Skip to main content

Emergency Information → MCPS Operating Status & Color Codes

MCPS Operating Status & Color Codes

Normal Operations

All schools and offices
are open

Learn More

Delayed Opening

Schools and offices
open 2 hours late

Learn More

Early Dismissal

Schools close early
at announced time

Learn More

Schools Closed
Offices Telework

All schools are closed
and offices telework

Learn More

School System
Closed

All schools and offices
are closed

Learn More

NOTE: When all schools and central offices are closed because of inclement weather or other emergency reasons, 12-month unit members designated as emergency personnel are expected to report or remain on duty, unless directed not to do so by the superintendent or designee

Normal Operations

All schools and offices
are open

CODE GREEN - NORMAL OPERATIONS

  • All schools and offices are open
  • Before and After school childcare programs and Community Use occur as scheduled

Delayed Opening

Schools and offices
open 2 hours late

CODE YELLOW - DELAYED OPENING

  • Schools and offices open 2 hours late
  • Emergency personnel report on time and follow guidelines for work on delayed openings
  • Morning buses pick up 2 hours late
  • Field trips and other activities and programs that begin at 10:30 am or earlier are canceled (such as the Thomas Edison High School of Technology)
  • Infant and Toddler appointments scheduled before 10:00 am will be canceled and services scheduled after 10:00 am will continue as scheduled
  • AM PreK/Head Start and AM PreK Special Education programs are canceled
  • PM PreK/Head Start and PM PreK Special Education programs will begin at their regularly scheduled time
  • School ends at normal dismissal time
  • Before, after-school, and childcare programs may operate as scheduled, families are encouraged to contact their childcare provider
  • Community Use programs occur as scheduled

Early Dismissal

Schools close early
at announced time

CODE BLUE - EARLY DISMISSAL

  • All schools close early at announced time
  • Emergency personnel follow guidelines for work on early dismissals
  • School and community activities for the afternoon and evening are canceled including field trips, games, team practices, and programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled
  • Infant and Toddler appointments scheduled for 1:00 pm or later will be canceled
  • Childcare programs may continue to operate,families are encouraged to contact their childcare provider
  • AM PreK/Head Start and AM PreK Special Education programs will dismiss at their regular time, 10:50 am
  • PM PreK/Head Start and PM PreK Special Education programs are canceled

Schools Closed
Offices Telework

All schools are closed
and offices telework

CODE ORANGE - SCHOOLS CLOSED AND OFFICES TELEWORK

  • All schools are closed
  • Eligible staff may telework; staff approved to telework may check with supervisors; staff without portable work may engage in on demand professional learning opportunities
  • Emergency personnel report on time
  • MCPS sponsored school and community activities are canceled including athletic practices and events
  • Childcare programs may operate as scheduled, families are encouraged to contact their childcare provider

School System
Closed

All schools and offices
are closed

CODE RED - SCHOOL SYSTEM CLOSED

  • All schools and offices are closed
  • Emergency personnel report on time
  • All activities, field trips, and programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled including athletic practices and events
  • Childcare programs and community use activities are canceled