Montgomery County Schools Decide On Classes For Jan. 30

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Due to ongoing safety concerns brought on by last weekend's winter storm, Montgomery County Public Schools will remain closed for students on Friday, Jan. 30, the district said.

According to school officials, the district will be under a Code Red, which means:

• All schools and offices are closed on Friday.
• Emergency personnel should 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.
• Some childcare programs may open (please check with their provider).
• Other community use activities are canceled.

"For MCPS to open safely, we need bus-accessible roads, pedestrian-safe sidewalks, and school campuses with safe entries, cleared parking lots and sidewalks free from ice and snow," district officials said. "This does not mean that every piece of snow and ice will be removed for us to operate; however, we need to consider the safety of not just bus riders but also walkers and student drivers."

Weekend activities such as Saturday School, athletics and community use of school facilities are also canceled for Saturday and Sunday.

"Crews will be working throughout the weekend and need space to finish clearing bus loops and parking lots," officials said. "Please avoid visiting school campuses over the weekend."

For planning purposes, MCPS school officials said families should also anticipate a two-hour delay for Monday, Feb. 2. This could change depending on county and state crews continuing to clear roads and students having safe walking routes to school.

Additional updates about Monday’s operational status will be shared on Sunday after 4 p.m.

Emergency Food Sites

On Friday, the following 16 schools will be open for meal pick up between noon and 2 p.m.

• Fox Chapel Elementary
• Arcola Elementary
• Harriet Tubman Elementary
• Fairland Elementary
• Brown Station Elementary
• Poolesville Elementary
• Dr. Sally K. Ride Elementary
• Stedwick Elementary
• Whetstone Elementary
• Harmony Hills Elementary
• New Hampshire Estates Elementary
• Sargent Shriver Elementary
• Gaithersburg Elementary
• Mill Creek Towne Elementary
• Cresthaven Elementary
• Southlake Elementary

Families will receive up to three days worth of meals on Friday. Meals are available to those 18 and under or to individuals over 18 with a disability who are enrolled in school programs.

Child Care Availability

At this time, some MCPS facilities may be able to support child care services. Availability varies by site and is dependent on snow and ice removal, safe access to the building, fully functioning building systems, and staff availability, both MCPS staff and child care provider staff.

Families must contact their individual child care provider directly to confirm whether services are operating and to verify hours of operation.