Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Notifications, School Closings and Delays
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Notifications, School Closings and Delays
How does PGCPS determine whether to close schools, delay opening, or dismiss early due to inclement weather?
The safety of students and staff is the primary concern when deciding whether to close schools, delay opening, dismiss early during inclement weather. A thorough evaluation of various factors is conducted before a decision is made:
- Weather Information: PGCPS monitors real-time weather data from trusted sources, including AccuWeather and the National Weather Service, to assess current and forecasted conditions.
- Road and Travel Conditions: Transportation staff inspect roads, bus stops, and known trouble areas to evaluate conditions. Reports from the Maryland State Police and local road crews are also reviewed.
- School Grounds: The condition of walkways, sidewalks, bus loops, and parking lots at schools is considered to ensure they are safe for students and staff.
- Collaboration with Local Agencies: PGCPS works with county officials and neighboring school districts to track storm progress, confirm weather reports, and assess the condition of roads and sidewalks.
What other factors are considered when deciding to close schools, delay opening, or dismiss early due to weather?
PGCPS operates a large school district of 202 schools, and weather-related decisions are rarely localized to one area. Because more than 1,300 school buses transport students across thousands of miles of county roads, the decision to close or delay schools usually affects the entire district. While major roads may be clear, parking lots, sidewalks, and bus lots at some schools may still be unsafe after a snowstorm or other weather event. Additionally, schools may close early to ensure buses can transport students home before weather conditions worsen.
What actions are taken once a decision is made?
Once the Superintendent makes the decision to close or delay schools due to inclement weather, several steps are quickly put into motion:
- Timing of the Decision: If schools are to be closed for the day, an announcement will be made by 5:30 a.m. For early dismissals or cancellations of after-school activities, the decision is made as early as possible.
- Communication: Information about closures, delays, or early dismissals is immediately posted on the PGCPS website, sent via email to parents, and shared through social media, news outlets, and the PGCPS school status information line.
- Virtual Learning: If schools are closed, the Virtual Learning Program will also be canceled for the day.
How are Vendor-Managed Child Care Programs (VMCCP), Early Childhood Centers, and Prekindergarten programs impacted by closures, delays and early dismissals?
Impacts are specific to each program and are outlined in detail on our website.
During a weather event, where can I find the latest updates on school closings, delays, or early dismissals?
PGCPS communicates all school closings, delays, or early dismissals through several platforms:
I saw a social media post that schools were closed or delayed but have not received an email or text alert.
All official PGCPS communications channels are created equal. We issue notifications in numerous ways (i.e., our website, email and text, phone bulletin board and local media). Some technology may be faster than others. A social media post with critical information will often be available sooner than a website update or email and text message. All serve as official notifications.
