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Emergency Information → MCPS Operating Status & Color Codes

MCPS Operating Status & Color Codes

 

Weather and Emergency Closures, Delayed Openings, and Early Dismissals:

How do we make weather-related operating status decisions?

We consider:

  • the safety of students, staff, and families
  • Current and extended weather forecast
  • Road and traffic conditions

Closures and Delayed Opening:

  • National Weather Service forecast
  • Coordination of School System and County Response
  • Evening Decision - made and announced by 7 pm
  • If necessary, updates and forecast from National Weather Service by 4:30 am
  • Coordination of School System and County Response
  • Morning Decision - made and announced by 5 am (Unless there is an emergency that necessitates a later notification time.)

Early Release

  • National Weather Service forecast
  • Coordination of School System and County Response
  • Early Release Decision - made and announced by 10:30 am if weather is expected to impact afternoon transportation (Unless there is an emergency that necessitates a later notification time.)
  • If weather is not expected to impact afternoon transportation, but may impact evening activities, a decision and announcement will be made as early as possible in the afternoon. (Unless there is an emergency that necessitates a later notification time.)

Note: The decision to close schools because of weather (or other widespread situation impacting safety) is always for the entire system. A uniform procedure to close all schools is maintained so that the school system can respond quickly to emergency conditions and protect the safety and well being of students and staff who attend both public and non-public schools and receive transportation services from Montgomery County.

How can I get MCPS Emergency Information and any changes to the Operating Status Color Codes?

How will I know if we will have "make-up" days for emergency closures?

The 2025-2026 MCPS traditional school year calendar has one day built in for emergency closures.

  • Emergency Closure #1: no make-up day required for school.
  • Emergency Closure #2 and beyond: MCPS will identify the "in person" make-up days for schools based on those designated in our 2025-2026 school year calendar if necessary.

The 2025-2026 school year calendar has 11 "in person" make-up days identified throughout the year, including 6 at the end of the school year.

Normal Operations

All schools and offices
are open

Learn More

Delayed Opening

Schools and Offices open 2 hours late

Learn More

Early Dismissal

Schools close early
at announced time

Learn More

Schools Closed
Offices Open

All schools are closed, but school and central offices are open

Learn More

School System
Closed

All schools and offices
are closed

Learn More

Virtual Learning
Day

All school and office buildings are closed, staff and students report virtually

Learn More

NOTE: When all schools and central offices are closed because of inclement weather or other emergency reasons, 12-month unit members designated as emergency personnel are expected to report or remain on duty, unless directed not to do so by the superintendent or designee

MCPS employees can access more information about delayed openings, early dismissals, and emergency closures for offices and/or schools in the documents linked below.

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Normal Operations

All schools and offices
are open

CODE GREEN

NORMAL OPERATIONS

  • All schools and offices are open
  • Before and After school childcare programs and Community Use occur as scheduled

Delayed Opening

Schools and Offices open 2 hours late

CODE YELLOW

DELAYED OPENING

  • Schools and offices will open two hours late.
  • Emergency personnel report as directed (and follow guidelines for work on delayed openings).
  • Morning bus routes will operate on a two-hour delay.
  • All field trips and activities beginning at 10:30 a.m. or earlier are canceled, including programs at Thomas Edison High School of Technology.
  • Infant & Toddler appointments before 10 a.m. are canceled; 10 a.m. or later will proceed as scheduled.
  • Morning PreK/Head Start and AM PreK Special Education programs are canceled.
  • Childcare programs (morning, all-day, and after-school) may operate as scheduled; families should contact their provider for more information.
  • Afternoon PreK/Head Start and PM PreK Special Education programs will begin at their regular time.
  • Schools will dismiss at their normal time.
  • Community Use activities will occur as scheduled (afternoon and evening).

Early Dismissal

Schools close early
at announced time

CODE BLUE

Early Dismissal

  • Schools close early at announced time(s)
  • Offices closed at announced time
  • Schools will serve lunch, but timing may be adjusted to support the early dismissal
  • Emergency personnel follow guidelines for work on early dismissals
  • Morning PreK/Head Start and AM PreK Special Ed programs will dismiss at their regular time
  • Afternoon PreK/Head Start and PM PreK Special Ed programs are canceled
  • School and community activities for the afternoon and evening are canceled including field trips, games, team practices, and programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled
  • Infant and Toddler appointments scheduled for 1:00 pm or later will be canceled
  • Childcare programs may continue to operate; families are encouraged to contact their childcare provider
  • Community Use activities are canceled (afternoon and evening)

Schools Closed
Offices Open

All schools are closed, but school and central offices open

CODE ORANGE

Schools Closed/Offices Open

  • Schools are closed
  • Offices are open
  • MCPS sponsored school and community activities are canceled including athletic practices and events
  • Childcare programs may operate as scheduled, families are encouraged to contact their childcare provider.
  • Community Use activities may operate; contact the event organizer for more information.

School System
Closed

All schools and offices
are closed

CODE RED

Schools Closed/Offices Closed

  • Schools are closed
  • Offices are closed
  • Emergency personnel report as directed
  • MCPS sponsored school and community activities are canceled including athletic practices and events
  • All childcare programs are canceled
  • Community Use activities are canceled

Virtual Learning Day

All school and office buildings are closed, staff and students report virtually

CODE PURPLE

Virtual Learning Day

  • School buildings are closed
  • Students report virtually
  • Emergency personnel report as directed and others performing essential functions report in person as directed by their supervisor
  • All other staff report virtually as directed
  • School specific guidance will be communicated by your school
  • MCPS sponsored school and community activities are canceled including athletic practices and events
  • All activities, field trips, and programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled, including athletic practices and events
  • All childcare programs are canceled
  • Community Use activities are canceled

Transitioning to virtual learning is considered when:

  • The event and its timing is predictable
  • As part of a multi-day inclement weather event (i.e. blizzard, ice storm, etc.)
  • When prior preparation and communication have taken place