Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) monitors weather reports for threats of inclement weather that may affect the operating schedule of the school system. Staff collaborate with other local and state agencies to monitor reports and conditions. If weather conditions pose a potential hazard, school officials may delay the opening of schools or close schools for the day. Such decisions are usually made by 5 a.m. When possible, decisions are made the preceding evening.
The most reliable sources of school closing information are the school system's 24-hour information line, website at www.ccboe.com, official social media pages, and email and text message notifications sent by CCPS to both parents and staff. The 24-hour information line is 301-934-7410 or 301-932-6656.
Parents and staff who want to receive these updates by text message MUST opt-in by texting Y or YES to 67587. For parents, a cell phone number must be listed on a child’s student information record at school; staff who opt-in for text messages must ensure the same number is on file with human resources. The system used by CCPS to send text messages pulls cell phone data from the student and staff information databases.
While television news and radio stations share CCPS closing and delay information, they can often report inaccurate information they are gathering from sources other than official CCPS communications. We are aware this happened today with Channel 7 News, which initially reported schools were opening two hours late today. Please do not rely on information shared from sources outside of the school system.
The school system does not make any operating status announcements when schools and offices are open for normal business. Any time there is a schedule change, CCPS shares such updates by email and text to parents and staff; posts to www.ccboe.com; shares on official CCPS social media accounts; records a message on the 24-hour information line; and sends an email and text to CNS subscribers. The CNS platform is for any community member to use and includes email and text notifications. Community members can sign up for CNS by clicking here.
CCPS does not use the phone call system to announce school closings or delays. However, in the event of a widespread power outage or a school closure during the school day, CCPS may send phone call notifications to parents and staff. Additional details about school closing information can be found on Page 10 of the CCPS Parent Handbook/Calendar.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).