FCPS Inclement Weather Plan
More details about our process and Learning @ Home days
Preparing for inclement weather
In the Mid-Atlantic, snow and ice can fall in the fall, the winter, or even spring. With that in mind, we wanted to update the community on our winter weather procedures and share more details about our Learning @ Home Days.
Decision-making process
Closing and delay decisions involve careful evaluation of a variety of factors in a short time period. Whenever possible, decisions are made by 5 a.m. for morning closings and delays, with communications shared by 5:30 a.m.
We always make the decision as soon as we are sure of the weather and travel conditions. Sometimes, that can make an inclement weather decision possible the night before, but the unpredictable nature of East Coast Winter Weather precludes us from always doing so.
Communicating delays and closures
FCPS notifies about 20 local and regional TV and radio stations plus our own media outlets about systemwide school delays and closings. It is not possible to guarantee that the news media will announce this information promptly or accurately. For the fastest, most reliable information, check the following:
Social Media: FCPS on Twitter and FCPS on Facebook (usually posted via FindOutFirst)
Email/Text Messages: FindOutFirst email and emergency-only text messages (published the same time as the Facebook and Twitter notices)
FCPS TV: Comcast Channel 18 (Frederick area)
Families make final decision
Regardless of what FCPS decides, if you believe weather conditions are hazardous or unsafe, you have the right to keep your child home from school. Student absences because of hazardous weather conditions are lawful and excused.
Learning @ Home Days
In order to minimize additional days at the end of the school year, and to keep students connected to learning, FCPS has introduced Learning @ Home Days (los Días de Apprendizaje en Casa) as a potential alternative to traditional snow days. On days when we know well in advance that inclement weather will hamper travel and cause significant disruptions, FCPS can choose to use a Learning @ Home Day. Providing advance notice gives schools an opportunity to ensure all students have the materials they need to access learning. Schools will also ensure directions are provided for accessing assignments and receiving optional academic support as needed.
Assignments can be completed on your family’s schedule with academic support available via phone and Google Meet. Assignments will be available with or without the use of technology. If power outages or other circumstances prevent students from completing their assignments , additional time for assignment completion will be provided. Attendance will be recorded by logging into Schoology or submitting assignments upon return to school. All secondary students have a chromebook assigned to them for their use in instruction. Grades three to five students will be issued a Chromebook to take home when virtual instruction days are called by the system. Communication will be sent by your child’s school with additional details and schedules specific to your school.
When Learning @ Home Days are implemented, an additional day will not be added on to the end of the school year. This makes our end-of-year schedule far more predictable and it keeps students connected to learning during the winter months.
We would not implement a Learning @ Home Day if we believe weather conditions could allow the potential of a school day to take place. Our community will receive notice of the possibility of a Learning @ Home Day implementation at least one day prior to an anticipated storm.
Meals on Learning @ Home Days
On the day prior to a virtual instruction day, Food and Nutrition Services will provide breakfast and lunch to take home for the Learning @ Home Day for eligible students.