MCPS Eclipse Closing Decision Expected by 5am Monday

Officials from Montgomery County Public Schools released a letter today to parents, teachers, and school administrators about the system’s Eclipse Closing Policy. A decision on whether schools will be open, closed, or delayed is expected by 5am on Monday.

According to MCPS officials, information about the eclipse is gathered from many sources, including The National Science Institute, NASA, the news media and by actual inspection of the sky throughout the county. Astronomical conditions in surrounding counties are also gathered and factored into forecasting eclipse conditions for Montgomery County students.

Total or near-total eclipse conditions or continuing impact from severe eclipses or other events such as a lack of adequate vision protection, may cause a delayed opening, early closing or closing for the day. The most severe eclipse conditions within the county are used as the basis for the decision-making criteria.

MCPS says for early morning decisions, astronomical inspection begins at 3:00 a.m. so that a decision can be announced by 5:00 a.m. through MCPS emergency information sources and media, such as radio, tv and websites.