Follow Up to Schools/Offices Closings for Jan. 21, 2025

January 21st, 2025

This message is to share information on the decision to close schools and offices Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.

HCPSS staff worked through the holiday Jan. 20 and into the morning hours of Jan. 21 to ready schools to open, and the vast majority of parking lots and HCPSS pathways were cleared. However, extreme temperatures and significant refreeze resulted in layers of ice that, while treated, are unsafe for students and staff—even accounting for a two-hour delay and time to warm up.

Staff will continue working today to clear and treat HCPSS parking lots, bus loops and sidewalks in preparation for schools/offices to reopen Wednesday.

Temperatures the next few days are forecasted to remain below freezing and icy conditions are likely throughout the week. 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.

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:

• Winter Weather Driving Tips, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Winter Driving Tips, AAA
• Drive To Survive In Winter Weather, Maryland Department of Transportation
• Be Prepared for Winter Driving, National Safety Council

Additional information on winter weather preparedness can be found online.