With so much learning moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic, will school systems in the area still close when there’s snow? Or will systems simply move — or continue — online learning when the weather gets rough?
WTOP has asked D.C.-area school systems to share their plans. Many haven’t formulated a policy yet, but here’s what we know. We’ll update this list as more school systems make their decisions:
Virginia
Arlington Public Schools will make their decision later this week and let everyone know in about a week.
Fairfax County: No decision yet, schools spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell said. She didn’t give a specific timeline for when there will be a policy.
Fauquier County Public Schools announced virtual classes are canceled Wednesday and Thursday.
Loudoun County: “Snow days” will be be observed by the public school system, according to an announcement to families and staff. “As in years past, LCPS central staff will continue to monitor forecasts and existing conditions and make determinations for inclement weather closures and delays on a case-by-case basis,” Kevin Lewis, assistant superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools Support Services said in the statement.
Maryland
Frederick County: Students will continue to learn through virtual instruction using the current schedule if there are any upcoming snow days, according to a school system statement.
Howard County: While in virtual, small groups or hybrid instructional models, HCPSS is transitioning to fully virtual instruction during inclement weather days. “This will allow the school system to make a decision earlier when inclement weather is expected and provide families with earlier notice so they may make necessary adjustments,” the school system said in an announcement.
Prince George’s County: A spokesperson for Prince George’s County Public Schools, which remains in all-virtual learning for students, told WTOP that children will be required to join classes in the Maryland county even during snow or inclement weather. In the event that the weather knocks out internet access, the school system said, “Students can report their tech outage to their teacher as stated in the current distance learning guidelines.”
Montgomery County hasn’t made its decision yet.
Charles County hasn’t made its decision yet.
DC
D.C. Public Schools hasn’t made their decision yet.
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Looking for more information? D.C., Maryland and Virginia are each releasing more data every day. Visit their official sites here: Virginia | Maryland | D.C.
