Principals of the Montgomery County Public Schools were informed today [Wednesday, March 19] that further restrictions are being implemented for field trips and other school-sponsored trips involving students because of the pending military action against Iraq and the national threat level at Code Orange.

The restriction states that "effective immediately, all overnight trips (with the exception of MCPS outdoor education) or trips beyond a 75-mile radius from Montgomery County are suspended. The primary reason for this restriction is our desire to be able to get students back to their schools and homes in a reasonable time period in the event of a crisis. These restrictions will remain in place until further notice."

In addition, the restriction states: "While trips into Washington, D.C., are not suspended, principals should confer with parents, staff, students, and their community superintendent regarding the appropriateness of visiting the city or other tourist areas before finalizing decisions regarding such trips."

The school system previously had canceled all school-sponsored trips to international destinations (other than Canada).