work continues," the district said.

Officials are watching the weather and know that extreme cold temperatures will continue through the remainder of the week and that there may be additional snow over the weekend. Families should plan for the potential for an extended closure.

Updates about make-up days will be shared as soon as school officials have a fuller picture of the impact as a result of this week's storm.

Montgomery County Offices Update

Montgomery County government opened on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with optional unscheduled/liberal leave for non-essential employees. Residents are encouraged to call government facilities or check websites before visiting to ensure there has not been an unforeseen closure due to weather impact.

Because of the schools closure, all scheduled recreation programs, classes, and activities are canceled.
Additional recreation changes:

• Recreation, senior, and aquatic centers will open at 9 a.m. for drop-in activities only.
• Senior transportation and senior nutrition programs are canceled.

County-provided recycling and refuse collection services resumed on Jan. 27, operating on a slide collection schedule (collections occurring one day later throughout the week), with the last pickup to take place on Saturday, Jan. 31. Changes may occur based on road conditions. Make sure containers are accessible and clear of snow/ice.

Additional weather-related information:

• For the latest snow operation status, visit the Winter Storm Information Portal.
• For the latest updates, follow Montgomery County Government on Facebook, Instagram, and on X.
• For information on cold weather, visit the County's winter weather website.

The County’s 311 call center will be open regular hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Contact MC311 by calling 3-1-1 or 240-777-0311. Residents can also visit them online at MC311.com.