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HCPSS / NEWS

Student Safety in Winter Weather

January 22nd, 2025

During the winter months when Howard County experiences colder weather and shorter, darker days, it is important to keep student safety in mind. Families may find the following information and suggestions helpful.

HCPSS Procedures

In the event of snow and/or ice, HCPSS staff work diligently to clear bus loops, parking lots and sidewalks in preparation for reopening schools. Students should take extra care when boarding/exiting buses and cars, maneuvering through parking lots, and walking on sidewalks.

Generally, students will participate in outdoor activities (recess, outdoor eating, physical education, or any other outdoor activity) when the temperature combined with the wind chill is not less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. In the case of extreme weather, all outdoor activities will be brought inside. On these days, schools and staff incorporate physical activity, whenever possible, into the classroom and throughout the day.

Winter Attire

Families are encouraged to ensure students are appropriately dressed for the cold weather, including wearing multiple layers of loose-fitted clothing, and covering heads, hands, and faces to minimize skin exposure. It may be helpful to pack extra gloves or mittens, scarves and hats in the event gear gets wet or is misplaced.

Families in need of warm, winter-weather clothing should contact your school administrator, school counselor or pupil personnel worker for assistance.

Student Walkers

Students who walk to bus stops or to/from school are encouraged to use caution navigating slippery or unclear terrain. Parents/guardians should speak to children, especially our younger students, about the dangers of stepping or walking on any water that has iced over. It is not possible to tell how much weight ice can withstand, and ice cracking/breaking can result in serious injuries.

HCPSS staff make ever effort to fully clear school sidewalks; however, some community pathways and roads may remain uncleared and/or icy, especially in the earlier morning hours. If a community or public sidewalk is not clear and students must walk in the road, students should walk facing traffic for visibility and as far to the side of the road as possible. If feasible, students are encouraged to walk with a friend or group for added safety and visibility.

Additionally, students may find walking outdoors easier in snow boots and can other shoes to change into at school. Parents/guardians of elementary school students should check the related arts schedule to be sure students have appropriate footwear on Physical Education days.

Student Car Riders

Parents/guardians who drive students to school are reminded to follow all school drop-off and pick-up procedures. Please check with your child’s school on specifics.

Please also pay close attention to your school’s doors-opening time so that children can enter schools right away and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.

All drivers are asked to exhibit grace and patience as inclement weather days can lead to backups, longer lines and a more chaotic environment.

Student Drivers

All drivers should use caution when extreme weather conditions present, and especially new drivers such as high school students. Parents/guardians of student drivers can share with your child winter weather driving tips, including:

Additional Tips

A plethora of information on keeping children safe in cold weather can be found online, including: