Severe Weather Codes

MCPS 2021-2022 SEVERE WEATHER CODES

Code
A

Two Hour Delay

Two Hour Delay for students.
Staff report two hours late (except Facilities).
Students in Virtual School Program receive asynchronous instruction.

Code B

Work From Home Day - Inclement Weather Assignments for students

School Buildings Closed to Students
Inclement Weather Day Assignments for students
Meal services provided at buildings.
Students in Virtual School Program receive asynchronous instruction.
Teachers do not report unless required to attend scheduled PD and meetings.
Twelve (12) month non-instructional personnel consult the MCPS website for arrival time.

Code C

System Shut Down

Only essential personnel will need to report to work (essential personnel are designated by each department).
Facilities staff will receive communication from Operations regarding work times.
No Inclement Weather Day Assignments
No Meal Services

Inclement Weather Day Assignments for Students (Code B Days)
On Code B Inclement Weather days, teachers will provide all students with an “Inclement Weather Day Assignment” for them to work on while schools are closed. This assignment should provide asynchronous instruction in order for instruction to remain on pace.

The school’s “Inclement Weather Day Check-in & Attendance” form will become active in Google Classroom each Code B Inclement Weather Day by 5:30 AM.

Students and parents/guardians will complete and submit the “Inclement Weather Day Check-in & Attendance” form by 10:00 AM (students who do not complete the form will be marked as absent).

Schools will check attendance and follow up with students marked as absent.

Students will be given the option to request contact from a specific teacher, school counselor, or other school staff member for assistance on the “Inclement Weather Day Check-in & Attendance” form. Staff will contact each student and parent/guardian who requested assistance between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

When the decision to close schools due to severe weather is made the day before a weather event, teachers will provide all students with an “Inclement Weather Day Assignment” for them to take home and work on while schools are closed (based on the anticipated number of days schools will remain closed). Teachers will make provisions for students who do not have home internet and ensure that all students have any supplemental supplies necessary to complete assignments.

When the decision to close schools due to severe weather is made on the morning of a scheduled school day (before the school start time), teachers will post an “Inclement Weather Day Assignment” in their Google Classroom for students to work on while schools are closed (based on the anticipated number of days schools will remain closed). Teachers will contact students who do not have home internet to provide them with an assignment. Students will not be penalized for work not completed due to lack of supplemental supplies, internet, power, and/or other utilities necessary to complete assignments at home during a Code B day. These students will be provided sufficient opportunity to complete instruction and/or assignments without penalty upon return to school.

Meal Services:
When the decision to close schools due to severe weather is made the day before a weather event, students will be provided with meals to take home based on the anticipated number of days schools will remain closed.

When the decision to close schools due to severe weather is made on the morning of a scheduled school day (before the school start time), meals will be made available to students. Information regarding meal delivery or pick up will be made available when a Code B day is announced.

General Information
If a decision is made to close schools or open schools late, every effort will be made to make the announcement by 5:30 a.m.

Should schools be delayed or closed for severe weather, a status is posted on the division website at www.mcps.org and on the severe weather phone line at 382-5102. You also may subscribe to receive a phone call or email in the event of a severe weather delay or closing. The website to subscribe is forms.mcps.org/delayclosing.asp.

Note: On rare occasions, it may be necessary to make announcements after 5:30 AM. Please continue to monitor the MCPS website and social media channels in case changing weather conditions make it necessary to add or revise the announcement. If you have any questions, please call your principal or supervisor.

EARLY RELEASE
If a decision is made to close schools early because of inclement weather, all teachers and instructional aides may leave 30 minutes after students depart unless the building administrator requests staff to stay longer due to the need for added support to help with students. Essential personnel should remain at their school or building locations at least two (2) hours after students have been dismissed from schools or until all students have arrived safely at home.

Announcement of early closings will be made by telephone to schools and offices by designated central office staff. Non-school based personnel should remain at their work site for the normal working day unless specific instructions are provided from the Superintendent’s office concerning early dismissal time.

Severe Weather Codes

MCPS 2021-2022 SEVERE WEATHER CODES

Montgomery County Public Schools