EducationU.S.

School Closings and Delays for January 7: DC, Maryland, and Virginia

Explore school closures and delays across DC, Maryland, and Virginia due to the January snowstorm.

An image of a snow-covered school building in the foreground, with a snowy road leading up to it. The sky is gray and overcast, indicating ongoing snowfall. Footprints in the snow suggest that students or staff have recently walked through the area, emphasizing the impact of weather on school activities. The school is surrounded by tall snow-covered trees that frame the composition, adding to the winter atmosphere. The image connects directly to the post content by illustrating the school environment affected by significant snowfall, representing the closures and delays being communicated.

Overview of School Closures

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, an unexpected snowstorm has led to numerous school closures and delays across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas. With snow accumulations reaching up to 10 inches in the D.C. region and 8 to 12 inches particularly affecting Cape May County in New Jersey, school districts are taking measures to ensure the safety of students.

DC Public Schools Update

In Washington, D.C., DC Public Schools (DCPS) has announced a two-hour delay. This postponement comes as the city grapples with winter weather conditions that complicate safe transportation. Parents are encouraged to check the DCPS website for the latest updates and information regarding specific school operations, including any early dismissals that might occur later in the day.

Maryland Schools in Alert

In Maryland, several counties have implemented schedule changes due to the storm:

  • Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS): Closed
  • Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS): Closed
  • Harford County Public Schools (HCPS): Two-hour delay
  • Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS): Adjusted to a two-hour delay as well.

Families in these areas should remain informed through local news outlets and school district websites regarding further changes as the situation develops.

Virginia School Districts Respond

Virginia’s school districts are also responding to the winter weather. Notable updates include:

  • Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS): Announced a two-hour delay citing hazardous road conditions.
  • Prince William County Schools (PWCS): Closed due to severe weather warnings.
  • Loudoun County Public Schools: Delay standard procedures applied.

New Jersey School Closures

The heavy snowfall was particularly impactful in southern New Jersey, prompting a widespread response from various school districts:

  • Cape May County: Most districts closed, with anticipated accumulations hitting twelve inches.
  • Atlantic and Burlington counties: Many schools have declared delayed openings, including schools in Cumberland and Gloucester counties.

Summary of Closures and Delays

Among the affected school districts:

  • Closed Schools
    • Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS)
    • Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS)
    • Specific districts in Cape May County
  • Schools with Delayed Openings
    • Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
    • Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
    • Various New Jersey districts as listed previously

For students and staff in these regions, safety remains a priority, and regions are undergoing evaluations to determine the safest paths forward as the weather conditions evolve throughout the day.

Importance of Staying Informed

Schools and parents alike are urged to stay updated via district websites and local news channels for the latest developments regarding school operations as more information becomes available. As the snow clears, superintendents across the regions will monitor conditions closely to plan for future days, ensuring that student safety remains at the forefront.

Stay warm and safe! If you need more detailed information, please refer to each district's official communications.

For any additional details on your specific area and other school closures across the region, visit your local school district's website or follow the news updates online.

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