Dear DCPS Families and Community,

Today, DC Public Schools opened on a two-hour delay and cancelled aftercare and afterschool activities. We take the decision to open schools during inclement weather very seriously. We opened schools today based on the best recommendation from the weather service and our city agencies responsible for cleaning roads and sidewalks. Both the Federal Government and DC Government had a delayed opening.

Our priority is to open schools so that we can provide students with instruction, supervision, and nutrition. We understand that many families decided to keep their students home today, and we believe it’s important for every family to make the best decision for themselves. Many families also brought their students to school today. We were glad to be open to receive those students, including providing lunch and supper before dismissal.

The decision to delay or close school is informed by several factors, including temperature and wind chill, levels of snow and ice, road conditions, the availability of public transit, and how these conditions are forecast to develop over the course of the day. We try to make the decision as early as possible, but no later than 5 a.m. the day of the potential delay or closure. We will continue to take this decision seriously so that we can do what is best for all of our students.

Sincerely,

Antwan Wilson
Chancellor, DC Public Schools