MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will be closed on Wednesday, January 28, and Thursday, January 29, as the region continues to recover from the recent snowstorm during a prolonged cold spell.
A Code Red alert is currently in effect for the district.
Updates regarding the operational status for Friday will be provided by 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 29.
County offices reopened on Tuesday. (See details below)
As of Tuesday afternoon, cleanup and restoration efforts are ongoing across Montgomery County following the snow and ice storm that occurred on Sunday. The extremely low temperatures are hindering snow and ice removal efforts, making travel and school operations unsafe.
For the latest closure announcement, watch this video: https://mcpsmd.info/weather2.
District officials have stated that safe school openings depend on the condition of roads, school facilities, bus stops, and walking paths.
To monitor the County’s road clearing progress, visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/snow/snow-status.html. If your street hasn’t been treated or plowed, please report it to 311 for assistance.
The district emphasized that the extreme cold this week is a significant factor in the ongoing challenges. The effectiveness of road treatments is limited, and the risk of refreezing on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots has greatly affected the ability to reopen safely.
MCPS will operate under Code Red on January 28 and 29.
- All schools and offices will be closed on both days
- Emergency personnel will report as directed
- Facility operation and maintenance staff will report as directed
- All activities, field trips, and programs on school grounds are canceled, including athletic practices and events
- All childcare programs and community use activities are canceled
Grading & Reporting
We understand that students and families are eagerly awaiting report cards from the end of the marking period. Report cards will be available seven days after the school reopens. Further information regarding grading and reporting will be communicated directly to staff.
Emergency Food Sites
MCPS is prioritizing cleanup at schools designated as meal distribution sites. On Wednesday, the following nine schools will be open for meal pickup from noon to 2 p.m. Families will receive meals for both Wednesday and Thursday. Meals are available for individuals aged 18 and under or for those 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 extend our heartfelt gratitude to the MCPS facilities, transportation, and operations teams, as well as our county partners, who are working tirelessly under challenging conditions. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our families and staff during this time,” the district stated.
Officials are closely monitoring the weather, anticipating that extreme cold temperatures will persist throughout the week, with the possibility of additional snowfall over the weekend. Families should prepare for the potential of extended closures.
Information regarding make-up days will be shared as soon as school officials have a clearer understanding of the storm’s impact.
Montgomery County Offices Update
Montgomery County government reopened on Tuesday, January 27, with optional unscheduled leave for non-essential employees. Residents are encouraged to contact government facilities or check online before visiting to confirm there are no unexpected closures due to weather conditions.
Due to the school closures, all scheduled recreation programs, classes, and activities have been canceled.
Additional changes to recreation services include:
- Recreation, senior, and aquatic centers will open at 9 a.m. for drop-in activities only.
- Senior transportation and nutrition programs are canceled.
County recycling and refuse collection services resumed on January 27, operating on a sliding collection schedule (with collections occurring one day later throughout the week), with the final pickup scheduled for Saturday, January 31. Changes may occur depending on road conditions, so please ensure containers are accessible and free of snow and ice.
For more weather-related information:
The County’s 311 call center will be open during 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.
