MARYLAND — School systems across Maryland are preparing for severe weather expected Monday, March 16, by announcing early dismissals and canceling after-school activities.
Forecasters say a strong storm system moving into the region Monday afternoon could bring damaging winds, large hail and possible tornadoes, prompting officials to adjust school schedules to ensure students and staff can return home safely.
Several major school districts have announced plans to release students early.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools will dismiss students two hours early Monday because of the forecast for severe and dangerous weather. Officials said no afternoon half-day ECSE programs, CAT Center programs or JROTC programs will take place. All school field trips scheduled for Monday have also been canceled.
Students will be transported home on their normal bus routes, but two hours earlier than usual. All activities scheduled beyond the regular school day — including magnet extended-day programs, extracurricular activities and evening high school classes — are canceled.
Baltimore City Public Schools also announced a two-hour early dismissal Monday following concerns raised by the Governor’s and Mayor’s offices about the approaching storm system. Central office staff may complete the final two hours of their workday remotely.
Baltimore County Public Schools will dismiss students and close offices three hours early Monday. The district said afternoon prekindergarten classes, after-school programs and evening activities are canceled. Officials encouraged families to monitor weather conditions as the storm moves through the area.
Harford County Public Schools will also close three hours early Monday because of the forecasted severe weather. District officials said they will re-evaluate conditions in the morning and provide updates if additional schedule changes are needed.
Other Maryland districts are taking similar precautions.
Montgomery County Public Schools will release students early Monday with staggered dismissal times. High schools will dismiss at 12 p.m., except Northwood High School at 11:40 a.m. Middle schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. Elementary schools starting at 9 a.m. will dismiss at 12:55 p.m., while those starting at 9:25 a.m. will dismiss at 1:20 p.m.
Prince George’s County Public Schools will dismiss students two hours early Monday, and all field trips, after-school activities, events, athletic games and practices are canceled. There will be no afternoon early childhood programs, and vendor-managed child care will close at 4 p.m. Community facility use for the afternoon and evening is also canceled.
Washington County Public Schools will dismiss students two hours early Monday, with all after-school and evening activities canceled.
School officials across the state say the schedule changes are being made as a precaution ahead of the storm system expected to move through the region Monday afternoon. Families are encouraged to monitor updates from local school systems and stay alert for weather warnings throughout the day.
