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Are You Ready?

Because winter is coming — the real question is … Are YOU ready?

We’re Ready and Here to Help.

As the days get shorter and colder, we might just get a little snow and ice (or a lot). MCPS is ready to keep families informed with timely, accurate updates on weather-related impacts to school operations as we decide whether to open, delay or call a snow day.

How We Make the Call

Safety is always our top priority. That’s why MCPS relies on a practiced, step-by-step process—not guesswork—to decide whether schools open on time, delay, dismiss early or close. It can be frustrating when conditions might look good in your neighborhood but in other parts of the county there are real safety concerns—we will put safety first. 

What Goes Into a Weather Decision

Beginning at 2 a.m., and often in the hours the night before, our team checks road conditions, reviews forecasts across all 500+ square miles of the county, and consults with transportation, facilities and emergency partners. Montgomery County is enormous—and our buses, students and staff travel long distances across the region for programs, athletics and work. That’s why any decision must apply to the entire county, not just one neighborhood. Please also remember that your child’s school staff doesn’t always live in your neighborhood and that even if roads are clear in your neck of the woods, it might be impossible for them to get to work … and if they can’t make it to school, there is no school.

And Now for the Fun Stuff …

Below you’ll find a look at how the decision gets made (yes, we made a chart!), a winter weather and snow-day toolkit, and a video of the Superintendent gearing up for “makin’ the snow-day call.” Don’t miss this trailer—he seems pretty excited. Full snow day video to be released in the event of an actual closure. Also included, you’ll see how we communicate the final decision using our color-coded status system (Red, Yellow, Blue, Orange and Green), so you always know exactly what’s happening and what it means for your school day.

Once a decision is made, is it Code Red, Yellow, Blue, Orange or Green?

Superintendent’s Video


Watch Video

Are You Ready? Your Winter Checklist

Things You Should Do

In case of snow, ice or power outages, you need to ensure you’re prepared. Here’s a checklist of practical things you can do:

Preparing Your Home

  • Have shovels and ice melt ready. Keep salt or sand for icy walkways.

  • Keep flashlights, extra batteries, blankets and maybe even a battery-powered radio on hand.

  • Know how to shut off your water main in case a pipe bursts.

  • If you use a fireplace, have your chimney cleaned.

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

  • Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable.

Preparing Your Car

  • Check your car battery, the air in your tires and windshield wipers. Make sure the car has a full tank of gas.

  • Make sure you have an ice scraper and snow brush, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, a blanket (or two), and sand or cat litter for traction.

  • Before driving anywhere, warm your car up for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Preparing Yourself and Your Family

  • Make sure school Chromebooks, phones and other devices are fully charged. 

  • Try to eat protein, such as eggs, yogurt or oatmeal, to fuel your body and mind. Drink plenty of water.

  • Stock up on essentials, including nonperishable food, snacks, water and medications. Have extra pet food and baby supplies, such as formula and diapers, if needed.  

  • Pull out the winter gear: warm coats, gloves, hats, scarves, thick socks and boots.

  • Create a warm “safe room” in case you lose heat (usually the smallest room in your home), complete with blankets or sleeping bags.

  • Follow local guidance on travel advisories and wind chill warnings.

Things You’ll Want to Do

If MCPS closes its doors for an official snow day, there are plenty of ways to have indoor fun and stay engaged (after the sledding and snowball fights, of course).

  • Warm up with board games or cards, followed by a movie marathon. complete with hot chocolate, marshmallows and popcorn. Download movies in case the Wi-Fi goes out.

  • Read a book. Build with Legos. Listen to an audiobook or podcast. Do a family Mad Lib.

  • Take a camera outside and get action shots or take some nature photos.

  • Gather construction paper, scissors, markers or paints, glue, stickers, Play-Doh or beads for making snow-themed art. Google how to make a snow globe or friendship bracelets.

  • Organize an indoor scavenger hunt.

  • Make personal pizzas or bake cookies.

  • Have a spa day with face masks, manicures and pedicures.

  • Play video games or have a dance party.

  • Build an obstacle course or fort.

  • If it’s not too cold outside, take a walk. Nature can be refreshing, and spending time outdoors can boost your mood.

Bonus Idea: A Snow Day Study Boost
Since every MCPS Chromebook is fully charged before winter weather hits, a snow day can also be the perfect chance to get ahead—or catch up—on schoolwork.

Take 20–30 minutes to:

  • Review notes or study guides.

  • Finish an assignment you’ve been meaning to get to.

  • Explore an online resource recommended by your teacher.

  • Organize your Google Drive or Planner.

  • Read a chapter your teacher assigned (or get one chapter ahead!)

A little focused time can make the return to school feel smoother—and leave the rest of the day wide open for fun in the snow.

Stay Ready with MCPS Updates:

  • Email, Text and the MCPS Website

  • Alert MCPS

  • Staff Email

  • Media Partners

  • Social Media

  • MCPS-TV (Comcast 34, Verizon 36, RCN 88)

  • You School’s Homepage

The 2025–2026 traditional calendar includes six built-in emergency closure days, and we’ll continue using our color-coded status system so families always know where things stand. For more information about each color coded status, visit this website or use the QR code.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/closings/ 

Now You’re Ready

With all of this, you’re officially winter-ready—geared up, informed and prepared for whatever the season throws our way. Will it snow? Will it ice? Will we wake up to a surprise winter wonderland or just another chilly morning? Well … we don’t know yet. 

But now YOU know exactly what to do, how MCPS makes the call and how to make the most of every winter day. So bundle up, stay connected and get ready for whatever Mother Nature decides next!

Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org