Important Community Update:
MCPS Schools to Close March 16-27

Dear MCPS Community:

Together, we are facing a significant health crisis in our county, state and nation. In light of the new guidance and decisions made by Governor Larry Hogan and State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon today, March 12, all Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will close beginning Monday, March 16 and will remain closed through Friday, March 27. All school-sponsored activities, events, field trips and athletic events are also cancelled. Our administrative offices will remain open. Health officials have determined that school closures are a necessary and effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).  

Educational resources and materials in hard copy format will be distributed to elementary and middle schools on Friday, March 13. Additional information will be shared tomorrow, Friday, March 13, about these materials and plans for secondary and online materials.  

We also recognize that many of our students rely on our Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) and that closing schools can create unintended barriers to meals. To ensure students have access to healthy meals while schools are closed, MCPS is prepared to distribute food during this closure and will share locations and times in the March 13 update.

The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority. Please continue to take preventive measures and look out for each other. We encourage you to follow the guidance of federal, state and local health officials:

• Avoid mass gatherings.
• Avoid non-essential travel.
• Stay away from others when you are sick, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid crowded areas or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
• Keep distance between yourself and other people. 
• Get information from fact-based resources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the MCPS website and the Montgomery County Government website.

Regular updates will be shared with the community over the coming days. Please visit the MCPS website frequently to stay up-to-date with the latest information.

Sincerely,
Montgomery County Public Schools