Fairfax Co. Public Schools Alter Feb. 4 Schedule

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Although road conditions continue to improve, Fairfax County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, Feb. 4, Superintendent Michelle C. Reid said in an email sent to FCPS families on Tuesday.

With the delay, students will travel during daylight hours, which will be safer, according to Reid.

"I visited with our transportation and food services teams early this morning as they prepared for everyone’s return," she said. "I also visited several schools where I was excited to see our educators and students picking up right where we left off before our snow days. This is a testament to the hard work and flexibility of Team FCPS and all of you to adapt to these challenging winter weather conditions."

These activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled or delayed:

• Morning preschool and special education classes are canceled.
• Full-day preschool, special education, and Early Head Start/PreK classes start two hours later than the regular schedule.
• Morning field trips are canceled.
• Morning transportation for high school academy classes is canceled. Transportation will be provided for academy classes that start after 12:45 p.m.
• Adult High School and GED courses will start two hours later than the regular schedule.
• Homebound instruction will begin at 10 a.m.

In addition, School Age Child Care and Beyond the Bell centers will open at 8 a.m. Afternoon preschool classes will start on their regular schedule, and Adult and Community Education classes will start on time.

"As you head out in the morning, please be mindful of students who are making their way to school," Reid said. "Nearly 130,000 students will be traveling to bus stops across the county, and 50,000 others will be walking or using kiss-and-ride areas while navigating sidewalks and snow piles. For families who are able to, we encourage you to check that your child’s walking route to school is as safe as possible with the snow and ice, or, if possible, carpool with other families."

FCPS’ Office of Transportation Services will notify families of any changes to bus stops due to road conditions. There may be some delays.

"We ask families to monitor the Bus Delay website to get up-to-date information on the route status," Reid said. "The website will record if a bus is running more than 10 minutes late. Parents will also receive an email if a bus is more than 30 minutes late."

Families that feel staying home is safer are asked to call their child’s school to get an excused absence. Additional updates will be available on the FCPS website and the FCPS mobile app.