Another Schedule Change Anticipated Next Week For Prince George's Students

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — School officials said that no one can use the facilities this weekend and parents should anticipate a two-hour late start for Monday.

Crews are still working on clearing walkways, parking lots and bus loops on Prince George's County Public Schools' grounds. Therefore, no one is allowed to use any of the school facilities this weekend, the school district said.

At this point in time, school officials hope to resume classes Monday, but with a two-hour late start.

"We will reevaluate conditions and notify the community on Sunday, Feb. 1, by 5 p.m. regarding operational status for Monday. Families are encouraged to use their best judgment if travel conditions are unsafe. We will provide flexibility regarding absences. No student should be penalized because of weather-related challenges in getting to school safely," the school district stated.

According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington, D.C., there's a slight chance of snow Saturday afternoon, but the sun should reappear Sunday with highs in the mid 20s. Monday will be sunny and highs in the lower 30s, according to the NWS.

If a two-hour delay is issued (code orange) for Monday, the following will happen:

• Schools and offices will open with a two-hour delay.
• Emergency personnel must report to work on time and are ineligible for liberal leave.
• There will be no work-study transportation (students should not report).
• Vendor-managed care programs will open at 9 a.m.
• There will be no half-day Early Childhood Center, half-day special education or half-day PreK programs.
• Programs requiring transportation prior to noon will not have transportation, including:
  • Howard B. Owens Science Center
  • JA Finance Park
  • William S. Schmidt Center (Camp Schmidt)
• All field trips are cancelled.
• Food services will offer breakfast.
• Athletics will resume a normal schedule.

Emergency weather plans process

When it snows or the roads are icy, the school district recommends families listen to the radio or watch the news for notification of school closings or delays.

The superintendent generally makes decision concerning early morning school closings or delayed openings prior to 5 a.m.

An announcement is then provided to 38 radio stations and eight television stations in the Washington metropolitan area. The goal is to contact the stations in time for early morning broadcasts that begin between 5 and 6 a.m.

When schools are closed early or all day, all evening activities are cancelled and school buildings are not available for after-school activities by other private or public organizations. When schools have a two-hour delayed opening time, all half-day programs are cancelled.

Ways to stay informed

• PGCPS website (www.pgcps.org)
• Social media sites (facebook.com/pgcps, Twitter and Instagram: @PGCPS)
• PGCPS-TV (Comcast Channel 96 or Verizon FIOS Channel 38)
• Local media outlets for updates
• E-alerts through SchoolMessenger
• PGCPS Weather Line 301-952-6000 (option “1”)